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Legal research is a pivotal aspect of a lawyer’s profession, shaping the course of cases and ensuring justice prevails. As a result, selecting the most suitable legal research services is paramount. With abundant choices available, delving into the intricacies of these platforms can be daunting.

Begin by understanding the importance of legal research for lawyers. It’s the foundation upon which strong cases are built. You need access to legal research services that provide a comprehensive database and user-friendly interface to achieve this.

This post will discuss how to discern the best legal research service. It would be best to scrutinize database depth, search functionality, and cost-effectiveness factors. Ultimately, selecting the right legal research services ensures you have the software you need to succeed in the legal arena. 

What Is Legal Research? 

Legal research systematically explores legal sources to unearth vital information crucial to law practice. It plays an integral role in the legal profession, serving as the bedrock upon which attorneys build their cases and strategies.

By its very essence, legal research empowers you to make well-informed decisions, guiding you through intricate legal landscapes. This process consumes a substantial portion of lawyers’ time, approximately 35-40% of their working hours.

In essence, legal research is the compass that navigates the legal terrain, enabling lawyers to interpret laws, locate precedents, and craft compelling arguments, ensuring justice prevails in every case. 

Steps to Do Legal Research

Legal research is an intricate process that demands precision and thoroughness. Following a structured approach is essential to ensure your legal research is compelling. Here are some critical steps to do legal research:

Gather Information

The journey begins by identifying the issue or problem at hand. This initial step is critical as it sets the foundation for your research. Gathering relevant facts and details is paramount. A comprehensive understanding of the issue ensures your research is on the right track.

In legal research, overlooking even minor details can be costly. Therefore, meticulousness in gathering information is vital.

Establish Goals

Defining clear objectives for your research is crucial before delving into the vast realm of legal sources. What are you trying to achieve? What specific questions need answers? Setting clear goals ensures that your research remains focused and efficient.

These goals are guiding stars, steering you toward the most pertinent legal information. 

Determine Legal Sources

Identifying applicable laws, statutes, and regulations is the heart of legal research. You’ll encounter both primary and secondary legal sources.

Primary sources, such as statutes, regulations, and court decisions, carry significant weight in legal research. Analyze these sources to understand the legal framework and precedents relevant to your case.

Secondary sources comprise legal commentary, articles, reviews, and treatises, which offer valuable insights and analysis. They can provide a deeper understanding of complex legal issues and help you form persuasive arguments. 

A deep dive into primary sources provides the bedrock of legal analysis, while secondary sources offer valuable insights and interpretations. 

Reference a Citator

Ensure the credibility and relevance of your sources. A citator is a vital tool in legal research. It serves as a navigator, helping you verify legal sources’ validity and current status. Citators provide information on whether a case has been overruled, cited frequently, or questioned by subsequent cases.

Utilizing a citator ensures that your research relies on up-to-date and authoritative legal precedents. An example of a great legal research database with citation services is Westlaw. They offer a service called KeyCite , which checks the validity and relevance of statutes, case law, and other primary and secondary legal sources to ensure they are current.

Report Results and Fill Gaps

As you accumulate legal information, organizing and summarizing your findings is imperative. A well-structured report not only aids your understanding but also facilitates effective communication with clients or colleagues.

Identifying gaps in your research is equally significant. If you’ve missed crucial information, take the necessary actions to fill those gaps promptly.

In legal research, a methodical approach is your greatest ally. These steps to do legal research ensure that you harness the power of information effectively, enhancing your ability to provide sound legal counsel and navigate the complexities of the legal landscape. 

Best Legal Research Software

Legal research services have revolutionized the legal profession, and at the forefront of this transformation is online legal research software. These advanced software offer many advantages, making them indispensable for modern attorneys.

Legal research software streamlines the complex legal investigation process, providing instant access to a vast repository of legal documents and resources. Access reputable online legal databases and libraries. Platforms like Westlaw, LexisNexis, and HeinOnline provide extensive collections of legal materials. Use advanced search features to narrow down your results effectively.

Legal research software’s efficiency is unparalleled, saving you significant time and effort. Combining your legal databases and libraries with a stellar legal document management platform sets you up for far-reaching success. These features employ sophisticated algorithms and search functionalities, ensuring no crucial detail goes unnoticed.

In a profession where precision is paramount, legal research software emerges as an indispensable ally, enhancing productivity and enabling you to make well-informed decisions swiftly. 

Tips to Master Legal Research

Legal research is the cornerstone of every attorney’s practice. It’s a skill that can make or break a case. In today’s digital age, mastering legal research requires traditional expertise and harnessing the power of technology. Here are some essential tips for you to excel in legal research, focusing on leveraging the capabilities of legal document management software. This software can significantly enhance research efficiency. 

  • Leverage Technology: In the legal field, technology is a game-changer! Programs like Westlaw and LexisNexis offer features that can streamline your research process. They enable you to search vast legal databases, saving precious time quickly.
  • Stay Updated: The legal landscape is ever-evolving, with laws, regulations, and case precedents constantly changing. 
  • Organize Your Research: Effective organization is key to successful legal research.
  • Collaborate and Seek Expertise: Legal research often benefits from collaboration and seeking expertise from peers and experts. 

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Guide to the 20 Best Legal Research Tools In 2024

Ben Aston

The Legal Practice is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click through links on our site—read our affiliate disclosure to learn more about how we aim to stay transparent.

12 Best Legal Research Tools

Here's my top shortlist of the best legal research tools to use in 2023:

  • Judicata - Best for in-depth legal analysis with innovative visualization tools
  • Google Scholar - Best for freely accessible, comprehensive academic and legal research
  • Fastcase - Best for real-time legal data integration for robust research
  • Lexis PSL - Best for precise and pragmatic legal guidance tailored to UK lawyers
  • Bloomberg Law - Best for high-quality, detailed legal analysis with real-time news updates
  • Practical Law - Best for in-depth practical legal know-how, from global to jurisdiction-specific
  • Law Insider - Best for the most extensive collection of legal contracts and clauses
  • Lexis - Best for a holistic approach to legal research with advanced AI analytics
  • Casetext - Best for AI-driven legal research assistance, amplifying your search capabilities
  • Relativity - Best for early case assessment with data-driven insights
  • Westlaw - Best for legal research enriched by over a century of experience
  • Clio - Best for law firm management alongside exceptional legal research resources

Legal research tools are designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of relevant cases, court decisions, and secondary sources. They provide access to an extensive database of legal resources, including federal courts and state courts, the Supreme Court, appellate courts, and specific resources like FindLaw and law libraries. A good tool incorporates Boolean operators, which can refine your search and lead you straight to the most pertinent information.

These tools aren't just about accessing vast amounts of data—they're about making that data manageable and actionable. They alleviate the pain point of spending hours manually sifting through content by providing targeted search results, organized case summaries, law review articles, and more.

Now, let's dive into these legal research tool options, which can transform your research process.

What is a Legal Research Tool?

A legal research tool is a powerful digital ally for anyone navigating the complexities of the law. From seasoned attorneys to law students, paralegals, legal researchers, and even the average person seeking to understand a legal issue, these tools streamline the process of sourcing and understanding legal information.

Users leverage them to find case laws, statutes, regulations, legal articles, and more, making the otherwise Herculean task of sifting through legal texts efficient and precise. These platforms often provide features like keyword search, filter options, legal analytics, and citation services, all designed to offer comprehensive, easy-to-understand legal data.

In essence, legal research tools serve as invaluable guides in the labyrinth of law, illuminating the path to clear, concise, and pertinent legal knowledge.

Overviews of the 12 Best Legal Research Tools

1. judicata - best for in-depth legal analysis with innovative visualization tools.

A detailed photo for the report tab inside Judicata.

Introducing Judicata, an advanced legal research tool engineered for the modern attorney. It reimagines legal analysis, fusing technology and law to deliver unprecedented depth and clarity, thereby providing the best platform for in-depth legal analysis with innovative visualization tools.

Why I Picked Judicata:

I selected Judicata for this list due to its unique approach to legal analysis. Unlike traditional tools, Judicata uses sophisticated legal technology to unravel complex cases and statutes, making it a standout choice. I believe Judicata is "Best for in-depth legal analysis with innovative visualization tools" because it leverages AI to provide detailed breakdowns of case law and statutes, accompanied by clear, intuitive visualizations.

Standout features & integrations:

One key feature is Judicata's color-coded case ratings that provide instant insight into the treatment of legal issues within a case. Its mapping feature visually displays case details, making navigation simpler. Judicata is fully integrated with Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive, providing seamless access and storage of the research database.

Pricing starts from $125/user/month.

  • Advanced AI for detailed legal analysis
  • Clear and intuitive visualization tools
  • Integration with popular cloud storage services
  • Higher starting price compared to other tools
  • Limited to US case law and statutes
  • Steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with legal research software

2. Google Scholar - Best for freely accessible, comprehensive academic and legal research

A screenshot of the main page for the tool Google Scholar.

Welcome to Google Scholar, an expansive digital library providing free access to a wealth of academic and legal content. With a vast selection of scholarly literature spanning various disciplines and sources, Google Scholar is the best tool for freely accessible, comprehensive academic and legal research.

