Workflow: How to Create a Research Plan in vLex Library

Summary

Structure your legal research by creating a workflow using vLex Library's organizational tools. This process involves using Folders to organize your findings and reference manager integrations to manage your citations.

Why This is Important

A structured research plan prevents wasted effort and ensures you don't miss key documents. By organizing your work from the start, you create a reusable knowledge base for your project, making the brief-writing process faster and more efficient.

A Step-by-Step Research Workflow

Step 1: Create a Project Folder

Before you begin searching, create a dedicated folder for your project.

1. Go to Folders from the main menu.

2. Click New folder and give it a name (e.g., the client or matter name).

3. Create subfolders for different aspects of your research (e.g., "Key Case Law," "Relevant Statutes," "Opposing Arguments").

Step 2: Run Your Searches and Save Documents

As you conduct your research, save relevant documents directly to your project folders.

1. From the results page or the document viewer, select the documents you want to save.

2. Click the Add to folder icon and choose the appropriate folder or subfolder.

Step 3: Annotate as You Go

As you read, use Notes and Highlights to capture your thoughts and mark important passages. This turns passive reading into active analysis and makes it easier to recall key points later.

Step 4: Export Citations (for academic or formal writing)

If you are writing a formal brief or academic paper, export citations as you find them.

1. Click the Share icon in the document viewer.

2. Select your preferred reference manager (RefWorks or RIS (EndNote)) to export the citation data.

Best Practices & Pro Tips

• Use Your History: If you forget to save a document, don't worry. Go to your History (clock icon) to find a list of all recently viewed documents and add them to your folders from there.

Related Articles

• How to Organize Your Research with Folders, Notes, and Highlights

• Accessing and Managing Your Search History

• Understanding vLex Library Integrations

What's Your Next Step?