Legal research is a foundational element of effective law practice, helping attorneys access case law, statutes, legal precedents, and secondary materials essential for building strong cases. Fortunately, modern technology has expanded the range of legal research tools available, making it easier than ever for law firms to access and organize information. This article covers the most popular legal research tools, along with best practices for using them efficiently.
Westlaw
Westlaw is one of the most widely used legal research tools, known for its comprehensive database of legal materials. It provides access to federal and state case law, statutes, administrative codes, court rules, and secondary resources like law reviews and treatises. Westlaw’s KeyCite feature also allows users to validate case law and statutes, making it easier to determine if a case is still considered good law.
Best for: Law firms needing an all-in-one research tool with advanced validation features.
Key Features:
- KeyCite for legal citation verification.
- West Key Number System for organizing case law by topic.
- Extensive secondary materials including law reviews and journals.
LexisNexis
LexisNexis is another top-tier research platform offering an extensive legal library and advanced research tools. Its Shepard’s Citations Service is particularly popular for checking the validity of cases, and LexisNexis also provides news resources, which can be helpful for understanding recent developments.
Best for: Firms looking for robust legal research with added access to news and public records.
Key Features:
- Shepard’s Citations for legal validation.
- Search algorithms that include natural language and Boolean search options.
- Access to news archives and public records.
PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
PACER is a government-provided online tool offering access to federal court records. It’s particularly useful for tracking case progress and accessing filings, especially in the appellate and district courts. While PACER does charge a small fee per document, it’s an invaluable tool for federal case monitoring.
Best for: Attorneys handling federal cases who need quick access to filings and case updates.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive federal case filings for appellate and district courts.
- Searchable by case number, name, or court.
- Downloadable docket reports for detailed case information.
Vernon Court Reporters
In addition to using reliable research tools, high-quality transcription is essential for accurately documenting and referencing court proceedings, depositions, and hearings. Vernon Court Reporters provides certified legal transcription and court reporting services tailored to the needs of law firms, attorneys, and legal professionals.
Our team ensures verbatim, court-approved transcriptions with quick turnaround times, helping attorneys review and reference essential details with precision. Whether you need deposition transcripts, court hearing documentation, or expert witness testimony, our experienced team delivers accurate results, allowing you to focus on case strategy and research.
Why Choose Vernon Court Reporters?
- Certified Accuracy: Fully certified, court-approved transcriptions suitable for legal proceedings.
- Fast Turnaround: Timely service to meet tight deadlines and keep cases on track.
- Specialized Experience: Extensive experience with legal proceedings and complex documentation.
Enhance your case preparation and research process with Vernon Court Reporters’ professional transcription services, supporting your legal practice with efficiency and reliability.
Google Scholar
Google Scholar provides free access to a broad selection of case law and legal articles, making it a valuable tool for attorneys who need fast and cost-effective access to court opinions. While it doesn’t offer the advanced features of paid services, Google Scholar is ideal for quick searches and general case law research.
Best for: Lawyers needing an accessible, no-cost resource for quick research.
Key Features:
- Free case law access for federal and state courts.
- Law review articles and other scholarly publications.
- User-friendly search interface with filters for citations.
FindLaw
FindLaw offers a range of free legal resources, including case law, statutes, and legal guides. It’s an excellent platform for general legal research, and it’s often used by law students and new attorneys. While not as extensive as Westlaw or LexisNexis, it serves as a valuable introductory resource.
Best for: Attorneys looking for a free starting point or those who don’t need advanced search features.
Key Features:
- Access to a wide range of legal topics for basic research.
- Case law, statutes, and legal articles are available.
- Law practice management resources for small firms.
Justia
Justia provides free case law and statute resources, as well as a variety of legal information for attorneys and the public. Its open-access model has made it a favorite for firms that need general legal information without the expense of a paid subscription.
Best for: Small firms and solo practitioners looking for free legal research options.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive case law library at no cost.
- Access to statutes, regulations, and legal blogs.
- Legal forms and templates for a variety of practice areas.
Court Websites and Bar Association Resources
Many court websites offer free access to court opinions, forms, and local rules. Additionally, bar associations frequently provide legal research resources, including access to specialized databases, to their members.
Best for: Attorneys practicing in specific jurisdictions who need local court rules or specialized resources.
Key Features:
- Free opinions, forms, and filing instructions on court websites.
- Member-only resources through bar associations.
- Continuing legal education (CLE) opportunities often available.
Bloomberg Law
Bloomberg Law is a comprehensive legal research tool that also provides market analysis and news. It’s beneficial for attorneys who need insights into legal issues alongside business and market intelligence, particularly for firms working with corporate clients.
Best for: Firms focused on corporate law, financial services, or regulatory compliance.
Key Features:
- Legal research and business intelligence in one platform.
- News and analysis from Bloomberg on relevant legal and financial developments.
- Extensive docket tracking and legal analytics.
Best Practices for Using Legal Research Tools
To make the most of legal research tools, here are some best practices for attorneys and legal researchers:
- Start with free resources: When beginning research, it’s often helpful to start with free tools like Google Scholar, Justia, and FindLaw for foundational information before turning to paid services for more in-depth research.
- Use citation verification tools: If you’re relying on case law, use tools like KeyCite (Westlaw) or Shepard’s Citations (LexisNexis) to ensure that your cases are still considered valid and haven’t been overturned or questioned.
- Bookmark commonly used court websites: Many court websites provide up-to-date information on filing procedures, local rules, and access to recent opinions. Bookmarking these resources can save time in accessing routine information.
- Utilize PACER for federal cases: For cases in the federal system, PACER offers real-time access to filings and is especially useful for tracking ongoing litigation.
- Leverage advanced search options: Many research tools offer Boolean searches, filters, and other advanced options that allow for more specific, targeted results. Take time to learn these features to streamline your research.
Making the Right Choice for Your Firm
Choosing the best legal research tool depends on your firm’s practice areas, budget, and research needs. For comprehensive research, Westlaw and LexisNexis remain the gold standards, though free tools like Google Scholar and Justia provide valuable resources for general research. Meanwhile, specialized tools like PACER and Bloomberg Law cater to federal and corporate-focused practices, offering additional insights and tracking options.
By using these tools strategically, law firms can improve research efficiency, access accurate legal information, and ultimately provide better-informed representation to their clients.
