Legal research is essential in legal practice, but it is also one of the most cognitively demanding aspects of the role. Lawyers are required to interpret complex source material, stay on top of constant legal developments, assess risk, and apply nuanced judgement, often under significant time pressure.
As the volume and complexity of legal information continues to grow, so too does the cognitive load placed on legal professionals.
At Thrive Law, we understand how unmanaged cognitive load affects not only efficiency and accuracy, but also wellbeing, confidence and longterm sustainability in practice. Managing this cognitive load is increasingly important for both effective legal practice and long-term wellbeing.
Understanding cognitive load
Cognitive load refers to the amount of mental effort being used in working memory at any given time. When cognitive load becomes excessive, our ability to process information accurately, make sound decisions, and retain knowledge is reduced.
Legal research naturally places high demands on working memory. Lawyers are likely to find themselves:
- Analysing long and technical materials
- Distinguishing between binding law, persuasive authority and commentary
- Cross-referencing multiple sources
- Tracking legislative and case law developments
- Applying abstract legal principles to real-world client scenarios
When these asks are combined with tight deadlines, client expectations and competing priorities, cognitive overload can quickly occur.
Why legal research is particularly challenging
Unlike many other professions, legal research is not simply about finding information. It requires evaluation, judgement and application. This is particularly true in areas such as employment law, where the legal landscape evolves rapidly, and outcomes often depend on fine factual and legal distinctions.
Common contributors to high cognitive load in legal research include:
- Information overload – with extensive volumes of case law, legislation and commentary available
- Fragmented workflows – requiring lawyers to switch between multiple platforms and systems
- Uncertainty – especially where the law is developing or fact-sensitive
- Time pressure – which limits opportunities for reflection and deeper analysis
Over time, this can lead to reduced efficiency, increased fatigue, and a greater risk of error.
The role of technology in reducing cognitive load
Technology cannot replace legal judgement, but it can significantly reduce extraneous cognitive load, the mental effort spent navigating systems, organising information and completing repetitive tasks. Used thoughtfully, technology allows lawyers to focus their cognitive energy where it adds the most value.
AI as a research and thinking aid
AI tools are increasingly being used to support legal research and analysis. When deployed appropriately, AI can:
- Provide high-level summaries of cases, legislation or legal developments
- Identify relevant authorities more quickly
- Assist with issue-spotting and preliminary analysis
- Help lawyers orient themselves before conducting deeper research
This does not remove the need for lawyers to review primary sources or apply their own judgement. Instead, AI can act as a starting point, reducing the initial cognitive burden and enabling more focused, strategic thinking.
That said, the use of AI in legal practice raises important questions around confidentiality, data protection, and where information is stored and processed.
Legal research platforms: LexisNexis and Westlaw
Established legal research tools such as LexisNexis and Westlaw remain central to high-quality legal research. Their value lies not just in the breadth of content, but in how they help structure and filter information.
Features such as:
- Advanced search functionality
- Case analysis tools
- Citator services
- Practice notes and commentary
They help lawyers quickly assess relevance and authority, reducing the time and mental effort required to sift through large volumes of material. Familiarity with these tools, and using them efficiently can significantly reduce cognitive strain.
The human impact of reduced cognitive load
Reducing cognitive load is not just about efficiency; it has a direct impact on wellbeing and quality of work. When lawyers are supported by effective technology and systems, they are better able to:
- Think critically and strategically
- Engage more meaningfully with clients
- Communicate advice clearly and confidently
- Manage workload sustainably
This benefits both lawyers and clients, leading to better outcomes and a more resilient legal practice.
A balanced and responsible approach
It is important to recognise that technology can also increase cognitive load if poorly implemented. Too many tools, inadequate training, or unrealistic expectations can undermine the intended benefits.
A balanced approach involves:
- Selecting tools that address genuine pain points
- Integrating them seamlessly into existing workflows
- Providing clear guidance and training
- Maintaining appropriate oversight and professional judgement
Technology should work quietly in the background, supporting lawyers rather than demanding more of their attention.
Looking ahead
As the legal profession continues to evolve, managing cognitive load will be an increasingly important consideration. AI, legal research platforms such as LexisNexis and Westlaw, and organisational tools like Asana all have a role to play in supporting modern legal practice.
When used thoughtfully, these tools do not diminish the role of the lawyer. Instead, they enable lawyers to focus on what matters most: applying expertise, judgement and empathy to deliver high-quality, client-centred advice.
However, with new technology comes new responsibility. Firms must understand how AI tools use data, where that data is stored, and what this means for confidentiality, GDPR compliance and client trust.
If you are using or considering using AI within your business or legal practice, or would like advice on wider commercial and data protection queries, our Commercial and Data team can help.
Contact us on enquiries@thrivelaw.co.uk and visit our Commercial and Data page on our website.
