Legal Research 101: Authority, Accuracy, and Tools of the Trade 

This class is part of the Paralegal Pathway Series Bundle.

We encourage you to sign up for the full bundle and save.

This is a pre-sale - classes will be available in approximately 10 days (likely sooner).

This class is on demand with lifetime access. Each signup covers one person only – please contact me for discounts on multiple signups. Materials are for individual use only and may not be recreated or shared.

These classes are designed for anyone interested in the paralegal field: new paralegals looking for a skills boost, paralegals switching into litigation, and career changers. A certificate of completion will be provided for each class upon finishing the materials. CLE credit is pending.

Inside This Session:

Effective legal research is more than just Googling the law - it’s about knowing where to look, what sources to trust, and how to use them properly. This seminar introduces the key concepts, tools, and strategies every legal professional needs to find reliable legal information and cite it correctly.

You’ll learn the difference between fact research and legal research, and how to identify and evaluate online legal resources - including how to tell the difference between reliable sources and those you should avoid. We’ll break down the types of legal authority, the hierarchy of primary sources, and the role of secondary authority in legal research.

Participants will also learn how to construct proper legal citations for cases, statutes, constitutions, and regulations, as well as how to cite check and update documents using trusted sources. We'll compare the features of Westlaw and LexisNexis and explain how to choose the right tool for the task.

Finally, we’ll talk candidly about why tools like ChatGPT and other AI platforms should not be used for legal research - and what risks come with relying on unofficial sources.

Meet your Speaker

Linda McGrath-Cruz

Linda McGrath-Cruz brings a wealth of hands-on experience to her seminars, accumulated since 1997, from the dynamic world of civil litigation. Specializing in areas such as products/premises liability, bodily injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice defense, Linda's expertise is not just theoretical but deeply rooted in real-world practice. As a testament to her dedication and skill, she has earned the designation of NALA Advanced Certified Paralegal in key areas including discovery, eDiscovery, trial practice, social security, and entity medical liability, alongside her recognition as a Florida Registered Paralegal.

Linda's academic journey underscores her commitment to the paralegal profession, holding two paralegal certificates, a Bachelor's in Paralegal Studies from Barry University, and a Master's in Paralegal Studies from National Juris University. Linda also holds degrees in medical assisting and secondary education. Her educational background, paired with her extensive experience, positions her as an instructor with a deep understanding of the field's nuances and complexities.

She is the proud founder and operator of Perfectly Paralegal, a vibrant community that offers resources, support, continuing education, and much more for paralegals across all levels of experience and education. This initiative highlights Linda's commitment to nurturing the paralegal community, making her not just a mentor but a relatable ally who understands the challenges and triumphs of the profession.

In Linda's classes, you're not just learning theory; you're gaining practical insights from someone who has lived it. Her approachable nature and dedication to sharing her wealth of knowledge ensure that every participant leaves with valuable, actionable information. Join her to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, and empower yourself with the tools for success in the dynamic world of paralegal work.

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