With the volume of information available, legal research can quickly become overwhelming without a predetermined research plan. Uncover the key purpose to research and the difference between secondary and primary sources. Discover how to follow those sources to get you to the key primary law that will support the case.

• Know Your Purpose for the Research and Writing
• Understanding How to Draft a Detailed, Organized Research Plan
• Utilizing Research: Specific and Concise Writing
• Resources Needed to Follow the Hierarchy (Secondary Then Primary)
• Primary Sources Need to be Verified as the Most Current (Never Cite Old Law or Outdated Law)

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

Session Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern
Presenter: Patricia Ellis-Griggs

• Know Your Purpose for the Research and Writing
• Understanding How to Draft a Detailed, Organized Research Plan
• Utilizing Research: Specific and Concise Writing
• Resources Needed to Follow the Hierarchy (Secondary Then Primary)
• Primary Sources Need to be Verified as the Most Current (Never Cite Old Law or Outdated Law)

PATRICIA ELLIS-GRIGGS is currently the lead paralegal faculty at Westwood College, Houston South Campus, is still a senior NALA certified paralegal. She was previously employed in the Labor and Employment Section of the Houston office of Fulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P. Ms. Ellis-Griggs has been a litigation paralegal for 20 years and has a diverse background in various areas of law. She has worked on complex litigation including large class actions, intricate medical malpractice suits, wrongful death cases and labor and employment lawsuits. As a case manager, Ms. Ellis-Griggs' job responsibilities include following up on the initial client contact, coordinating and managing document production, conducting investigations, preparing deposition schedules and summaries along with participating in mediation, arbitration and trial. She also helps with document reviews on Ringtail. Ms. Ellis-Griggs has taught several paralegal courses and is currently an adjunct professor at San Jacinto Community College, North Campus in Houston, Texas. She has written an educational article in support of paralegal certification in NALA 2006 Fall Edition and also has written an article for the Houston Metropolitan Paralegal Association in 2005. Ms. Ellis-Griggs is an active member of NALA (member, NALA Continuing Education Council), a previous board director of the Houston Metropolitan Paralegal Association as President-Elect 2004-2005; Educational Liaison, 2005-2006; and was elected office, third vice president for 2006-2007. She is an active member for the State Bar of Texas (Paralegal Division) and The College of the State Bar of Texas. Ms. Ellis-Griggs is an advisory council member to the paralegal programs at Houston Community College and Southwestern Professional Institute. She received the 2008 Houston Paralegal of the Year Award. Ms. Ellis-Griggs earned her B.A. degree, cum laude, and Paralegal Certificate from California State University, Dominguez Hills and became NALA certified in May 2004. She also earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Phoenix, Arizona. Ms. Ellis-Griggs is currently enrolled at Walden University pursuing a doctoral degree in Adult Education Leadership. She is a member of the Westwood Criminal Justice Curriculum Committee.

Please refer to Continuing Education Credit FAQ for general information about seeking credit for your participation in one of our continuing education programs.

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