Summer RA Workshop - 2025

When receiving an assignment, work to proactively gather information:

• WHEN:   What date and time is the assignment due?  Is something riding on this date (a publication deadline, a supervisor’s travel plans, a meeting with a client)?
• WHAT:  What exact information should the completed assignment convey, or what specific question should it answer?  What exact work product should you provide – an oral report?  a written summary?  a list of cases?  a formal legal analysis?
• HOW:  Do you have access to the sources you need?  Are there any recommended sources?  What’s the estimated amount of time needed to complete the assignment?
• WHAT NOW?!?: 

>  If you’re uncertain about something, ask for clarification!

>  If you don’t receive an assignment in writing, consider sending an email confirmation--something brief like “As discussed, I’ll provide a summary of key relevant Missouri cases addressing transferor liability by Friday morning.”

After receiving an assignment, actively manage your work process:

• PLAN:  Develop a specific plan of attack—chart out a timeline of your research and writing process.  Be sure to take into account your other time commitments. 
• TRACK:  Keep careful track of where you have been – including what sources you’ve looked and dismissed.  Don’t waste valuable time retracing your steps.
• ORGANIZE:  Develop consistent systems that work for you (spreadsheets, binders, folders on your laptop, highlighting, color-coding).  It is okay to experiment with and change systems – don’t continue to pour resources into a system that isn’t working!

When you’re finishing a project, take steps to effectively prepare your work product:

• Pro tip:  deliver a little extra, a little early. 

      >  Aim to submit your results before the deadline.  It’s helpful -- and impressive!

>  Add a bit of “lagniappe” for your supervisor:  include hyperlinks to relevant cases; print out a copy for someone who still prefers paper; point out a relevant news article or online post you found during your research; flag any tricky issues.

• Mind your formatting.  Be sure to follow any specified format instructions, or use your own choices toward a professional presentation (consider font, size, margins, spacing, filename).
• Adjust depth and coverage as appropriate.  Choose the right tone and level of detail for your project.  Some tasks call for an informal email, marked-up document, or spreadsheet, while others may call for a detailed, formal analysis.
• Above all, use your judgment.  Remember: you were hired for your judgment as well as your legal skills.  Be thoughtful and intentional about what to deliver and how to deliver it.

1) Don’t overwhelm your supervisor with questions; and

2) When asking a question, give your anticipated answer.

Faculty Research Question?
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Student Research Question?
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