It's good to be back. After being gone for most of the month of July…
Law library websites and firm libraries are two powerful yet underutilized tools for conducting effective legal research. These resources offer well-organized research guides, treatises, and jurisdiction-specific materials that can help you navigate complex legal topics with greater efficiency.
Law Library Websites: Hidden Gold Mines
When faced with an unfamiliar research problem, consider checking law library websites for research guides. Many law schools and public law libraries curate research guides that offer step-by-step instructions on navigating complex legal topics. For example, BYU’s Law Library offers a research guide on Utah legal research, and UCLA’s law library provides a comprehensive guide on California administrative law—just two examples of the many specialized guides available at both institutions. Legal research is rarely a solo journey; more often than not, someone has already compiled the roadmap you need. Wherever you practice, your state law library or academic law library likely offers tailored research guides that can streamline your work and ensure you that don’t miss key sources.
Your Firm’s Library: A Resource Worth Visiting
With the rise of digital research, it’s easy to forget that many law firms still maintain physical libraries. While it may seem unnecessary in 2025 to open a physical book, print resources remain valuable—especially when certain treatises and jurisdiction-specific materials aren’t available elsewhere. Attorneys at firms frequently turn to print resources when digital sources fall short. Understanding what’s available in your firm’s library, and the limitations of your online tools, can be the difference between an incomplete answer and a well-supported legal argument.
Smart Researchers Use Every Available Tool
Comprehensive legal research requires an open-minded approach. Law library websites and firm libraries offer a wealth of information that many researchers overlook. Whether you’re a law student preparing for practice or an attorney tackling a difficult legal issue, knowing how and when to turn to law library websites and firm libraries will make you a more efficient and well-rounded researcher.
Written by Payton Dolenar (3L)