Skip to Main Content

Prepare to Practice: Tips for 3Ls & Recent Grads

Resources for the soon to graduate USD law student

Overview and Introduction

Overview

Recent grads (3 to 18 months after graduation depending on the vendor) can continue to use many of the LRC premium electronic research databases after graduation - with some limits.

Refer to our website for information on graduate use of databases including Lexis, Westlaw, Bloomberg Law, and CEB OnLaw pro.

Without a date limitation you can consult with LRC reference librarians by chat or email.

Reference





Reference Desk Hours

Fall and spring semester hours

During the fall and spring semesters, the reference desk is typically available for walk-up, email, phone, or chat questions during these hours:

Monday to Thursday
9am–6pm
Friday
9am–5pm
Saturday
CLOSED
Sunday
noon–4pm

Hours vary during finals, intersession, and summer sessions.

View all Hours

HeinOnline and JSTOR

Alumni Database Access

The LRC and Copley Library offer alumni access to HeinOnline, JSTOR, and some other databases to registered alumni. To access these databases, you will have to log into the Torero Network. For help registering for a Torero Network account, please contact the Alumni Association. Once logged into the Torero Network, navigate to the Library Benefits page to find access to the alumni databases.

General Research Tips

General Research Tips

When you don't know where to start your research or you feel you've reached a dead-end:

  • Does your firm have a law librarian? If so, consult them.
  • Check the secondary sources/practice guides available on Bloomberg Law, CEB, Lexis and Westlaw (the alumni HeinOnline has only law journals)
  • Find more information on research different legal topics or performing legal research tasks in the LRC's other research guides. Our Summer Clerk Guide in particular has recommendations based on different types of legal jobs.

Other Law Libraries

San Diego County Law Library

The San Diego Law Library offers many services to attorneys and the public - including remote access to many legal databases. See Law Made Public From Home for more details