Why I Picked Google Scholar:

I included Google Scholar on this list because it breaks down barriers to legal and academic research by providing a large volume of information at no cost. Its standout characteristic is its open-access nature coupled with its extensive repository of diverse resources.

I hold that Google Scholar is "Best for freely accessible, comprehensive academic and legal research" due to its ability to provide vast and varied scholarly materials free of charge, thus democratizing access to legal and academic knowledge.

Key features of Google Scholar include the "Cited by" function, which allows users to see other works that have cited the paper they are reading. Also, the "Related articles" feature helps users discover more materials on the same topic.

Google Scholar doesn't have traditional integrations as most software does, but its ability to link with your university library for full-text access, Google Books, and the Google Chrome browser makes research more convenient.

Google Scholar is free to use.

  • Free access to vast academic and legal resources
  • Advanced search functionality to find specific resources
  • Integration with university libraries for full-text access
  • No editorial control or peer-review process for some resources
  • Limited sorting and filtering options compared to paid tools
  • Difficulty in identifying the most relevant resources among a vast quantity of information

3. Fastcase - Best for real-time legal data integration for robust research

A photo for the main dashboard of Fastcase.

Fastcase stands as a powerhouse in legal research, offering comprehensive access to a wide array of legal databases for accurate, in-depth research. With its unique focus on integrating real-time legal data, Fastcase secures its position as the best tool for real-time legal data integration for robust research.

Why I Picked Fastcase:

I chose Fastcase for its commitment to providing timely and comprehensive legal information. Its emphasis on integrating real-time data, such as updates to statutes, regulations, and case laws, sets it apart from other legal research tools.

I deem Fastcase as the "Best for real-time legal data integration for robust research" because its real-time updates ensure that users have the most current and accurate legal information at their disposal.

Fastcase's standout features include its "Interactive Timeline," which visualizes search results over time, and "Authority Check," which identifies the most authoritative cases. Fastcase is well integrated with leading legal practice management systems like Clio, Rocket Matter, and PracticePanther, facilitating efficient workflow management.

Pricing starts from $65/user/month (billed annually).

  • Real-time legal data integration ensures current information
  • Advanced visualization tools for in-depth analysis
  • Integrations with major legal practice management systems
  • Annual billing may deter those preferring monthly plans
  • Steeper learning curve due to its extensive features
  • Limited non-US legal resources

4. Lexis PSL - Best for precise and pragmatic legal guidance tailored to UK lawyers

The main interface of Lexis PSL.

Lexis PSL stands as a comprehensive practical guidance tool dedicated to providing pragmatic and clear legal guidance specifically tailored for UK lawyers. The tool offers a concise approach to complex legal processes, making it the best tool for precise legal guidance tailored to UK lawyers.

Why I Picked Lexis PSL:

I selected Lexis PSL for its precise, to-the-point legal guidance that caters particularly to UK legal practitioners. Its unique focus on the UK legal landscape sets it apart. When I say Lexis PSL is "Best for precise and pragmatic legal guidance tailored to UK lawyers," it's because it offers contextual insights, practical tools, and in-depth guides based on UK law.

Lexis PSL offers a multitude of features, including access to a vast library of legal templates, checklists, and practical guidance tailored to the UK market. It integrates smoothly with LexisLibrary, offering direct access to case law, legislation, and expert commentary.

Pricing starts from £175/user/month (approximately $230/user/month).

  • Tailored to the needs of UK lawyers
  • Offers practical guidance, templates, and checklists
  • Smooth integration with LexisLibrary
  • Limited to UK law
  • High cost for individual users
  • No mobile app for on-the-go access

5. Bloomberg Law - Best for high-quality, detailed legal analysis with real-time news updates

A desktop and mobile view for some features of the tool Bloomberg Law.

Bloomberg Law stands as a pioneer in delivering top-tier legal analysis coupled with real-time news updates, aiming to keep legal professionals well-informed. This tool enables its users to access an expansive legal database, with an emphasis on the delivery of timely and thorough news related to legal affairs, making it the best choice for high-quality, detailed legal analysis with real-time news updates.

Why I Picked Bloomberg Law:

I picked Bloomberg Law for its unmatched integration of comprehensive legal research and real-time legal news updates. This combination makes it stand out in the landscape of legal research tools.

The rationale behind my statement that it's "Best for high-quality, detailed legal analysis with real-time news updates" lies in its commitment to providing detailed legal analysis and constant news updates to its users, keeping them abreast of changes in the law.

Bloomberg Law excels in offering users an extensive array of legal research tools, including legal analysis, litigation analytics, and a deep well of primary and secondary legal materials. Moreover, it provides seamless integration with other Bloomberg industry products, delivering legal insights in the context of broader market trends.

Pricing starts from $450/user/month.

  • Integration of legal research with real-time news
  • Comprehensive legal database
  • Seamless integration with other Bloomberg products
  • High cost can be prohibitive for smaller firms or individual users
  • Interface might seem complex to new users
  • Overwhelming amount of information might require significant time to navigate

6. Practical Law - Best for in-depth practical legal know-how, from global to jurisdiction-specific

A photo for the startup feature of Practical Law.

Practical Law is a renowned legal research platform developed by Thomson Reuters that provides comprehensive and easy-to-understand legal resources. As the tool's name suggests, its primary focus is on providing practical, in-depth legal know-how, stretching from global to jurisdiction-specific advice, which makes it the go-to choice for a broad range of legal practitioners and professionals.

Why I Picked Practical Law:

I chose Practical Law for its remarkable dedication to offering pragmatic and in-depth legal knowledge, covering a global to jurisdiction-specific span. What makes it stand out is its vast array of easy-to-understand legal resources and practical guides, simplifying the intricate legal field for practitioners.

I determined it to be the "Best for in-depth practical legal know-how, from global to jurisdiction-specific" due to the breadth and depth of its coverage and its unique focus on practical application in different jurisdictions.

Practical Law shines with its range of practical resources, such as standard documents, checklists, legal updates, and a glossary of legal terms, all created and maintained by an expert team of attorney-editors. Furthermore, it integrates efficiently with Westlaw and other Thomson Reuters legal products, enabling seamless and unified legal research.

Pricing starts from $89/user/month. Please note, pricing is generally based on the number and type of users and varies according to the size and needs of the organization.

  • Comprehensive, practical legal resources
  • Broad jurisdictional coverage
  • Smooth integration with other Thomson Reuters products
  • Pricing might be high for individual users
  • Some users might find the amount of information overwhelming
  • Subscription-based pricing model may not be suitable for all users

7. Law Insider - Best for the most extensive collection of legal contracts and clauses

A photo for the sample contract clauses feature of Law Insider.

Law Insider is a powerful legal research tool that amasses an enormous collection of legal contracts and clauses. It empowers legal professionals to find, understand and draft better agreements with access to millions of contracts from public companies across various industries, justifying its position as the 'best for the most extensive collection of legal contracts and clauses.'

Why I Picked Law Insider:

I picked Law Insider primarily for its extensive database of contracts and clauses, the largest I have come across in my comparison of tools. The availability of millions of legal documents from diverse industries makes it stand out.

I have judged it to be "Best for the most extensive collection of legal contracts and clauses" based on its unparalleled repository that assists legal professionals in drafting superior agreements.

The most significant feature of Law Insider is its vast repository of contracts and clauses from public companies. Users also benefit from its robust search capabilities that let them find specific clauses or agreements quickly. The platform can be integrated with Microsoft Word, allowing for a smoother drafting and editing process.

Pricing starts from $39/user/month (billed annually). Please note that this pricing includes access to all features and there are no additional costs for more advanced functionality.

  • Extensive database of contracts and clauses
  • Robust search functionality
  • Integration with Microsoft Word for easy drafting and editing
  • Monthly subscription might be high for some users
  • The interface could be intimidating for new users due to the vast amount of information
  • Requires an annual commitment for the base pricing

8. Lexis - Best for a holistic approach to legal research with advanced AI analytics

A screenshot of the client tab inside Lexis.

Lexis is an influential legal research platform offering a comprehensive suite of resources, from case law and legislation to news and business insights. Its advanced AI analytics facilitates a more in-depth and broader understanding of legal issues, justifying why it's the 'best for a holistic approach to legal research with advanced AI analytics.'

Why I Picked Lexis:

I selected Lexis for this list due to its comprehensive approach to legal research. The breadth and depth of resources available make it a unique tool in the market. Its advanced AI analytics elevate its status, providing deep insights that significantly aid legal research, which is why I determined it to be 'Best for a holistic approach to legal research with advanced AI analytics.'

Key features of Lexis include a vast database of case law, legislation, news, and business insights, along with advanced AI analytics for in-depth research. Lexis integrates with several tools, such as Microsoft Office, providing a more streamlined experience in drafting and reviewing documents.

Pricing starts from $75/user/month. However, this may vary depending on the specific resources and tools chosen. Detailed pricing is available upon request.

  • Extensive database covering various aspects of legal research
  • Advanced AI analytics for deeper insights
  • Integrations with tools like Microsoft Office
  • Pricing can be steep for solo practitioners or small firms
  • Learning curve due to its advanced features
  • Customizable plans could make pricing structure complex

9. Casetext - Best for AI-driven legal research assistance, amplifying your search capabilities

A photo for the website of the tool Casetext.

