Research Assistant Training

Summer 2014

Professionalism

Communication

Make sure you get clarity on all your assignments:

o Always find out when the assignment is due.

o Always learn what format the professor desires

for the results. (Just copies of the sources? A

memorandum? An email? An oral briefing?)

o Ask to repeat the essentials of the assignment

back to the professor in your own words.

Use your professor’s preferred communication

method (e.g., in person, telephone, memorandum,

email), but remember:

o In-person contact can resolve questions and build

your working relationship.

When reporting on results and/or asking questions in

person or over the phone, organize your thoughts

beforehand; anticipate questions the professor is likely

to ask and be prepared to answer them.

Ask questions in batches if possible rather than

piecemeal.

Write professionally—spelling, grammar, tone,

format, etc.—in all communications, including email

(even if your professor does not).

Make sure your professor knows your “end date;”

remind her as it draws closer.

Work Process and Work Product

Use your Bluebook.

Start with secondary sources—don’t reinvent the

wheel.

Keep a research log for each project.

Keep an assignment log that notes a brief description

of the assignment, date assigned, deadline, and where

your work is stored.

Use the legal research database your professor prefers

(if any), but go beyond it.

Scrub your written work. Reread more than once.

Time permitting, you may want to set it aside for a

half-day or more and reread again.

PERSPECTIVE

This is an important step in your career—treat it that way.

It can feel like school, but it is a job.

Remember that in your interactions with professors, classmates, librarians, administrators, and staff, you are establishing your professional reputation.

Do your job well, and your professor can serve as a valuable reference and recommender.

EFFECTIVENESS

Be organized.

Be reliable.

Be on time for all meetings.

Show good judgment.

Earn trust.

Use good time management skills.

Beat deadlines.

Be self-aware and self-regulating.

Show energy and positivity.

Maintain a balanced workload:

o Let your professor know if you need more to do, but—

o Do not over-commit.

Use library resources:

o Research guides and LibGuides.

o Inter-Library Loan.

o Legal and other databases.

o Reference librarians.

Spend time in the building.