Abby is a paralegal at a law firm and is doing research for a potential client who came to the firm regarding a medical malpractice claim. The firm almost exclusively uses online legal research programs rather than physically going to the firm's library or local law library to search for applicable cases and statutes. The firm has subscriptions to both Lexis and Westlaw. Abby is on a deadline and needs to find the applicable law, write a memorandum with her findings, and submit it for review to her supervising attorney within the next day. Based on her research, the firm will decide whether or not to take the medical malpractice case.

1. In addition to Lexis and Westlaw, which are fee-based online legal research databases, there are additional free legal research tools on the Internet that Abby might use. Which of the following is one such resource?

a. Dogpile

b. Google advanced search

c. FindLaw

d. Shepard's

2. Abby may also want to do medical research regarding the injuries the client is claiming because it is likely that she will not know the particulars of the client's medical condition without consulting an outside source. Which of the following websites would be the best source for medical research?

a. www.usenet.com

b. www.mayoclinic.com

c. www.hg.org

d. www.drs.gov

3. If Abby finds a case that she thinks is beneficial to the client's potential case, how can she determine if the case is still good law?

a. She may either KeyCite with Westlaw or Shepardize with Lexis.

b. She may either Shepardize with Westlaw or KeyCite with Lexis.

c. She should run a check on www.usa.gov.

d. If the case is on Westlaw or Lexis, then the case law is good; these sites would not display outdated case law.

4. Because time is of the essence, how should Abby approach her research?

a. She should plan ahead, outline her objectives, and be sure that she understands her research goals.

b. She should start with a general online search, identify some useful websites, and then use the links within these sites.

c. She should evaluate her research result and consider the reliability of the information she obtains online.

d. All of these choices

5. In the course of her research, Abby realizes that she needs to locate one of the doctors associated with the malpractice case. Her brief will be more effective if she can verify that this individual is still practicing in the state. What are some online resources she could use to locate this individual?

a. Superpages.com

b. PeopleQuest and Google advanced search

c. www.findlaw.com and ZabaSearch

d. All of these choices