Casetext is a legal research tool that integrates artificial intelligence to help lawyers conduct more efficient and thorough research. The AI element amplifies search capabilities, making it a stand-out choice for those looking for 'AI-driven legal research assistance.'

Why I Picked Casetext:

I chose Casetext for this list because of its unique use of AI to enhance legal research. It stands out from other tools due to this sophisticated feature, which helps to boost search efficiency and accuracy. I determined it as 'Best for AI-driven legal research assistance' because its use of AI truly amplifies search capabilities.

Casetext's AI feature, known as CARA, allows users to find related authorities to their legal matter swiftly. It also highlights key cases, statutes, and regulations, making research much more efficient. Casetext can integrate with various citation management and legal writing tools, making it easier for users to keep their work organized.

Pricing starts from $65/user/month, billed annually.

  • CARA AI feature improves search capabilities
  • Seamless integrations with citation management and legal writing tools
  • Highlighting of key cases, statutes, and regulations
  • Pricing might be high for solo practitioners
  • The AI feature might have a learning curve for some users
  • Annual billing might not be ideal for all users

10. Relativity - Best for early case assessment with data-driven insights

The main page of Relativity.

Relativity is a cloud-based platform designed to help legal teams conduct early case assessments and derive data-driven insights. It's an excellent choice for those in need of a tool that excels in both initial assessments and providing meaningful data for decision-making.

Why I Picked Relativity:

I selected Relativity for this list due to its capacity to deliver actionable, data-driven insights right from the early stages of a case. The platform's comprehensive approach to managing legal data sets it apart from other tools. I believe Relativity is 'Best for early case assessment with data-driven insights' because it really excels in those areas, allowing users to make informed decisions early on.

Relativity's features, such as the dynamic early case assessment dashboard and the data visualization tools, offer invaluable assistance during case evaluation. Furthermore, it integrates with numerous data management and analysis tools, thereby enhancing its capability to provide meaningful insights.

Pricing begins from $150/user/month with a minimum of 10 seats required.

  • Dynamic early case assessment dashboard
  • Excellent data visualization tools
  • Wide range of integrations
  • Higher pricing point may be restrictive for smaller firms
  • The complexity of features may require a learning curve
  • Minimum seat requirement might not be ideal for smaller teams

11. Westlaw - Best for legal research enriched by over a century of experience

The docket timeline feature of the tool Westlaw.

Westlaw is a comprehensive legal research tool that has been around for over a century, providing trusted legal information to professionals across the globe. It's a rich resource for anyone in need of extensive legal research, with a history that speaks volumes of its reliability and expertise.

Why I Picked Westlaw:

Westlaw made it to my list due to its longstanding history and unmatched depth of legal content. What differentiates it from other tools is its extensive knowledge base, built upon over a hundred years of legal expertise. I believe Westlaw is "Best for legal research enriched by over a century of experience" as it leverages its deep-rooted history to provide comprehensive and reliable legal research.

Westlaw offers an advanced search system that delivers pinpoint accuracy and a range of legal information, including case law, statutes, and regulations. Additionally, it integrates well with legal document management systems, which enables a seamless transition of researched information into working documents.

Pricing for Westlaw is available upon request from the company, given the extensive customizations they provide to fit their customer's requirements.

  • Advanced search system provides precise results
  • Comprehensive library of legal information
  • Seamless integration with document management systems
  • Pricing is not transparent
  • The platform might be overwhelming for new users due to its extensive features
  • Some users may find the user interface a bit outdated

12. Clio - Best for law firm management alongside exceptional legal research resources

A screenshot for the matters tab of the tool Clio.

Clio is a leading legal practice management software that offers robust features for law firm management while also providing exceptional legal research resources. Its ability to handle multiple facets of law firm operations and its integrated legal research tools make it ideal for firms that require both efficient management and extensive legal research capabilities.

Why I Picked Clio:

I selected Clio for this list because of its comprehensive nature that covers both law firm management and legal research needs. What sets Clio apart is its ability to offer top-tier law firm management features while also delivering reliable legal research resources. This makes Clio the best for law firm management alongside exceptional legal research resources, effectively serving a dual purpose.

Clio offers a broad spectrum of features from case and document management to billing and invoicing, time tracking, and calendaring. The integration of Fastcase, a leading legal research solution, within Clio further amplifies its legal research capabilities. Importantly, it also integrates with other common platforms like Office365, GSuite, and QuickBooks, facilitating a smooth workflow.

Clio's pricing starts from $39/user/month for its basic 'Starter' plan, while more advanced features come with higher-tier plans.

  • Integrated with Fastcase for extensive legal research
  • Robust features for complete law firm management
  • Numerous integrations with other common software
  • Higher-tier plans can be expensive
  • Some features might have a steep learning curve
  • Requires manual input for some tasks which can be time-consuming

Other Legal Research Tools

Below is a list of additional legal research tools that I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.

  • Lexis Advance Quicklaw - Good for comprehensive Canadian legal content
  • Practical Guidance - Good for providing step-by-step guidance on legal procedures
  • Arguminer - Good for detecting patent arguments with AI assistance
  • BlueJ - Good for those learning Java programming
  • BlinkLegal - Good for intuitive legal document management and assembly
  • Quimbee - Good for law students needing study aids and exam prep
  • Checkpoint - Good for tax, finance, and accounting professionals
  • VitalLaw - Good for accessing diverse legal research resources

Selection Criteria

When selecting a legal research tool, there are some critical criteria that I took into account. I've evaluated dozens of legal research tools, and these were the essential elements that stood out. Below, I've detailed the core functionalities, key features, and usability aspects that matter most for legal professionals.

Core Functionality:

  • Legal Research: The tool should enable users to access extensive databases of cases, statutes, regulations, and legal literature.
  • Citation Checking: The ability to validate and cross-reference legal citations.
  • Case Tracking: Monitoring updates or changes to specific legal cases.

Key Features:

  • Advanced Search: Enables search using natural language queries or specific legal terminologies.
  • AI Assistance: Artificial Intelligence to provide suggestions, predict results, or automate tasks.
  • Collaboration Tools: Allows multiple users to work on a single case, share notes, or discuss findings.
  • User-friendly Interface: Legal research tools should feature an intuitive and clean interface that allows for quick navigation through vast amounts of information.
  • Onboarding and Support: A comprehensive tutorial or onboarding process is essential due to the complex nature of legal research. Timely and effective customer support is also crucial.
  • Customizable Viewing: The ability to modify and personalize the viewing interface, which may include the addition of filters, tags, and bookmarks, can enhance the research experience.
  • Mobile Compatibility: Legal professionals often need to work on the go. Therefore, an ideal legal research tool should have a mobile application or a mobile-friendly website.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What are the benefits of using legal research tools.

Legal research tools provide several advantages, including:

  • Enhanced Efficiency: They provide quick access to vast databases of legal resources, reducing the time spent on manual research.
  • Comprehensive Legal Information: Users have access to extensive databases of cases, statutes, and legal literature.
  • Collaboration: Many tools offer features for sharing notes, discussing findings, or working on a single case as a team.
  • AI Assistance: Advanced tools leverage Artificial Intelligence to automate tasks, predict outcomes, or offer suggestions.
  • Case Tracking: These tools often allow users to monitor updates or changes to specific legal cases.

How much do these legal research tools cost?

The cost of legal research tools varies widely depending on the features, data access, and the number of users. Most operate on a subscription-based constitution, charging on a per-user/month basis.

What are the pricing models for these tools?

Most legal research tools adopt a subscription-based pricing model. The charges usually depend on the number of users and the depth of access to legal databases. Some platforms also offer tiered pricing models where additional features cost extra.

What is the typical range of pricing?

Pricing for legal research tools can start as low as $20/user/month for basic services, scaling up to several hundred dollars for premium access.

Which is the cheapest and most expensive software?

The exact pricing is subject to change and varies from provider to provider. However, as of now, Clio is one of the more affordable options, with plans starting from $39/user/month. On the higher end, LexisNexis and Westlaw are considered more expensive, with premium plans going into several hundreds of dollars per user per month.

Are there any free legal research tools?

Yes, there are some free legal research tools available. These usually offer basic features and access to a limited number of legal resources. Examples include Google Scholar for case law research and Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute. However, paid tools generally offer more comprehensive access and advanced features.

More Legal Research and Related Tool Reviews

  • Legal Document Comparison Software
  • Legal Drafting Software
  • Free Legal Research Tools

In summary, selecting the ideal legal research tool involves more than just looking at its functionality; it requires a keen understanding of your unique needs, budget, and expectations. With numerous options available, each boasting different strengths, the task may seem daunting. However, focusing on a few critical aspects can simplify the process significantly.

Key Takeaways:

  • Identify Core Functionality: Different legal research tools excel in different areas - some offer superior AI-driven research assistance, while others are enriched by decades of experience. Understand your primary need - be it legal research, law firm management, or early state case assessment - and opt for a tool that excels in that particular practice area.
  • Consider Usability and Support: Legal research tools should be not only robust in functionality but also intuitive and easy to use. Consider factors like ease of onboarding, the intuitiveness of the interface, and the quality of customer support. It is crucial, especially if you or your team are not tech-savvy.
  • Evaluate Pricing: Pricing structures for legal research tools can vary greatly. Some offer subscription precedents, while others have one-time purchase options. Understanding your budget constraints and aligning them with the value you expect to get from the tool is vital. Also, consider any additional costs like setup fees or minimum seat requirements.

