Law student research tools: the good, bad, and the ugly Forum

[UVA2B]

After a summer of researching firms pretty extensively, I've come to rely on certain sources more than others in interview prep, both for reliability of information and substantive info. What should students reliably use to discuss the work of the firm and the experience of an associate?

1. Chambers
2. NALP
3. TLS (obviously)
4. Vault
5. Law firm websites/press releases
6. [insert sources]

I just feel like most of us are making incomplete decisions based on very calculated interactions with the firm, but at the same time, there is a limit to public information available for law students to make these decisions.

What are law students missing or not leveraging enough to make the best choice?

[yyyuppp]

not exactly public info, but contacting alumni at firms is pretty good

[UVA2B]

not exactly public info, but contacting alumni at firms is pretty good

That's a great source, but when do you think alumni should be leveraged? I imagine it would be post-offer or at least in the CB stage, but I'm willing/accepting I could be wrong about that.

[RaceJudicata]

Bloomberg law if (1) you are interested in lit and (2) if your school gives you subscription. Gives full access to PACER, for free. Can get a better idea of types of cases/types of clients/etc.

[Anonymous User]

not exactly public info, but contacting alumni at firms is pretty good

That's a great source, but when do you think alumni should be leveraged? I imagine it would be post-offer or at least in the CB stage, but I'm willing/accepting I could be wrong about that.

in my experience, every time i mentioned who i talked to at a firm during screeners the interviewers wrote it down. not sure what that meant, but some people seemed pleased you did that kind of research. also, in interviews you can be like "i talked to this person, and they said they had this experience doing x, and that is really what I'm looking for because whatever."

i also know people who got CBs and offers prior to OCI through these connections. just my experience though.

[yyyuppp]

not exactly public info, but contacting alumni at firms is pretty good

That's a great source, but when do you think alumni should be leveraged? I imagine it would be post-offer or at least in the CB stage, but I'm willing/accepting I could be wrong about that.

in my experience, every time i mentioned who i talked to at a firm during screeners the interviewers wrote it down. not sure what that meant, but some people seemed pleased you did that kind of research. also, in interviews you can be like "i talked to this person, and they said they had this experience doing x, and that is really what I'm looking for because whatever."

i also know people who got CBs and offers prior to OCI through these connections. just my experience though.

sorry that was me.

as for vault, chambers/partners/associate, i think its good to get general ideas about firms to make sure you aren't missing some big selling point of the firm before an interview. also helps you understand where you'd wanna work given work, culture etc

[UVA2B]

Bloomberg law if (1) you are interested in lit and (2) if your school gives you subscription. Gives full access to PACER, for free. Can get a better idea of types of cases/types of clients/etc.

I always forget about Bloomberg, and it's a great research tool. I was told to hold off on setting up a PACER account because that account would have to follow me for the rest of my career. I deliberately held off on setting up a PACER account this past summer because I should set it up with my law firm email account. Thoughts?

[UVA2B]

not exactly public info, but contacting alumni at firms is pretty good

That's a great source, but when do you think alumni should be leveraged? I imagine it would be post-offer or at least in the CB stage, but I'm willing/accepting I could be wrong about that.

in my experience, every time i mentioned who i talked to at a firm during screeners the interviewers wrote it down. not sure what that meant, but some people seemed pleased you did that kind of research. also, in interviews you can be like "i talked to this person, and they said they had this experience doing x, and that is really what I'm looking for because whatever."

i also know people who got CBs and offers prior to OCI through these connections. just my experience though.

sorry that was me.

as for vault, chambers/partners/associate, i think its good to get general ideas about firms to make sure you aren't missing some big selling point of the firm before an interview. also helps you understand where you'd wanna work given work, culture etc

Thanks for clarifying. All of your insight is really helpful.

[RaceJudicata]

Bloomberg law if (1) you are interested in lit and (2) if your school gives you subscription. Gives full access to PACER, for free. Can get a better idea of types of cases/types of clients/etc.

I always forget about Bloomberg, and it's a great research tool. I was told to hold off on setting up a PACER account because that account would have to follow me for the rest of my career. I deliberately held off on setting up a PACER account this past summer because I should set it up with my law firm email account. Thoughts?

Within Bloomberg you can access PACER. No need to set up a real PACER account. Login to bloomberg law --> Search "Docket Search" --> then fill it whatever info you want (e.g., specific lawyer; firm; jurisdiction; docket number; etc.)