When you're assigned a research project, you need to be clear about the scope of the project, the time you should devote to it, and the resources available to you. If you're not clear what an attorney wants you to do, say so and ask for clarification. You don't want to spend 10 hours in the library researching the wrong issue. If you're researching multiple issues, e.g., statutes of limitations, elements of several different causes of actions, and damages, you'll need to set priorities for how much time you can spend researching each issue. If the assignment is non-billable, such as helping a partner prepare for a CLE presentation, you may be able to spend more time researching than if you're researching a billable matter.
Some clients refuse to authorize billable time for online research.
Your firm should inform you of its policies regarding the use of online services, but if they don't, be sure to ask. Much of this is plain common sense, but stories abound of wayward summer associates racking up thousands of dollars of non-billable online charges. Convinced it's a sure winner, all she needs is for you to find some supporting case law. Obviously, you want to come back with cases squarely on point in her favor, but this won't always be possible. In fact, sometimes your best work will be in alerting the attorney, early on, when the law will not support a particular argument.