What Do You Think?

We hope this guide has proven helpful in your search for the perfect legal research tool. However, the world of legal software is vast and continually evolving. If you've come across a tool you believe deserves to be on this list, we'd love to hear from you! Please feel free to share your suggestions and experiences.

We're always open to exploring new options to ensure we provide our readers with the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide.

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Online Legal Research Software

Lawyers research online. There are no two ways about it anymore. Whether you're combing opinions for supporting caselaw, or digging through old property records, nowadays, you're doing that online. As such, you need ready and reliable access to online legal research software and services. But knowing which legal research tool to purchase can be confusing, at best. And it gets expensive very quickly.

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Online Legal Research Software FAQs

Are online legal research tools just for case law and treatises.

Although most often used to research case law and study treatises, online legal research tools can also provide background checks, people searches, data aggregation, and even memo and brief analysis.

What is a legal aggregator service?

Many online legal research services will take public and proprietary information (purchased from institutions like Equifax and TransUnion), store it in their databases, and allow users to search the aggregated information.

What legal research software is right for my firm?

Each law firm will have differing legal research software needs. Some will only need case law research, while others will rely heavily on treatises and secondary sources. Still, others will mostly be searching for personal information, or running background checks. To determine what is right for your firm, you’ll need to assess what information you’ll need access to, and find the service that provides that. Many solos and small firms will simply need case law research with the occasional secondary source access.

Will the tool my bar association offers work for my law practice?

Many bar associations across the country have deals with online legal research services to provide discounted, and even free access to their databases. Usually, this will include access to primary material, with few secondary sources. For attorneys who only need occasional access to legal resources, this may work wonderfully. However, these platforms are becoming increasingly competitive with big players in the space.

How to Choose Online Legal Research Software

Choosing an online legal research service provider for your law firm is difficult. For example, there is the fear that if you choose one, you’ll miss out on some incredible functionality in another. There is also the brutal sales pressure, the ever-escalating pricing structures, and the nagging feeling that you’re paying too much and using it too little. You’re probably annoyed with multi-year contracts and expensive add-on features. All of this may leave you bouncing from one legal research tool to another. It can be challenging to know what software, and which specific features, you need to keep your business running smoothly. We’ll try to make it easy.

4 Steps to Choose an Online Legal Research Tool

1. Determine your law firm's online legal research needs

Some tools offer limited research sets, while others allow you to explore secondary sources, check your citations, and more, and either for free or at an additional cost. Decide whether you’re only going to use a legal research tool for a particular practice area. Maybe you don’t need any other offerings.

2. Assess the available features

Read through our Features List and determine what functionality and tools your firm needs for its online legal research software.

3. Research your options

Then, devour as much information as you care to about the legal research software offerings that most interest you. Visit the product page for each, including pricing options. At a minimum, pricing should be forthright and easy to understand. After all, no one likes hidden fees. Jump into the comments and ratings below or into our Facebook group to learn how Lawyerist and its community feel about each. If you have a sales representative, ask them for references.

4. Try before you buy

Finally, sign up for a trial account with one or two likely options, put them through their paces, and select the one that you think will work best for your firm. You’re a bit like Goldilocks here. Some research tools give you far more firepower than you will ever need. Some will offer too little. Try to find one that is just right for your practice. In our view, you should be able to try before you buy. Ask for a free trial of whichever online legal research tool most interests you before you buy it. Be sure it is right for you and your practice before you drop money—or sign a multi-year contract—with your chosen provider. And be wary of companies that try to charge you before you can test the product. Some companies may give you a 30-day money-back guarantee or demand your credit card to get started with a legal research tool (and will begin billing you if you don’t cancel before your trial expires). While this isn’t ideal, any “free trial” is better than nothing.

Online Legal Research Software Feature Descriptions

Artificial intelligence (ai).

AI legal assistants can help you identify relevant cases and statutes, and may even help you draft your brief.

Natural Language Search

Can you search by entering a question in normal language rather than keywords or Boolean connectors and phrases?

Boolean Search

With Boolean operators like AND, OR, and more, you can precisely target your search query.

Citation Checking

A citation checker helps you identify whether a case or statute has been overruled, modified, or reversed or repealed.

Filter Search

Can you restrict your search to certain parts or features of cases and statutes, like the date, judge, or jurisdiction?

Research History

Research history makes it easier to find the results of previous searches or see if the law has changed with new results.

Research Folders

Organize your research history into folders.

PDF/Word Downloads

Download cases and statutes as a formatted PDF or Word document.

Suggestions

When you run a search, get suggestions for additional searches to run or material you should look at.

Flag key cases so that you get an email notification if it is cited in a new case, statute, or secondary source.

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></center></p><p>Having trouble finding your next associate? We can help. Reserve your demo today!</p><ul><li>Business Of Law</li><li>Tap into the Best Legal Research Services for Attorneys (3,500+ Freelance Lawyers for Hire)</li></ul><p><center><img style=

Every single week, we see many attorneys turning to our network of freelance lawyers for time-consuming research projects.

The fact of the matter is that most lawyers get to a point in their careers where it’s hard for them to find enough hours in their day to dig into certain issues that need to be fully researched.

And when you reach that point in your career, the best thing to do is to delegate that work.

The problem is finding someone who’s incredibly savvy with the skills and experience to get the work done, but at a rate you can afford to still maintain and grow profitability.

That’s where we come in.

In this post, we’ll cover:

  • How you can use LAWCLERK, our freelance lawyer marketplace, to find the best possible talent for your legal research needs.
  • Real examples of legal research projects that attorneys posted on our marketplace, including the project description, price they paid, and comment/rating they left for the freelance lawyer (so you can see what kind of work you yourself might be able to get help with by using our platform). 

Note: Interested in signing up for LAWCLERK and posting your first Project? We match busy attorneys with our nationwide network of freelance lawyers, who have experience in all areas of law. There are no signup fees or monthly fees, and you only pay when you’re actually hiring someone to help you with work — making it a flexible, affordable way to get the help you need, when you need it. Learn more and sign up here .

How You Can Use Our Freelance Lawyer Marketplace to Find the Talent You Need

Here’s how to post your first Project on our marketplace, step by step:

Once you’re logged in and see your dashboard, click on the plus sign icon (+) for “Post a New Project or Build a New Team,” then on the pop-up, “Create a New Project.”

Step 1 : Set the Project’s parameters, including:

  • The Project name.
  • The length of time  you’d like to accept applications.
  • The Project’s deadline .
  • The deadline date for the review draft (if applicable) .
  • The flat fee price you’re offering.
  • Which area(s) of law the Project falls under.
  • Which Project type(s) the Project falls under.
  • The skill level you’d like applicants to be.
  • Whether you’d like to post the Project to the entire marketplace, or if you’d like to take advantage of our Teams feature and post it directly to a freelance lawyer on your team.

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Step 2 : Give more information about the Project, including:

  • The Project’s description  (sample language is provided, to give you an idea of how to write it if you’re unsure or have never posted before) .
  • Details about the Project (also with sample language) .
  • Selecting whether it’s applicable to a state, federal, or other legal jurisdiction.

Note: As soon as you sign up for your account, you’re going to be matched up with one of our Dedicated LAWCLERK advisors . They can help you with any questions related to posting your Project, such as the price you should set, best practices when drafting your Project description, and so on. 

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That’s all there is to it!

Once your Project is set up and applications roll in, you can select the applicant that best suits your needs and let them handle the work for you.

Each applicant profile includes a bio, resume, writing samples, and reviews/ratings they’ve received from other attorneys on our marketplace (so you can make an informed decision to select the most qualified applicant).

legal research service providers

There’s no locked-in cost for doing business beyond the cost of the Project (unless you prefer a subscription — more on that below). 

Rather than spending the time and money to find, train, outfit, and maintain a full-time associate or even part-time paralegal, LAWCLERK allows you to simply post the Project you want done, choose the applicant who meets the need you have right now, and get the work done with no major investment or commitment on your part. Which all leads to significant cost savings.

Want Consistency? Try Our Virtual Associate Subscription Program

If you want to lock in how much help you get each month at an easy-to-budget price, you can sign up for our Virtual Associate Subscription Program .

After we launched LAWCLERK, many of our users were thrilled with the service — but we had some customers ask for a way to further integrate freelance lawyers into their law firm , for a significant number of monthly hours (rather than on a per-Project basis) .

Our subscription service was born from this need. Here’s how it works:

  • Hiring law firms and attorneys, such as yourself, can select the expertise level of the freelancer and the amount of hours you’d like to use them for each month.
  • You set how many hours you’ll need help per month in increments of 10 hours — from 10 hours up to 120 hours per month.
  • You get assistance from your Dedicated LAWCLERK Advisor to determine those variables.
  • We handle the timekeeping, bookkeeping, and even tax reporting.
  • There’s no long-term commitment, as the contract is month to month with only 30 days cancelation.
  • You now know exactly how much help you can count on from your freelancer(s) each month.

