Business Resources Online   Tags: business law, internet resources, online sources, research, secondary sources  

Business Law Research can mean searching through databases that are traditionally legal, such as Lexis and Westlaw.  There are, however, many other online resources for business law that are contained in databases used by graduate and undergraduate business students.  Some relevant databases also cover financial resources, company information and specialized databases specializing only in securities or white collar crime.

Buiness Law Research typically covers a wide variety of subjects and is interdisciplinary in nature.  Accounting, finance and insurance can have an impact on business law.  Determining if you need to do research in this area should be part of your research strategy.  Business law can encompass Agency Law, Partnership Law, Commercial Law, Corporations, Small Business Law, White Collar Crime, Securities, Antitrust, Non-Profit Law and Trade Law, as well as other legal issues and topics. 

When doing business law research, think about all possible legal issues and create a list of topics that might need to be researched.  As your research continues, topics and relevant resources will either become more apparent or narrow in focus.  It is important to keep a detailed research log to avoid missing legal issues or duplicating research.

This guide was originally updated by David Dames. 

It is currently updated by Marin Dell (last updated 6/12).

If you are unsure about how to proceed, having a research strategy in mind is always a good way to ensure that your reserach is productive and organized.  There are many resources that give advice on how to map out a general research strategy, both online and in print.  For print resources, use the library catalog and search for research as a keyword.  For some online examples, see below.

Research Strategy Basics:

There are CALI lessons that can assist with learning both general legal research and business law research topics. 

Some CALI lessons you may want to try are:

• Legal Research 101: The Tools of the Trade
• Legal Research Methodology
• Non Legal Resource: Online News Sources
• Company Research

NOTE: CALI lessons require an account to log in and run the lesson.  If you are a Hofstra Law Student and do not have your CALI account set up, please contact a librarian.