Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions concerning our professional research services. Taylor Research Group (TRG) is also happy to answer any additional questions you may have, either via e-mail (info@taylorreseaerchgroup.com) or via phone during our regular business hours (703-822-4658, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
What are some specific examples of litigation research services that TRG provides?
We provide services ranging from simple document retrieval to in-depth, long-term research and analysis, depending on our clients’ needs. Sometimes it takes us a matter of hours to obtain a critical piece of documentation, be it a court transcript, building permit, official correspondence, or a historical map or photograph. On other projects, our research spans months or years at dozens of separate archives and libraries in order to piece together complex histories.
Some of the most common services that we provide involve documenting owner/operator/arranger history and natural resource damages at Superfund and other contaminated sites; identifying potentially responsible parties; determining corporate succession; and performing research in support of cost allocation discussions. We offer a range of work products including analytical products such as chronologies and detailed historical and expert reports. Our staff have also provided affidavits and served as deponents.
What types of litigation do you support?
Most of our research pertains to environmental and toxic tort litigation, but we routinely assist clients involved in a wide array of legal matters, including product liability/failure to warn, asbestos, and veterans’ claims. In addition to providing services for ongoing litigation, we also conduct research for clients on matters that have not yet been litigated or are being re-litigated (including reopener claims).
Why should a law firm or business use TRG’s professional research services? How does this differ to paralegal work?
When you need historical documentation to support your case, you want trained historians to do the searching—and that’s what you get with TRG. To put it simply, when it comes to this type of research, you’ll find that our professional staff are more experienced, cost effective, and efficient than in-house resources. While paralegals are highly trained in legal research, they are usually not experts at historical and archival research. At TRG, we are historical researchers above all, and our reach is nationwide.
Aren’t most historical records digitized and available online?
This is a common misconception. Given the very small percentage of documents that have been digitized and the large percentage that are tucked away in dusty storage boxes, finding relevant documents for our clients takes a specialized set of knowledge and skills that transcends strictly legal research using electronic databases and law library collections (although our clients often trust us to do that research as well!). You also want to be able to ask all the right questions when interacting with archivists and librarians.
TRG’s professional research staff has spent many years acquiring the ability and tools to locate documentation within the National Archives, government agencies and records storage centers, and the myriad of other federal, state, local, and institutional document repositories. This knowledge and these tools make our services essential to any organization that needs specific historical documentation very quickly.
What historical periods do you research?
If there is a paper trail, TRG will follow it regardless of how far it may go, past or present. We have researched matters dating as far back as the 1600s but also routinely collect records up through the present day.
Where does TRG operate?
TRG is based in the Washington, DC Metro Area, home to some of the world’s most extensive archival collections, with records of nationwide importance. TRG also routinely conducts research at facilities across the country. Our staff has visited hundreds of records repositories from coast to coast and obtained records from all 50 states plus Guam, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Does TRG conduct other types of research as well?
Yes! While the bulk of our research is related to litigation, we take on a variety of other research tasks, from identification and retrieval of photographs for museum exhibits to documentation of individuals’ immigration records or military service. We also specialize in historic property services, railroad valuation, and more!
How much do your services cost?
While cost is dependent upon the nature and scale of your project, we think you will be pleased by our competitive rates. Our initial consultation and customized cost estimates are always completely free of charge—all you need to do is contact us!
In the legal and professional research field we are a bargain. Other larger research organizations have hefty overhead and administrative costs, which is simply not the case for TRG. At the same time, when you hire us, you are getting a highly collaborative team. Our knowledge of the records and our ability to review them efficiently and accurately will save you time and money.
Contact us! Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. We work with many different types of clients, from lawyers to environmental scientists to major corporations to private individuals. We offer all potential clients free cost estimates and research proposals with a short turnaround time. Let us know what you need and how we can help you!