Note: For more information about our Virtual Associate Subscription Program, click here .

Example Freelance Lawyer: Dayna Maeder

Here’s an example of one of the many talented freelance lawyers on LAWCLERK who excels at legal research:

legal research service providers

And here are some highlights about Dayna:

  • She has completed over 60 projects on LAWCLERK, either meeting or exceeding expectations on 100% of them.
  • She’s a former journalist (her undergraduate studies were in journalism/mass communication), and she’s experienced in complex legal research projects and drafting appellate briefs. She enjoys research and writing projects.
  • She’s admitted in the Northern, Middle, and Southern District Courts of Florida, with primary interests in appellate law, family law, civil litigation, employment law, and criminal law.
  • In the past, she was a teaching assistant for government compliance and healthcare courses in the Florida State University College of Law Juris Master program, and she assisted in felony cases with the Children in Prison Project.
  • She also holds a Master’s in Education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction, and in her spare time, she trains students in the art of courtroom and client advocacy procedures. She’s also an associate editor for the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.

Note: Dayna Maeder is just one of the more than 3,500 lawyers in the LAWCLERK network. When you post a Project, on average, 12 candidates apply, and hiring attorneys are often incredibly surprised by their talent level, credentials, and years of experience.

Examples of Legal Research Projects by Practice Area

For examples of the kinds of research projects the freelance lawyers on LAWCLERK can do for you, below you can find multiple samples of work that have actually been done via our platform, categorized by the following areas of law:

  • Business, Corporate, and Real Estate
  • Employment, Labor, and Education
  • Entertainment and Sports
  • Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, and Probate
  • Immigration
  • Intellectual Property

We include the Project Description and Project Details as listed on LAWCLERK, as well as the hiring attorney’s comments about how well the Project was completed by the freelance attorney .

Note : This is just the tip of the iceberg. The following were taken from the “Sample Projects by Area of Law” section on our Attorney Resources page . For more examples of projects that you can delegate to freelance lawyers, such as document drafting, discovery, and more, click here .

Appellate (see more examples)

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Bankruptcy  (see more examples)

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Business, Corporate, and Real Estate (see more examples)

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Criminal (see more examples)

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Employment, Labor, and Education (see more examples)

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Entertainment and Sports (see more examples)

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Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, and Probate (see more examples)

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Immigration (see more examples)

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Intellectual Property  (see more examples)

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Litigation (see more examples)

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Non-Profit (see more examples)

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Personal Injury (see more examples)

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Tax (see more examples)

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Interested in Signing Up for LAWCLERK and Posting Your First Project?

We match busy solo attorneys and small firms with our nationwide network of freelance lawyers, who have experience in all areas of law.

There are no sign-up fees or monthly fees, and you only pay when you’re actually hiring someone to help you with work — making it a flexible, affordable way to get the help you need, when you need it. Learn more and sign up here .

Kristin Tyler, Co-Founder Lawclerk

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The Essential Guide to Legal Research Services for Lawyers

  • By Mazur Legal Research

Solo practitioners and small law firms face a unique set of challenges. Balancing the demands of case management, client interaction, and business operations can be daunting. Here’s where the strategic outsourcing of legal research services for lawyers comes into play, offering a path to thrive in today’s competitive legal landscape.

The Evolving Landscape of Legal Practice

The legal field is becoming increasingly complex. For solo lawyers and small firms, staying abreast of these changes while managing a heavy caseload can seem like a Herculean task. Outsourcing legal research services for lawyers not only helps in navigating this complexity but also ensures that your practice is built on a foundation of thorough and up-to-date legal knowledge.

Why Outsourcing Legal Research Makes Sense for Lawyers

In the dynamic world of legal practice, solo practitioners and small law firms often face the daunting challenge of balancing client representation with the voluminous demands of legal research. The solution? Outsourcing legal research services. This approach not only elevates the quality of legal work but also streamlines operational efficiency, allowing lawyers to focus on what they do best: advocating for their clients.

Access to Specialized Knowledge:  Legal research is an art and a science, requiring a deep understanding of legal precedents, statutory interpretation, and case law. By outsourcing to specialists, you gain access to experts who live and breathe legal research. These professionals are adept at navigating complex legal databases and staying abreast of the latest legal developments, ensuring that your legal arguments are both current and robust.

Cost-Effective Resource Management:  For many small firms and solo practitioners, maintaining a full-time legal research team is not financially feasible. Outsourcing offers a flexible solution—pay for expert services only when you need them. This model helps manage costs effectively, converting fixed labor costs into variable costs that can scale with your firm’s workload.

Enhancing Firm Productivity:  Time is a finite resource, particularly in the legal profession. Using legal research services for lawyers frees up valuable hours for lawyers, allowing them to concentrate on client interaction, case strategy, and courtroom advocacy. This reallocation of time can lead to better client relationships, more strategic case management, and ultimately, more successful outcomes.

Scalability and Flexibility:  The workload in a legal practice can be unpredictable, with periods of both high demand and lulls. Outsourcing provides the flexibility to scale research capabilities up or down based on current needs without the overhead of hiring or the difficulties of downsizing. This agility is crucial for small firms that need to remain competitive and responsive to client needs.

Mitigating Risks and Enhancing Quality:  Legal research services are not just about finding information; they’re about ensuring that the information is accurate, relevant, and applied correctly. Outsourcing to professionals who specialize in research mitigates the risk of overlooking crucial details that could impact case outcomes. Moreover, the quality of research and writing provided by experts can significantly enhance the persuasiveness of your legal arguments and submissions.

Competitive Advantage:  In an increasingly competitive legal market, small firms and solo practitioners must leverage every available tool to distinguish their practice. Outsourcing legal research services for lawyers allows smaller entities to punch above their weight, offering a level of research depth and legal insight that rivals larger firms. This advantage can be pivotal in complex cases where the quality of research and argumentation can make or break the client’s case.

Focus on Core Competencies:  Ultimately, the practice of law is about serving clients effectively. Outsourcing legal research allows lawyers to focus on their core competencies, whether that’s litigation, client counseling, or negotiation. By delegating research tasks, lawyers can enhance their service offering, improve client satisfaction, and even explore new areas of practice without being bogged down by the time-consuming nature of legal research.

Choosing the Right Partner

Selecting a legal research service provider is a critical decision. Look for partners who offer:

  • Expertise in your practice area(s) , ensuring that the research support you receive is both relevant and reliable.
  • A commitment to confidentiality and security , safeguarding the sensitive information that is the lifeblood of your legal practice.
  • Seamless integration  with your operations, making it easy for you to request and receive the support you need.

A true partnership is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for your clients.

Transformative Impact: Real-World Success Stories

Consider the case of a small firm specializing in personal injury law that turned to outsourced legal research services ahead of a complex trial. The comprehensive briefing provided by their research partner enabled them to challenge opposing counsel’s arguments effectively, leading to a favorable settlement for their client.

Or the solo practitioner who leveraged outsourced research to expand into a new practice area. With the support of specialized legal research, they were able to quickly get up to speed on relevant laws and precedents, successfully representing clients in a field previously beyond their reach.

These stories underscore the potential of legal research outsourcing to transform practices by extending capabilities, enhancing legal strategies, and ultimately achieving better results for clients.

Implementing Legal Research Services for Lawyers

Getting started with legal research outsourcing is straightforward:

  • Identify your needs.  What areas of your practice could benefit most from additional research support?
  • Select a provider.  Choose a partner that aligns with your practice areas, values, and operational preferences.
  • Establish workflows.  Set up processes for requesting and receiving research assistance, ensuring smooth collaboration.

Remember, communication is key. Regular check-ins with your research partner can help refine the support they provide, ensuring it continues to meet your evolving needs.

Navigating Challenges and Ensuring Success with Outsourced Legal Research

Outsourcing legal research presents a strategic opportunity for law firms, but it’s not without its challenges. Recognizing and preparing for these hurdles is key to fostering a successful partnership that enhances your firm’s capabilities and service quality.

Ensuring Quality and Relevance:  One of the primary concerns when using legal research services for lawyers is ensuring that the work meets your high standards and is directly relevant to your needs. To navigate this challenge, establish clear communication channels and provide detailed instructions regarding the scope and objectives of each research task. Consider setting up regular check-ins or review processes to assess progress and make adjustments as needed.

Protecting Client Confidentiality:  Maintaining the confidentiality of client information is paramount in the legal profession. When outsourcing, it’s essential to vet your legal research provider thoroughly to ensure they have robust data security measures in place. Additionally, including confidentiality clauses in contracts and ensuring that outsourced staff are trained on privacy laws and your firm’s specific confidentiality policies can help mitigate risks.

Managing Costs Effectively:  While outsourcing is cost-effective, it’s important to manage and monitor these costs to ensure they align with your budget and expectations. Be transparent with your service provider about your budget constraints and work together to establish a billing arrangement that provides predictability and transparency, such as flat fees for specific tasks or caps on monthly billing.

Integrating Outsourced Work Seamlessly:  Integrating the results of outsourced legal research into your firm’s workflow can be challenging, especially if there’s a learning curve with the format or depth of the provided materials. To overcome this, work with your provider to customize deliverables to match your firm’s preferences and requirements. Additionally, leveraging technology for easy sharing and collaboration can streamline integration and ensure that outsourced work complements your in-house efforts effectively.

