What software or tools do you use to assist in your legal research?
Theme: Technology Role: Judicial Clerk Function: Legal
Interview Question for Judicial Clerk: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Judicial Clerk: Assists judges by conducting legal research, drafting opinions, and managing court documents. This role falls within the Legal function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Technology with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Legal Research Databases: I utilize legal research databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law to access a wide range of legal resources, including case law, statutes, regulations, and secondary sources
- Online Legal Libraries: I make use of online legal libraries like HeinOnline and JSTOR to access law reviews, legal journals, and other scholarly publications that provide valuable insights and analysis on legal issues
- Court Websites: I frequently visit court websites, both federal and state, to access court opinions, rules, and other relevant information. These websites often provide free access to a wealth of legal resources
- Legal Research Software: I am proficient in using legal research software such as Casetext and Fastcase, which provide comprehensive search capabilities and access to a vast collection of legal materials
- Legal Citators: I rely on legal citators like Shepard's and KeyCite to ensure the validity and authority of the cases I cite. These tools help me identify subsequent history, citing references, and potential negative treatment of cases
- Document Management Systems: I use document management systems like Microsoft SharePoint and iManage to organize and store legal documents, making it easier to retrieve and reference them during legal research
- Legal Writing Tools: I utilize legal writing tools such as Westlaw Drafting Assistant and Lexis for Microsoft Office to assist in drafting legal documents, including briefs, memos, and pleadings. These tools provide access to relevant legal forms, templates, and citation assistance
- Legal Research Apps: I make use of legal research apps like Fastcase, Westlaw, and LexisNexis on my mobile devices, allowing me to conduct legal research on the go and access legal resources anytime, anywhere
- Collaboration Tools: I collaborate with colleagues and attorneys using collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace, enabling efficient sharing of research findings, documents, and insights
- Note-Taking & Annotation Tools: I use note-taking and annotation tools like Evernote and Adobe Acrobat to capture and organize important research findings, highlight key passages, and add personal annotations for future reference
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Technological proficiency: Assessing your familiarity with legal research software and tools
- Efficiency & productivity: Determining your ability to streamline legal research processes
- Adaptability: Evaluating your willingness to embrace new technologies and tools in the legal field
- Research skills: Gauging your understanding of the various resources available for legal research
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of familiarity with legal research software: Not being able to name any specific software or tools used for legal research may indicate a lack of experience or knowledge in this area
- Over-reliance on general internet search engines: Relying solely on general search engines like Google for legal research may suggest a lack of understanding of specialized legal research tools and databases
- Outdated or unfamiliar software: Using outdated or unfamiliar software for legal research may indicate a lack of keeping up with technological advancements in the legal field
- Limited knowledge of legal research tools: Having a limited understanding of the various legal research tools available may suggest a lack of thoroughness or efficiency in conducting legal research
- Inability to explain how software/tools enhance legal research: Not being able to articulate how specific software or tools enhance legal research may indicate a lack of understanding of their functionalities and benefits