Instruction & Training

Improve your research skills by attending our Library Research Labs.

Research Labs are held each semester in the Law Library Lab (classroom 1081), at lunchtime. Our librarians lead these workshops which cover a variety of legal research topics tailored to each semester. Past labs have included:

• Beginning a Research Assignment
• Docket Searching
• Legal Analytics
• Cost Effective Legal Research
• Academic Legal Writing
• LSV research sessions

Labs are reserved for FIU Law students only. Check here and our Events Calendar to see each semester’s updated schedule of topics.

If you have any requests or suggestions for topics you would like to see covered, please use our suggestion box.

What is the Legal Research Skills Program (LRSP)?

A curriculum of Library programs designed to improve your research and tech skills throughout your 1L-3L years. This is a free & voluntary program!

What do I need to do to complete the LRSP?

Attend Research Labs and Tech Tip Tuesdays Sessions, and complete one final assessment. The Library will track your progress and notify you of completion

How can I track my progress and access training materials?

Once you have enrolled in the LRSP, you will receive access to our Canvas course where you can: Track sessions attended Access past training materials Download planning forms & schedules to map out future Labs & sessions Complete the final assessment needed to complete the Program

Will past Research Lab sessions I’ve attended count towards the LRSP?

Yes. If you have previously attended Research Labs or Tech Tip Tuesdays, your attendance was recorded and can be retroactively applied to the LRSP program requirements. Please let us know if you would like to apply previous attendance.

How long will it take to complete the LRSP?

The Program can be completed at your own pace, provided you are able to complete all requirements by your final semester of law school. At minimum, it will take three semesters to complete all requirements.

What does the curriculum looks like?

The curriculum will include four skill categories: Basic, Advanced, Practice, and Technology. Completion of Research Labs and Tech Tip Tuesday sessions in each of these categories, plus a final assessment. Students must attend all Basic Skills sessions, four (4) Advanced or Practice Skills sessions, and two (2) Technology Skills sessions. LSV Lab sessions will not count toward these requirements. Please see the Library Research Lab schedule above and consult our Events Calendar to determine sessions offered each semester.

How do I enroll?

To enroll, please fill out our enrollment form. You will then be notified of your successful enrollment and added as a student in our Canvas course.

What will I receive upon completion?

Upon completion you will receive: Certificate of Completion (signed by the Law Library Director & the LRSP administrator). You may include completion of the Program on your CV or resume You will receive a notation on your FIU Law School transcript denoting your achievement.

Please contact Sarah Slinger, Head of Instructional Services Law Librarian, with any questions.

Law Librarians also instruct in several for-credit legal research classes each semester.

Current offerings include:

• Advanced Legal Research
• Administrative Legal Research
• Environmental Law Research
• Foreign & International Legal Research
• Law Practice Technology
• Researching Latin American Law
• Transactional Legal Research

Please consult the course schedule each semester to determine offerings.

We can also provide classroom instruction in other FIU College of Law classes, seminars, clinics, journals, or student organizations.

Past trainings include:

• Subject-specific research guidance
• Academic legal writing resources
• Preemption Checking
• Bluebook/Citation training

Please Ask a Law Librarian to schedule in-class lectures or trainings.