Building a Partnership:  The most successful outsourcing relationships are those that are viewed as partnerships rather than transactional exchanges. Cultivate a relationship with your legal research provider based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared goals. Regular feedback and open dialogue can help refine the collaboration process over time, leading to increased efficiency and better results.

Staying Engaged with the Research Process:  While outsourcing can free up your time for other aspects of your practice, staying engaged with the research process is crucial for ensuring its relevance and applicability. Provide context and background for your cases, and be available to answer questions or clarify objectives. This engagement ensures that the research supports your case strategy and legal arguments effectively.

Adapting to Evolving Needs:  As your firm grows or the legal landscape changes, your needs from an outsourced legal research provider may evolve. Maintain flexibility in your outsourcing arrangements to accommodate changing requirements, whether that means scaling up services during busy periods or shifting focus to new areas of law.

For solo practitioners and small law firms, the strategic outsourcing of legal research services offers a path to not just keep up but to excel. It allows you to tap into specialized knowledge, manage your workload more effectively, and focus on what you do best: advocating for your clients.

Embrace the opportunity to elevate your practice. With the right partner, outsourcing legal research can be a game-changer, enabling you to provide exceptional service to your clients while also achieving a healthier work-life balance.

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The Best Free Legal Research Tools

Joshua Lenon

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Free legal research tools used to be a dream. High-quality legal research is a necessity for all law firms—after all, finding the right precedent or statute could give you the edge to win your case.

In the past, paid research platforms were the only choice. We accepted legal research tools as a costly-but-necessary expense for law firms. Today, however, there are excellent free tools available online. These tools mean free legal research a viable option for law firms looking to allocate funds to other areas of their practice, without compromising the quality of their research.

The only catch? You have to know where to look.

Below, we’ve collected some of the best free legal research tools for law firms to help you cut costs in an inflation economy.

(And, for even more tips on cutting costs, be sure to read our guide, Lawyers and Inflation: Staying Competitive in an Inflationary Economy. )

What is a legal research tool?

A legal research tool is software designed to help legal professionals efficiently find and analyze legal information, such as statutes, case law, and legal journals. It offers advanced search capabilities, case analysis, and document management.

7 free legal search engines and databases

The combination of more legal resources being digitized and the development of new technologies means that there’s now an overwhelming amount of legal information online. The good news? Many of these legal research resources can be found online for free. (If you want to really dive deep, browse this comprehensive resource for an in-depth listing of free legal research options.)

Below, we’ve curated seven of the best free search engines and databases help you find exactly what you need for your legal research:

What are the best free legal research tools?

Some of the best free legal research tools include Fastcase, CourtListener, Caselaw Access Project, FindLaw, Casetext, Justia, and the Legal Information Institute.

1. Fastcase: For an online law library

As one of the largest online law libraries in the world, Fastcase provides online access to case law, statutes, regulations, constitutions, court rules, and law review articles—making legal research and analysis faster and easier.

Additionally, thanks to an integration with Clio , using Fastcase makes it simple to accurately monitor the time you spend on legal research and keep your research well-ordered. Without ever having to leave Fastcase, the Clio integration allows you to:

  • Create Clio time entries for time spent on research
  • Save your results as case documents in Clio
  • Keep your research organized according to each case

While Fastcase offers a variety of paid desktop plans (you can try a free trial to test them out), their free mobile app is available for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone—and anyone with the app can access Fastcase’s comprehensive legal research database on the go, for free.

Fastcase also has the most member benefit deals with bar associations of any legal research provider. You may already have access through your bar dues.

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10 tips for smarter legal research, 18 best apps for lawyers to improve productivity, 10 predictions for the next 10 years of legal tech, 2. courtlistener: for legal opinions.

Sponsored by the Non-Profit Free Law Project, CourtListener is a legal research website featuring millions of legal opinions from federal and state courts. Search CourtListener by case name, topic, or citation—the data is all free to access and updated daily.

3. Caselaw Access Project: For book-published case law

As part of a mission to make all published US court decisions freely available to publish online, the Caselaw Access Project (CAP) offers free access to all official, book-published US case law. Every volume is designated as an official report of decisions by a court within the United States through June 2018 (Fun fact: The earliest case available is from 1658.). The 360 years of United States case law data was digitized from the collection of the Harvard Law Library.

4. FindLaw: For searchable Supreme Court decisions

Designed to make the law more accessible to all, FindLaw’s FindLaw for Legal Professionals division offers free online legal content including case law from state and federal courts, case summaries, statutes, and legal news.

FindLaw also offers a browsable, searchable database of US Supreme Court decisions since 1760. Browse Supreme Court opinions by year and US Reports volume number, or search by party name, case title, citation, full text, and docket number. FindLaw also features an archive of Supreme Court opinion summaries since the year 2000.

5. Legal Information Institute: For US law online and a legal encyclopedia

Legal Information Institutes (LII) are a global resource that offers open access to law knowledge. There are over 46 LII associations around the world that publish source law through their own search engines, providing freely accessible case laws, regulations, and statutes unique to those countries.

The Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School provides access to most US laws online for free, making it a good resource when you need to find a statute or regulation, while also providing online access to legal materials like the:

  • Supreme Court Bulletin
  • State statutes by topic
  • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR)
  • Constitution
  • Federal Rules
  • Uniform Commercial Code

Another free research resource hosted by LII is Wex—a free, community-built legal dictionary and legal encyclopedia created and edited by legal experts.

6. Casetext: For AI assistance

Technically, number six on this list isn’t free, but low-cost artificial intelligence-powered options for legal research can make a huge difference for your bottom line. Powered by AI to help you conduct legal research better and faster, Casetext’s search finds you cases and other authorities on the same facts, legal issues, and jurisdiction as your matter.

The process is simple:

1. Drag and drop a brief or complaint into Casetext’s artificial intelligence search, CARA. 2. Get relevant cases from CARA that enhance your research for your own drafts, or to check for missing or omitted cases within opposing council’s briefs and complaints.

The practice is even smoother via Casetext’s Clio integration , which lets you send a document from Clio to CARA in a single click.

Casetext’s AI search is a low-cost option for legal research—though you can get a free 14-day trial.

Read our comprehensive guide about AI for lawyers to learn more about how lawyers can (and can’t) leverage AI.

7. Justia: For the latest summaries sent straight to you

Research case law, codes, statutes, regulations, and articles related to federal and state cases with Justia’s extensive, free database .

You can also stay effortlessly well-informed on specific practice areas with Justia. It will send the latest straight to your inbox with an array of free newsletters ranging from daily summaries of opinions from all federal appellate courts and all 50 state supreme courts to weekly summaries of opinions in certain practice areas.

Beyond legal databases: Other free research resources

As valuable as legal databases are for your case research, there are also other alternative sources where you can find information and resources to support your legal research. Below, we offer a few free and cost-effective options for help build your case.

1. Primary sources: For going straight to the source

Sometimes, the easiest way to get the information you need is to be direct. You can find many case law and court documents online for free. Legislatures and courts are publishing their own materials, which are sometimes now available online as downloadable PDFs.

Keep in mind that some online versions are not considered “official” and can be refuted by the print version, even though they come from the same source.

Here are some resources you can access directly online:

  • US Office of the Law Revision Counsel
  • Bound Volumes of the Supreme Court
  • Rulings from regulatory and administrative agencies like, Social Security Administration , Financial Crimes Enforcement Network , and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Remember that while this information might be easy to access through primary sources, you’ll likely miss out on the advanced search functions or analysis features that you’d find with legal search engines and databases.

Also, older legal information may not be available online yet. In this situation, visit a library and look for archived legal information that is unavailable elsewhere. You may also find potential collaborators in your colleagues (and the librarians) who will be researching there as well. These collaborators will be a great source for information on what arguments worked in the past, and may help you find local knowledge you might not be able to uncover yourself.

If you are a member of a bar association, you should also make full use of the resources available to you through your member benefits, such as:

  • Courthouses
  • Law schools
  • Bar Association headquarters

2. Legal blogs: For keeping up-to-date

One of the best ways to become a more efficient legal researcher is to stay ahead of the game. The best way to do that? Maintain your subject matter competency. Keep up-to-date on the latest developments in your practice area by regularly reading legal journals and legal blogs.

One of your best sources is the American Bar Association (ABA)’s annual list , which started in 2007 as the Blawg 100 list of blogs. It has since evolved into the Web 100 list of favorite law blogs, podcasts, tweeters, and web tools—a.k.a. a list of the best free law-focused resources and people to follow.

LexBlog—an online network of over 22,000 legal bloggers—is a hub of the latest commentary on the law. Sorting blogs by channels , LexBlog makes it easy to find and subscribe to legal blogs that focus on your specific area of law.

By maintaining subject-matter competency, you’ll already have cases and ideas top-of-mind—so that when you’re presented with a new case, you won’t always be starting from scratch.

3. Google Scholar: For searching legal journals and published opinions

Although not specifically tailored to legal research, Google Scholar allows you to broadly search and access scholarly literature—which means it’s an effective, free way to find legal documents like patents, legal opinions, legal journals, and articles.

