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How to Choose a Topic and Perform Research for the Advanced Writing Requirement: Home

Not sure how to pick a topic? How to start your research? How to update and evaluate your sources? When to stop? This guide will help.

Student Legal Writing

Student Legal Writing

 

Student writing in the law school setting is very different from other graduate student writing  projects. Law student writing has the potential to reach an audience of legal scholars, lawyers, and even judges!

If it gets published, a student legal paper may be relied on for academic or professional support.

The generally accepted standard for a publishable student paper is to bring something new to the existing legal literature.  Although you should rely on good authority, you should find a topic that does not duplicate another's work and allows for your own original analysis. 

Some guidelines to achieve this standard include:

  • Raising new issues,
  • Proposing new solutions, or
  • Looking at existing issues in a new way.

It can be intimidating to think of a topic that is original and creative but there are resources that can help. This LibGuide will help get you started on the road to a great paper.

Want Help?

Have a Question? Need Help?

      We are here to help! There are numerous ways you can contact us with whatever question you might have. 

  • Chat with a Touro Law librarian and get the guidance, advice, and help you need to get your research off on the right foot.
    • Chat is available only during regular reference hours. Please check our hours here.
  • Email us whenever you like and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
    • If you're researching after hours, please e-mail your questions to libraryreference@tourolaw.edu
  • Call or text us during our regular hours.
    • Call us at 631-761-7160
    • Text us at 631-880-4004
  • Visit us at the Gould Law Library
    • In person reference hours can be found here.
  • Make an appointment, whether it's a quick question or a consultation, we are here to help. Email libraryreference@tourolaw.edu to set up an appointment with one of our law librarians.

No matter how you get in touch with us, we’re your lifeline – we're here to support you in your studies, your research, and your preparation to practice law.

Ask a Librarian!Ask a Librarian!

Touro Law Writing Center

Touro Law Writing Center

Room: 418 (next to faculty offices)

Telephone: 631.761.7182; 

Email: writingcenter@tourolaw.edu

Hours of Operation: Weekdays by Appointment

Staff:

Ann L. Nowak, Director
Stephanie Juliano, Assistant Director

      Throughout law school and your professional career, you must communicate with clarity and precision. The Writing Center helps law students strengthen their writing skills via:

  • Individual Tutorials
  • Pre-Publication Consultation
  • Small-Group Workshops
  • Online Access

Under the direction of Ann L. Nowak, Esq., the Writing Center’s staff of Teaching Assistants help students learn how to create and complete a well-honed work product in which they can take pride.

There is a limit to what Writing Center TAs may offer.

Click here to learn more!