Bridge the Gap

Do you need a refresher on your legal research skills?

Are you curious about life as a summer associate?

At eight lunchtime sessions from March 30th through April 15th, the Law Library will present a different topic that will help you prepare for summer (or post-graduation) success. All students are welcome to attend regardless of your class year or summer employment status.

Lunch will be provided for those who RSVP; please bring your own drink.

Registration is now open at the Reference Desk - sign-up is requested for catering purposes and handouts.

All sessions will be held from noon-12:50pm in Room L30.

Please contact Alexis Fetzer, afetzer@richmond.edu, with questions.

Monday, March 30th 

Judicial Clerkships - Virginia Supreme Court Senior Justice Elizabeth B. Lacy
Moderated by second year law student Ann Reid, Virginia Supreme Court Senior Justice Elizabeth B. Lacy will discuss her experiences and answer questions about judicial clerkships.

Tuesday, March 31^st
FastCase and Practice Materials - Joyce Manna Janto & Kathleen Klepfer
Practice materials tend to focus on the law as it exists, with advice and tips for dealing with real-life legal problems. They are updated frequently and often contain forms or checklists. Also, learn quick and easy searching strategies with Fastcase, which will be a free alternative to searching for case law.

Wednesday, April 1^st
Westlaw in the Workplace - Denise Stewart and Christina Vassey

Learn the most efficient and cost-effective ways of searching Westlaw.

Monday, April 6th
LexisNexis in the Workplace – Shelley Landfair

Learn the most efficient and cost-effective ways of searching LexisNexis.

Wednesday, April 8th

Advanced Databases & Dockets – Alexis Fetzer & Amy O’Connor

More comprehensive instruction on Bloomberg BNA, CCH Intelliconnect, and Bloomberg Law – all resources that you may use free of charge during your summer employment.

Monday, April 13th 
Professionalism in the Legal Workplace - Legal Recruiting Manager Sarah Hallock of Williams Mullen

Conflicting advice about professionalism in interviews and in the workplace are often a cause of stress for law students. This presentation, from the Manager of Legal Recruiting at Williams Mullen, will dispel some myths about the behavior expected of law students in the workplace and answer students’ questions about time management, the dress code, and navigating your new employment.

Tuesday, April 14th 
Research Strategies & Alerts – Timothy L. Coggins
Make sure your research strategies are effective starting your first day.  Learn how to start research in an unfamiliar area of law; plan, track, and update your research; and manage your time.

Wednesday, April 15th 
Student Employment Panel - Shane Frick, L’14, Associate Attorney at MG Law;  Julie Hoffmeister, L’14, Clerk for Senior Judge James R. Spencer, United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia; Milena Radovic, L’16, Intern at Legal Aid Justice Center

These researchers have applied many of the lessons taught in Bridge the Gap to their professional careers, including law firms, government, and agencies.  They will present an overview of their experiences and give practical advice for conducting legal research in your work environments.