Want the simplest way to search case law? On the Google Scholar main page, select the “Case Law” button under the search box to easily search case law, filtered by jurisdiction.

Final thoughts

Conducting smart legal research that’s thorough, accurate, and time-effective makes a big difference to the success of your law firm—but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Today’s free legal research resources help you be more efficient so you can serve your clients more effectively, and stay a step ahead of the competition.

Cutting costs for your legal research can also make room in your budget for technology that helps you run your firm more efficiently. Introducing legal practice management software like Clio, for example, can help you increase—or even double—revenue .

Clio enables you to automate routine tasks, keep your legal research organized, and easily report on key business metrics—helping you to make your law firm profitable and efficient. Want to see how? Book a demo today!

How can I do legal research for free?

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), GovInfo offers free virtual access to congressional reports, official federal government publications, public laws, congressional records, hearings, and more. Do your research, as there are free and low-cost databases and tools available.

What are the top legal research databases?

The top legal research databases include:

  • Westlaw : Known for its extensive case law database and advanced search features.
  • LexisNexis : Offers a vast collection of legal resources, including statutes, case law, and secondary sources.
  • Bloomberg Law : Provides integrated legal research, news, and business intelligence tools.
  • Fastcase : Offers a comprehensive legal research database with unique visualization tools.
  • HeinOnline : Known for its extensive collection of legal journals, historical legal documents, and government publications.
  • Casetext : Utilizes artificial intelligence to provide relevant case law and legal research resources.
  • JSTOR : Provides access to academic journals and legal scholarship.

What software is used for legal research?

There are many legal research softwares available today, including Tracers, Casetext, and Fastcase. These programs integrate seamlessly with legal practice management software such as Clio.

What are the six basic steps of legal research?

The six basic steps of legal research are: identifying the legal issue, gathering background information from secondary sources, finding relevant statutes and regulations, locating applicable case law, analyzing and interpreting the information, and updating and verifying to ensure it is current and accurate.

We published this blog post in August 2019. Last updated: August 8, 2024 .

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Meet Clio Duo, the AI-powered partner you've been waiting for. Be among the first to see it in action.

Teresa Matich is an experienced legal tech writer and editor who is passionate about helping legal professionals learn more about the business of law. After attending the University of British Columbia, she worked as an office clerk at a well-respected real estate law firm in Vancouver while building her writing career, absorbing a wealth of knowledge about the legal industry and the inner workings of legal firms.

Now, over half a decade writing about the business of law and legal tech, she has edited and been a long time writer for the award-winning Clio Blog, where she's written dozens of articles about law firm marketing, billing, organization, and more. In addition, she has written for publications such as GP Solo, Legal Technology Today, and Above the Law. Finally, she's interviewed dozens of practicing lawyers and leading legal industry thinkers, including Preet Bharara and Bryan Stevenson.

Joshua Lenon is the Lawyer in Residence at Clio, an attorney admitted to the New York Bar. For over a decade, Joshua has brought legal scholarship to the forefront of Clio, to the conversations happening both within Clio and with its customers. Joshua has worked extensively to educate lawyers on technology's capability to enhance their practice while also teaching tech companies about the unique needs of the legal system. Joshua's insights lead evolution at Clio, driving advancements that benefit law firms, their clients, and the entire legal landscape.

Joshua is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, but now calls the west coast of Canada home in Vancouver, BC. He studied law at St. Louis University School of Law, obtaining a Juris Doctorate and a Certificate in International and Comparative Law. He also earned a Certificate in European Union Law at the University of Georgia School of Law's prestigious Brussels Legal Seminar.

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Free Legal Research Resources - United States

Federal law & gov't docs, secondary sources, data sources, getting help, how to use this guide.

This guide contains selected, free, online United States federal and state legal research materials.

Many lawyers have access to paid databases. Yet, combining paid and free resources, can help them to avoid potentially expensive searches. According to a 2020 Legal Technology Survey Report, nearly 60% of lawyers “say they regularly use free online resources to conduct legal research.”

  • Legal Technology - ABA Legal Profile

For researchers without access to paid databases, the following resources may be essential. Legal research is often more effective when using a local law library. To learn more about law libraries throughout the United States, visit:

  • Local Law Libraries by AJ Blechner Last Updated Apr 12, 2024 1090 views this year

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Statutes and Legislative Materials

Statutes and legislative materials are becoming available freely online, with increasing frequency. Free resources can be a great starting place for statutory research. However, always make sure you confirm your findings in an authoritative version of the law.

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Case Law and Court Documents

Federal case law and court documents are often available freely online, particularly recently decided cases. Check the website of the deciding court for digital copies of their cases. In addition, the following resources provide free case law.

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Case Validation

Case involves ensuring that cases have not been overruled or negatively impacted by later caselaw. Case searching and retrieval through free databases is increasingly achievable. However, paid services are still most often used to validate cases. Tools that facilitate this case validation process are called citators. The best way to access free citators is through state and local public law libraries. To find a state or local law library visit:

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State Statutes and Regulations

Many states and localities publish some or all of their legislative materials on their website. Consider starting with the website of the state or locality in question. Remember, materials on official government websites, may not be the “official copy.” The National Conference of State Legislators provides a list of State Legislative Websites.

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The sources below provide alternatives for hard-to-find state materials.

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State Case Law and Court Documents

Courts are increasingly making their materials freely available online, frequently via the court website. This is particularly true for state Supreme Courts. When looking for state case law, consider starting with the website of the deciding court. The National Center for State Courts provides a list of state court websites.

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U.S. Treaties

Several government-sponsored websites provide the full-text of U.S. treaties on the web. Refer to the list below for date ranges for each sources.

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Foreign & International Law

For free resources on foreign and international law, see our foreign and international law guide:

  • Free Legal Research Resources - Foreign & International by AJ Blechner Last Updated Sep 12, 2023 1028 views this year

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Google Scholar offers access to many legal documents including patents, legal opinions and journals. Use the search box below and select the appropriate options from the dropdown menu at the top left of your screen.

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While many journals are only available through paid databases, high-quality, open access journals are increasingly common. The following sources collect freely available journal articles.

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Books, Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, Treatises, Dissertations, Etc.

Secondary sources are also increasingly available online for free. 

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Federal Data Sources

Many government data sources are made available to the public for free online. Check the websites of relevant agencies or organizations to look for additional data.

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Questions about Practical Guidance? We’ve got answers. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.

How can you develop specialized insight—especially in rapidly evolving and less familiar areas of law? Even experienced attorneys consult treatises by leading authors frequently cited by the courts. Deep perspective comes from law reviews, journals, analysis of emerging issues, newsletters, blogs, litigation documents and more. Transactional attorneys can also benefit from legal practice tools, analysis and guidance.

Whether you’re working on legal documents, negotiating deals or performing other work, Practical Guidance ® gives you access to vital tools, analysis and practical guidance. Consult checklists, drafting notes, alternative clauses and sample agreements directly related to the topic at hand. Count on guidance from experienced attorneys at leading firms, and visit our author center any time.

Print &amp; Digital Publishing Solutions

Print & Digital Publishing Solutions

Matthew Bender treatises are relied upon for legal insights prepared by top practitioners. Dig deeper with authoritative analysis of topics in your specific area of law. Learn about the full portfolio of Print and Digital Publishing Solutions.

Briefs, Pleadings and Motions

Briefs, Pleadings and Motions

Timely, topical court documents help you build on established insights related to significant legal issues. The LexisNexis ® collection of legal briefs, motions, pleadings and jury instructions are retrieved from noteworthy cases identified by experienced Mathew Bender ® and Mealey's ™ legal editors. These resources link directly to case opinions and other key documents.

Emerging Issues Analysis

Emerging Issues Analysis at Lexis ®

Gain guidance from practicing attorneys on the most important and rapidly emerging national, state and international issues with LexisNexis ® Emerging Issues Analysis. Commentaries examine a wide range of recent legal cases, regulations, trends and developments in a multitude of practice areas.

Meet the experts

Check out the Practical Guidance ® Practice Area Author Center. It’s a virtual “Who’s Who” of leading area-of-law experts.

Buy the book?

Browse trusted, court-cited Matthew Bender titles and much more at the LexisNexis ® Store.

Our legal and business landscape is constantly changing. How can you be among the first to know about new developments, analyze trends, gain insight and take action? Explore convenient online tools that help you track case law, validation, legal news, business issues, court records, legislative and regulatory developments, securities news and more.

LexisNexis ® Alerts at Lexis ®

Stay on top of legal and business news, and be ready to distribute critical information quickly. Use intuitive online tools to search the LexisNexis ® collection of legal news, business and financial from authoritative sources around the world. Save key searches as alerts to receive updates on the timetable you choose―even real time. And it’s easy to set up a Shepard’s Alert ® to stay on top of cases and statutes.

50-State Surveys of Statutes &amp; Regulations

50-State Surveys of Statutes & Regulations

To perform a quick and factual comparison across states, select a LexisNexis ® 50-State Survey covering every state’s current law on a particular topic—statutes, regulations and court rules—all in one document. Each survey offers direct links to statutes, regulations and/or court rules on Lexis ® , a summary of key topic trends, and links to federal and industry mandates.

