Practical Legal Research for Lawyers Online Course | 2026

7 & 8 July 2026 | Duration: 13:00 – 16:00

What is academic research and how is it different to applied research?

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About This Course

This course provides instruction on practical legal research for attorneys, advocates, corporate lawyers, and state law advisors. It focuses on finding solutions to legal problems through effective and efficient research.

Do you draft particulars of claim and pleas? Do you regularly write heads of argument or opinions? Are you a motion court practitioner, or are appeals and reviews part of your practice? If so, this course is designed for you. Become more efficient in conducting legal research and find the most relevant binding and persuasive authorities in a shorter period.

The Overall View of This Course

• Designed specifically for legal practitioners.
• Learn how to manage billable hours for research effectively.
• Understand how proper planning avoids “hit and miss” research.

The Content

• A guide to the most important sources of law.
• Understanding the difference between primary and secondary sources.
• Why primary sources are most important within the common law system.
• Choosing appropriate sources depending on the purpose of research.

How to Research from Primary Sources

• How to read a judgment using active reading techniques.
• Determining a cause of action from judgments and legislation.
• Applying researched law to the facts of your case.
• Identifying and referencing the ratio decidendi.
• Understanding and using obiter dictum.
• Maintaining a comprehensive record of referenced sources.

Determining the Relevance of Research

• Carrying out relevant research from both primary and secondary sources.
• Managing information overload and knowing when to stop researching.

The Case Law

• Effective and quick methods for finding relevant cases.
• Proper referencing of judgments for court purposes.
• Using electronic law reports and annotations effectively.
• Determining binding precedent versus persuasive authority.
• Identifying legal reasoning and the ratio decidendi.
• Ensuring that referenced cases remain valid and binding.
• Using judgments and legislation to present compelling legal arguments.

Practical Instruction

• How to find and contextualise relevant law.
• Establishing jurisdiction and levels of authority.
• Identifying the most effective research tools with practical demonstrations.
• Responsible and effective use of AI tools such as ChatGPT.
• Referencing AI-sourced information.
• Latest judgments regarding the use of AI in court.
• Techniques to Read, Retain, and Recall information.
• Maintaining structured research notes.
• Identifying legal issues from case facts and framing research questions.

Presenter

Ismail Hussain SC is a former Judge of the High Court and the Competition Appeal Court. He has been a highly popular LEAD trainer for many years. Mr Hussain SC is an expert in commercial drafting, opinion writing, litigation, and case management. He is also a published author and a Professor of Law at Nelson Mandela University.

What Previous Attendees Said

• “Thank you for a compelling presentation, especially on integrating AI into legal research.”
• “This was an absolutely wonderful and informative course.”
• “The course was exceptional—insightful, engaging, and highly practical.”
• “Fantastic and engaging course! Thank you so much.”
• “Your experience enriched every session—thank you for sharing your expertise.”
• “A fantastic course that is excellently presented. Highly beneficial.”
• “Thank you, as always, for sharing your profound knowledge and experience.”

Course Details

Date: 7 & 8 July 2026 | 13:00 – 16:00

Closing Date for Registrations: 6 July 2026

Note: The course may run up to 30 minutes beyond the scheduled closing time.

Certification

Attendance at both sessions is mandatory to qualify for a certificate.

Who Should Register?

Practising legal practitioners (attorneys and advocates) and candidate legal practitioners.

Registration Fees (Including VAT)

• Practising legal practitioners and legal firm staff: R 1 800
• Non-practising legal practitioners/others: R 2 700

Banking Details

Account Name: Law Society of South Africa

Bank: FNB Pretoria

Branch Code: 251445

Account Number: 6200 9641 079

Reference: Research, Surname, Initials

How to Register

Registrations are completed online. Each participant must register individually using their own email address.

Step 1: Payment

Payment must be made via electronic funds transfer (EFT). Upload the proof of payment (PDF) during the online registration process. If an invoice is required, upload a Word document requesting the invoice instead.

Step 2: Online Registration

Click on the above link

Step 3: Confirmation

After submitting your registration, you will receive a system-generated confirmation email. If not received, please contact Bettie Lubbe.

Contact Information

Bettie Lubbe
Email: Bettie@LSSALEAD.org.za
Tel: 012 441 4670

Terms & Conditions

Webinar/Online Course Access Policy

• One registration equals one attendee; group viewing is not permitted.
• Use of generic identifiers such as boardrooms or company names is not allowed.
• Attendees must join using their full registered names.
• Sharing access links is strictly prohibited and may result in revoked access without refund.

Key Information

• The LSSA is not liable for payments made into an incorrect bank account.
• The course is presented in English only.
• The course will be delivered via MS Teams.
• Recordings and PowerPoint presentations will not be shared.
• Course materials and links will be emailed approximately 24 hours before the course.
• Cancellations must be submitted in writing before materials are sent.
• LSSA/LEAD reserves the right to cancel or postpone the course if necessary.