For many people, the best way to learn how to research is to just do it. The so-called bibliographic method of legal research instruction works well in some situations, although it may be most effective for teaching future librarians who need to be familiar with all sources. The downside of learning by doing is that because research is by its nature unpredictable, it's difficult to acquire specific skills in the optimal learning sequence. Ideally, a student should learn legal research in a controlled environment in which the learning activities direct the new researcher from step to step in a logical pattern. That's the idea behind the "closed memo" assignment in most first year legal research and writing programs.

In order to extend this concept to the law firm setting and to advanced legal research courses, Ellen Callinan has been developing training techniques using similar simulated research scenarios since the late 1980s. In her course at Georgetown, students identify a single on-going federal trial-level decision and examine its components through a series of assignments throughout the semester.

The newest iteration of this model is Strategic Legal Research (SLR). Participants in topical SLR training programs learn a four-step strategy they can apply to any legal research scenario. Throughout the program, we examine an actual court decision and engage in hands-on exercises related to each strategic step in the process. Attendees participate by applying what we explain and are able to acquire skills more effectively than they would in a traditional lecture program.