Acknowledgments

Student Partners

The student partners who contributed to this project played an invaluable role in its success. Some worked as volunteers, others were supported through project funding, and many of the chapter authors themselves were students who took on the challenge of creating content that would outlive the classroom. Their dedication, insight, and ability to break down complex areas of legal research into simple, practical explanations made the material more accessible for legal assistants and paralegals, ensuring that each chapter reflects the needs of those learning and working in these roles.

Long before there was a finished textbook to review, these students trusted me enough to engage with my wild and (sometimes) crazy ideas, even when the final vision was still uncertain. Their creativity, patience, and belief in the potential of this work made it possible to turn an idea into a living resource. By taking on responsibilities ranging from research and writing entire chapters, to developing resources and exploring new approaches as AI reshapes the field, they have shaped a text that reflects the experiences and needs of aspiring legal professionals.

A special thanks to the following students, whose dedication went far beyond research tasks. These student partners spent countless hours meeting with me, even late at night over Zoom or Teams, engaging in thoughtful conversations about legal research, the role of paralegals and legal assistants, and identifying gaps in the literature and resources available. Their efforts and insights were instrumental in shaping this project.

• Sam McDowell – 2024 Research Assistant
• Ashley McDonald – 2025 Research Assistant

I am deeply and continuously grateful for each student’s hard work on this project, their curiosity, and—most of all—their faith in this project before it truly existed. Their efforts ensure that future learners (both academic and industry) will have access to a resource created not just for them, but by those who once stood in their place.

Peer Reviewers

Peer review is essential to the integrity of any educational resource, and I owe immense gratitude to the reviewers who dedicated their time and expertise to this project. Their thoughtful feedback, careful critique, and constructive suggestions strengthened the clarity, accuracy, and accessibility of the text. The reviewers’ contributions ensured that this resource meets the needs of its intended audience while maintaining high academic and professional standards. Thank you for your careful attention and for helping us make this resource the best it can be.

Funding

This project would not have been possible without the generous support of MacEwan University. Their commitment to advancing open-access education in Alberta has made it possible to create a resource that is freely available to students, legal professionals, and members of the public. Funding for this project provided the time, tools, and infrastructure needed to collaborate with students and industry professionals in developing the first edition of this text.

As a sessional instructor, opportunities to access project funding are limited, and the risk of investing in such projects is often perceived as high by universities. For that reason, I am especially grateful to the Centre for Teaching and Learning’s Teaching Impact Fund and the MacEwan Library’s Open Textbook Grant, which both took a risk on me and dedicated funds and mentorship to make this project possible. Their support not only helped launch the first edition of this text but also affirmed the value of collaborative, student-driven scholarship. I am forever grateful for their investment in open education and their confidence in this work.