When All Else Fails, Pick Up the Phone
By Marcus Hochstetler
Traveling these days requires an often-constant connection with the electronic world. When you book your flight, it is online; when you book your hotel, it is online; and when you make plans with a distant friend, it is online. Whether you are on your way to Boston, Los Angeles, Phoenix or Spokane, the need to connect through the Internet can at times seem inescapable.
The same could be said of legal research these days as briefs and court documents are created, stored and filed electronically. Databases are searched to make sure all relevant case law is explored. A constant flood of emails can be the lifeblood and the bane of your existence. Electronic discovery is a common part of all types of cases and in many situations the pivotal part.
However, with all of these online tools, a component often lost in the mix is the person on the other end of our communication. The person to whom you send documents or with whom you register your travel plans. The person who receives the court filings, the client who receives advice by email and, especially, the judge all are on the other end of the communication line. These individuals receive the benefit of well-researched counsel and in-depth analysis of the issues in whatever format is necessary to convey the message.
Even with the many help screens that may be available with your software, hardware or travel web site, sometimes you just need to talk to a human being. While traveling the world of online legal research, one quickly realizes that not everything is online, especially older codes and statutes. The King County Law Library staff is on the other end of the line when you are looking for a particular legal treatise, law review article or form. While many services offered in the online world tout themselves as “One Click Away,” we are always one call away at 206-296-0940 or you may prefer to visit us online: www.kcll.org.
Internet class topic: The Seattle Law Library Internet lunch-break class for web users will be held on February 16 and will cover “Searching the Washington Legislature’s Website.”
Gifts: Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe. n
Marcus Hochstetler is the King County Law Librarian. Please direct comments or questions to him at
206-296-0940 or marcus.hochstetler@metrokc.gov.
