Intro to Archival Research Masterclass

In the legal field, evidence is everything. Whether you’re building a case, defending a client, or uncovering precedents, the ability to access and interpret historical documents can provide a critical edge. Yet, navigating the complex world of archives can be daunting. 

As a History graduate from the University of Oxford and the University of Warwick, that’s why I curated a ‘Intro to Archival Research Masterclass’. Book a two-hour session to equip your team with the skills to enhance case outcomes and streamline your research processes.

​

Why historical document research matters for legal evidence?

Legal cases often hinge on historical evidence—documents may reside in national archives, local record offices, or specialised collections. Examples include:

• Property Disputes: Land deeds, boundary agreements, and historical maps can be pivotal.

• Criminal Cases: Historical police reports, military records, or trial records can uncover new dimensions.

• Corporate Litigation: Business records, patent documents, and correspondence may offer crucial insights.

​

Who should attend?

This masterclass is ideal for:

• Lawyers and Legal Assistants: Gain the skills to enhance your casework.

• Paralegals: Learn how to handle research requests with precision and speed.

• Legal Researchers: Deepen your expertise and expand your toolkit.

No prior experience in archival research is necessary—this class is designed to be accessible yet impactful for professionals at all levels.​​

​

Why choose this expert-led masterclass?

I hold a master’s degree in History from the University of Oxford, with a BA in History from the University of Warwick. During this time, I received three different research scholarships allowing me to conduct archival research around the world. After graduating, I worked on a number of freelance research projects. I have worked with the History Channel to conduct research for TV, and written case studies for the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School ‘Global History of Capitalism’ module. To learn more, view my historical research page here. 

In recent years, I have also worked as a research and investigations officer for the Ministry of Defence's Department of Judicial Engagement Policy. I worked with eight different internal archives and a handful of external archives to source material to assist with historic investigations on the Northern Ireland troubles. I have a good understanding of how the archival system works in government, particularly in MOD, and can help navigate the web of intricacies as a result.

​

What you will learn in the archival research masterclass

The Intro to Archival Research Masterclass is specifically tailored for legal teams. In just two hours, participants will:

1. Learn the basics of archival research: Understand the types of archives avaliable, the differences between them, and the types of the types of records most relevant to legal cases.

2. Learn advanced search techniques: Develop strategies to locate documents efficiently, saving valuable time. The masterclass will cover navigating online cataloogs and offline archives.

3. Gain practical experience: Work through an example case study to apply new skills in a practical setting, learning to locate and interpret relevant documents.

4. Discover when to outsource: Recognise when it’s more effective to enlist an expert to handle complex or time-sensitive archival work - and indicators that a case requires expert help. 

5. Q&A to address specific challenges your team faces.

Archival research for government legal cases

Did you know the government do not have an obligation to disclose material in legal proceedings when they're already in the public domain? This means anything publicly avaliable ought to be searched by your firm to ensure you're not missing vital evidence. It's easy for things to slip through the net at the processing stage, and you never know what gems you might uncover. 

​

Public archivists face a unique challenge in balancing access to information with the need to safeguard materials of potential significance. Unlike specialists who focus deeply on one subject area, archivists manage vast collections spanning countless topics, making it nearly impossible to be a subject matter expert in every field. This lack of deep domain knowledge means they may not always recognise the full importance of certain records or anticipate how those materials could be used in the future. What seems like a mundane fax to the Secretary of State in 1973 today could be critical evidence in a criminal dispute decades later. 

Additionally, the context and relevance of information often shift over time, making it difficult to predict future legal, historical, or societal applications. This uncertainty means while archivsts try to err on the side of caution, they do make mistakes and evidence may exist that supports your case.

How to book your spot

Ready to empower your legal team with archival research skills? Here’s how to get started:

• Contact Me: Visit www.scarlettmansfield.com to learn more or book a session.

• Custom Packages Available: I’m happy to tailor the masterclass to meet the unique needs of your legal team, for example a specific archive or legal catogery. 

• Limited Availability: To ensure a personalized experience, spaces are limited—reserve your spot today.

Conclusion

Archival research is an indispensable skill for modern legal professionals. With my Intro to Archival Research Masterclass, your team will gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate archives effectively, uncover compelling evidence, and enhance case outcomes. And when the work demands deeper expertise, I’m here to provide seamless support. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your legal team’s capabilities—get in touch today to secure your masterclass session.