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Clinical Programs Research Guide

Students in BU Law clinical programs must conduct a variety of legal and factual research tasks in order to properly represent the interests of their clients.

Legal research includes Finding Information on Specific Topics relevant to the Clinical Programs, including domestic relations law, housing law, immigration law, social security practice and procedure, and unemployment insurance and compensation. Finding Massachusetts State and Local Law is another important task, requiring research on state and local law and locating forms needed for practicing in the Massachusetts courts. You may also need to Find Information on the Massachusetts Courts such as court rules, jury instructions, etc.

For docket information on cases litigated in the federal courts, use Westlaw or PACER. If using Westlaw, you can access the full directory of the Westlaw dockets databases by clicking on "Directory" from the main search page and then, under the "Litigation" heading, selecting "Dockets." If using PACER, please contact the reference librarians for the PACER password that has been dedicated for use by the Clinical Programs.

In addition to legal research, students in the clinical programs need to perform investigative research tasks involving people, organizations, or assets. When Finding and Investigating People, you may need to locate contact information, vital records, neighbor and landlord information, criminal records, professional licenses, or motor vehicle registrations. Investigating Companies & Organizations involves locating contact information for companies and charitable organizations, business filings, news, and case law. Finding Information on Assets & Valuations includes locating information on liens and judgments, individual's real and personal property, company assets, and income.

Finding Information Regarding Public Agencies may be necessary for particular practice areas including domestic relations, immigration, etc. There are also many Helpful Web Resources for Massachusetts research, including links to the excellent sites for the Social Law Library and Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

 

Guide maintained by Steve Donweber
Last Updated: March 2011