ODW2432 – Legal Research and Writing

Description: In this presentation, participants will explore intermediate level concepts in legal research, writing, and analysis. They will discuss approaches for developing and executing research strategies, including how to conduct searches through dedicated legal engines to locate primary and secondary authorities. Along with research methods, participants will examine issue spotting, case briefing, and analytical techniques applicable to legal writing. The session will provide opportunities to build skills and resources for communicating research findings effectively. A question-and-answer period will follow the presentation.

Course Year: 2024

Presenter Biography: For the past 22 years, Dr. Robert N. Diotalevi has been an Associate Professor and Founding Program Coordinator of Legal Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. He has been a lawyer for 39 years as a member of the Massachusetts and Florida bars. He possesses degrees in law, accounting, communication, and taxation. Dr. Diotalevi was a professional broadcaster for eight years and held managerial positions in radio news and production. Dr. Diotalevi’s works have been published in SMU School of Law’s Computer Law Review and Technology Journal, The Paralegal Educator, The Journal of Paralegal Education and Practice, and The Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, among other nationally recognized publications. In 2009, Dr. Diotalevi cowrote a reference book with William P. Statsky and Pam McCoy Linquist called The Florida Paralegal. He also serves as an editor and reviewer for several journals worldwide. Dr. Diotalevi has over 70 manuscripts in print and has presented on over 80 occasions online and live.