A lawyer’s time is often scarce. In order to make the best possible use of it, it is important that lawyers keep detailed records of useful and up-to-date sources of information and research, both online and offline. Using the bookmark function of your web browser is one way to make sure you don’t lose track of such sources, but there are other ways too – all of which can help make research more efficient, up-to-date and accurate.

LEARNING SYNOPSIS
This exercise develops strategies for building databases of legal English resources and performing deep web research using online directories.

EXERCISE
Your firm, based in Belgium, has been contacted by the credit administration department of Intabank, a large international bank. Intabank has recently gained a new client involved in extensive import and export transactions in your country. These transactions will regularly involve the bank’s branches in your jurisdiction.

The bank wishes to retain local counsel to handle legal and regulatory issues dealing with letter of credit arrangements. They wish to be informed about the legislation of your jurisdiction regarding negotiable instruments, credit facilities, securitisation of transactions and recourse to pledged assets. Your memoranda and answers to specific questions will be directed to chief counsel in the New York headquarters and must be written in English.

The partner responsible for Intabank has asked you to prepare a list of online resources which may be used to research Belgian regulatory issues and letter of credit arrangements. She would also like to be alerted to any future changes in Belgian legislation in this area.

1) Prepare a list of online resources which may be used to research Belgian legislation concerning:

• negotiable instruments
• credit facilities
• securitisation of transactions
• recourse to pledged assets

2) Prepare a memo to the partner responsible for Intabank outlining Internet services which may be used to keep up-to-date with any changes in Belgian legislation concerning regulatory issues and letter of credit arrangements.