The book takes a process-oriented approach to legal research. It is not merely a “bibliographic” explanation of sources; instead, the book explains a logical process for how to approach all kinds of legal issues. In addition, the explanations are understandable for those new to legal research. Too many times, research books “forget” that many of their readers may be starting from a point of virtually no knowledge of legal resources and the legal research process. The step-by-step methods in this book are valuable not just for experienced researchers wanting to update their skills, but also those new to legal research.

This book is part of a series of research books published by Carolina Academic Press. Each book in the series explains how to conduct legal research in a particular state. As with all of the books in Carolina’s series, the primary audience for Washington Legal Research is first-year law students. However, the information in the book would be no less valuable for paralegal students, new associates, and even experienced practitioners new to Washington.

One major difference between this book and earlier books in the series is that this book incorporates online research into each chapter. Although members of the legal research and writing community disagree about when and how to teach electronic research, computer research is becoming the norm in both law schools and law firms.

A teacher's manual is available.