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Bridge the Gap

Every spring, the Muse Law Library puts on a series of lectures and panels designed to help students "Bridge the Gap" from law school to their summer or permanent employment. Use to research guide to access lectures and materials from past sessions.

Schedule of Events

Bridge the Gap Series from March 26-29, 2012 and April 2-5, 2012

Are you curious about life as a summer associate? Do you need a refresher on your legal research skills? During the weeks of March 27-29 and April 2-5, the Law Library will sponsor several programs to help you prepare for summer success. Each day at lunchtime, a different presentation will cover topics that you will face this summer (or after graduation).  All students are welcome to attend – regardless of your class year or summer employment status.

Tuesday, March 27: Regulatory Research – Gail Zwirner

Learn about promulgation of regulations, finding & updating regulations and administrative decisions, and how to navigate agency websites.

Wednesday, March 28: Advanced Databases – Amy O’Connor and Suzanne Corriell

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

Thursday, March 29: Legal Research Strategies – Heather Casey and Suzanne Corriell

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.

Monday, April 2: Legislative Histories – Heather Casey

Explore the best online & print resources that will help you compile federal and state legislative histories.

Tuesday, April 3: Practice Materials – Joyce Manna Janto

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.

Wednesday, April 4: Low-Cost/Free Alternatives to Lexis and Westlaw – Timothy Coggins

Are you concerned about incurring a legendary research bill over the summer?  There are many resources out there that cost less than Lexis and Westlaw and might be just as effective.

Thursday, April 5: “Real Life” Panel: Advice from a Summer Associate and a Law Firm Librarian – Michele Gernhardt, L’02, Senior Reference Librarian, Hunton & Williams; Isaac McBeth, L’11, Associate, Hirschler Fleischer;  Benjamin Spence, L’12

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.