A positive legal outcome depends on a well-researched case.  But how do you make sure your research is both efficient and effective?  Here are a few tips:

• “Just the facts, ma’am”.  Know the facts of your case and define what you need before you dig.  Knowing how your research will be used in court is also important.  What is the desired outcome?
• Don’t rely on one source.  Yes, it’s important to use legal resources such as Westlaw and NexisLexis.  However, Google Scholar and other free search options might provide valuable information as well.
• Digging up the dirt.  Social Media can provide valuable insight into an individual’s personal life, activities and interests.  It may provide key ideas or avenues to further investigate.
• Use what you have.  If you find a helpful case, use that as a springboard to other helpful cases.  Search using that case as the key terms, to find similar cases or other cases that used it as a reference.
• Think outside of the box.  Just because you find a similar case with an undesired outcome, you could use facts from that case to argue how your case differs.  “Unlike the Jones case….”  and list why previous cases aren’t indicative of the outcome in the current case.
• Don’t be dated.  Generally, more current cases are best. However, if you find a less recent case, don’t be afraid to reference it, just make sure it wasn’t overturned elsewhere.
• Check the dictionary.  This sounds strange, but consulting a legal dictionary can give you key terms to help narrow your search using online resources.
• Where are you?   Make sure that your research covers the correct jurisdiction. Federal and State Laws can vary so make sure your research is relevant to the court system where the case will be argued.

These are just a few tips to save time and make your legal research more efficient and effective.  Every case is different and sometimes good research requires using several resources, so it’s good to keep your research tool box full of ideas and even unconventional methods.

The post Legal Research Tips appeared first on Select Court Reporters.

It’s true – mother nature can make your firm more successful.

Here’s how:

There is a theory that, by incorporating nature into your daily life, you will improve workplace performance.  The theory is tied to the hypothesis of Biophilia – an idea that suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.  According to studies, incorporating elements of nature, even through artificial means, can improve well-being significantly. It decreases stress and increases the release of dopamine in the brain.  This positive stimulation creates a sense of happiness and employees are more inclined to want to be at work.

So, it would seem that bringing nature into the workplace on the daily can make you and your legal staff happier and more productive workers.

Could you ask for anything more?

Also, Biophilic design contributes to a greater sense of sustainability and will push you and your employees to be ever mindful of our planet.

When we are connected to Mother Nature – the greatest mother of all – we care about what happens to her.

This will urge firms to be more renewable and embrace a system that maintains cleanliness in the office (i.e. far less paperwork to sift through) and supports our environment.

Examples of Biophilic design include:

• Wide windows that provide plenty of natural light and a connection to the sun
• Areas of “shade” that provide breaks from too much sunlight
• Nature sounds, such as falling rain or wind in the trees
• Aged wood with a noticeable patina
• Rocks and geodes assembled in a natural formation
• Mathematical patterns – such as fractals – in simple variations (not too overbearing)
• Natural or artificial plants in designated areas

Try incorporating a few (or all) of these elements into your office and see if it improves your workflow and productivity.  At the very least, being surrounded by natural elements will provide a sense of calm and serenity as you work, which can lead to better concentration and improved cognition.

—

Select Court Reporters is proud to work with attorneys throughout Central Florida. We provide exemplary legal support to law firms in Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Apopka, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Clermont, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, etc.

Contact us today to discuss your priorities and legal support needs.

Phone: (407) 977 – 7725

Email: selectcourtreporters@gmail.com

The post Going Green: How Mother Nature Can Make Your Law Firm Successful appeared first on Select Court Reporters.