The CourtLink ® Service with Alerts & Tracks

CourtLink ® docket and document research tools help you conduct thorough due diligence, monitor litigation affecting your legal practice and identify new business opportunities. Search across the full text of more than 168 million federal and state court dockets and documents in a single click, filter to view exactly what you need, and receive timely alerts and tracks on new and ongoing case filings.

State Net ®

State Net ® tools enable you to reduce risk by identifying, assessing and responding quickly to legislative and regulatory activity. Benefit from single-source access to thousands of documents and resources collected, edited and linked for relevancy by experts with deep-domain experience. Use State Net resources to store, analyze, segment, track and report on relevant legislation and regulations.

The Lexis ® Securities Mosaic ® service brings together securities, federal regulatory, disclosure and legal transaction information. This constantly updated research database alerts you to the publication of any new SEC release within minutes, and SEC EDGAR ® filings are updated in real time.

White Paper: The high cost of “free” news

If you rely on the “open Web” and tools like Google Alerts ® for your must-have news and business coverage, you could be missing vital information. Read our “Monitoring the News” White Paper to learn more.

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White Paper: “The Game of Rules”—the importance of monitoring government regulations

Every time you think you know the rules—they change. Learn how you can take a proactive and forward-looking approach to keeping up with the speed of regulatory changes today.

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LexisNexis ® Legal Newsroom

Get fast access to today’s top legal headlines—breaking cases, rulings and more. Plus expert commentary and analysis you won’t find anywhere else.

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Over 9,000 state & federal agencies—and only one of you?

Each day agencies churn out thousands of new proposals and regulatory changes. That’s why countless law firms, compliance and government affairs professionals count on LexisNexis State Net. Find out why.

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You have your legal research results … but how can you put your insight to work in documents and case strategy? Stay organized with convenient online folders for your research, plus legal forms, checklists and other efficiency tools. You can even integrate your research and validation with Microsoft ® Outlook ® and Microsoft ® Word—as well as your own internal documents.

Use Lexis ® folders to save legal documents along with your highlighting and annotations. Lexis also gives you access to legal forms for specific practice areas and jurisdictions, plus checklists and related drafting tools.

Get a head start on drafting with access to hundreds of relevant forms, sample agreements and drafting notes related to the topic and task at hand. Practical Guidance ® also helps to simplify your routine by providing practical guidance, checklists, model documents and legal analysis.

Lexis ® for Microsoft Office ®

Dramatically reduce the time needed to draft, review and respond to legal documents. You can access authoritative LexisNexis ® resources and convenient tools for checking citations, creating a Table of Authorities and more—all from within the Microsoft ® Word and Outlook ® software you use every day.

Lexis ® Search Advantage

Reduce the number of steps needed to perform legal research by adding enterprise-wide search enhancements. Incorporate Shepard’s Signal ™ indicators and links to case/code citations in your internal work product to ensure you’re not missing relevant information.

CaseMap ®

If you are involved in litigation, save your Lexis ® research in a centralized file using CaseMap ® case analysis software. CaseMap ties together facts, legal issues and evidence to help you identify issues, develop a chronology, improve strategy and generate polished case reports. You can also securely share legal research and insight across offices for easier collaboration.

Lexis ® for Microsoft Office ® : Make the most of your time and tools

Shepardize ® citations—without leaving your Word document. Profile companies or key parties—from within your email. Less time spent jumping back and forth between your email, word processing and online legal research tools means greater efficiency. Only Lexis for Microsoft Office brings these must-have resources together in powerful, productive new ways. Seeing is believing.

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With so much data at your fingertips, how can you connect the dots and draw sound conclusions? Whether you’re building a legal case, making a deal or handling a matter, easy-to-use tools can help you assess risk and identify fact patterns vital to your strategy. You can turn facts into intelligence and insight into action.

LexisNexis ® Dossier

LexisNexis ® Dossier helps you develop deeper insights on existing and prospective clients, business partners, vendors, competitors and industries so you can make fully informed business decisions. Identify and pre-qualify prospective clients, conduct in-depth company and financial analysis, and quickly create custom reports.

CourtLink ® Strategic Profiles

Gain insight on the litigation history of judges, experts, litigants and opposing counsel―as well as trends related to specific natures of suit—with easy-to-read graphs, data charts and facts. CourtLink ® Strategic Profiles help you develop legal case strategy, vet new hires, draft more successful pleadings and motions, and make settlement recommendations.

Formulate a winning medical malpractice strategy with help from an interactive dashboard combining medical and legal content, standard of care analysis, case assessment, verdicts and settlements, and a directory of experts.

LexisNexis ® Verdict & Settlement Analyzer

Efficient, thorough analysis of jury verdicts and settlements can help you assess opportunity and risk, and optimize legal case valuation. Dynamic graphics enable you to identify trends, manipulate variables, chart potential outcomes and drill down into the cases most relevant to you.

Context

Craft more persuasive arguments when you know how your judge will likely rule and how well your expert will stand up in court. Only Context offers case-law language analytics that reveal experts’ challenge histories and pinpoint case passages your judge most relies on.

White Paper–Six Critical Tasks for Medical Malpractice Cases

Medical malpractice cases can be complex, confusing and costly. But, by implementing the right tools and performing six essential tasks you can bring order to your medical malpractice cases—and increase your chances of winning.

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Case Study: Lexis Medical Navigator ™ —virtually pain-free medical malpractice research

Clore Law Clore Law Group says benefits of Lexis Medical Navigator ™ make it a no “no-brainer” –and must-have tool for end-to-end medical malpractice research. Find out why.

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A day in the life of a litigator

You start your day early and end late. Your litigation research needs are vital and varied. From tracking the latest filings, to assessing potential outcomes and researching key case players, you need litigation research tools as fast and agile as you are.

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Where do you work? How do you work? Today it varies from person to person—and sometimes moment to moment. Whether you’re at your desk or on the go, you can get flexible content delivered your way with streamlined, integrated tools for online legal research, as well as authoritative print titles, a wide range of up-to-date eBooks, a Digital Library solution and mobile tools to help you succeed from anywhere.

eBooks and print publications for your practice area

eBooks and print publications for your practice area

LexisNexis ® eBooks make your legal library portable and accessible 24/7 via a variety of eReaders on a Mac ® , PC or mobile device. Choose from eBooks specific to your legal practice areas, and benefit from dynamic links to cases and citations. Updates are available as part of your subscription. As always, you can also order the latest print publications to make sure law volumes in your office are current and relevant to your areas of practice.

eBooks and print publications for your jurisdiction

eBooks and print publications for your jurisdiction

Consult legal texts for your jurisdiction from anywhere. LexisNexis ® eBooks make your legal library portable and accessible 24/7 via a variety of eReaders on a Mac ® , PC or mobile device. Benefit from dynamic links to cases and citations relevant to your jurisdiction. Your subscription can include updates. Plus, the latest print publications are available from the LexisNexis ® Store so you can make sure volumes in your office are up to date and relevant.

LexisNexis ® Digital Library

LexisNexis and OverDrive ® ―the digital library provider chosen by 22,000 libraries, schools and colleges worldwide―have joined forces to offer you a customized library solution. LexisNexis Digital Library can increase mobile access and research productivity while helping you save legal subscription costs and manage title usage.

LexisNexis ® Mobile Solutions

A variety of LexisNexis apps and legal mobile sites help you make informed, on-the-spot decisions. Download a convenient app for CourtLink ® Alerts and Tracks, legal news or TextMap ® transcript management software. Visit mobile sites for State Net ® , LexisNexis ® Get Cases & Shepardize ® and Customer Support. And now, Lexis ® gives you truly responsive design―you chose the mobile device, and the Lexis screens adapt to fit your view―no need to use an app for that.

Lexis ® online integration with legal tools

Search comprehensive resources using the intuitive Lexis ® interface, and link to integrated tools for validation, case assessment, strategy, transactional work and more―all in the same place.

Where and how do you work? Today it varies from person to person—and moment to moment. You can get content delivered in a wide range of eBooks, a Digital Library solution and mobile tools to help you succeed from anywhere. Learn more about Publishing Solutions here.

LexisNexis eBooks: Master the art of “on-the-go”

On a plane, in court, anywhere you go, LexisNexis eBooks go with you. It’s the same trusted, insightful and interconnected content—only portable. Discover the flexibility and freedom of untethered access to critical content—anytime, anywhere

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Build your digital library

Browse our extensive library of available eBooks. Titles organized by jurisdiction, practice area and more.

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Take a byte: Sample an eBook—risk-free

Select from from a variety of titles—available in multiple formats so they can be read across a wide range of tablets and eReaders.

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Legal Research & Writing Services

Today’s fast-paced legal environment leaves little time for errors and even less time for conducting quality research. Legal research and writing entails extensive, well-reasoned, and succinct writing tactics typically perfected by training and experience. For a practicing legal professional who happens to be already hard-pressed for time, it is usually challenging to find time for detailed legal research and writing. This is where our attorneys from Legal Support World, a reputable provider of legal research and writing services, come into the picture to help you out.

With over 16 years of experience, we, as a legal research and writing company, offer unique legal support services to assist attorneys and law firms in meeting strict deadlines and fulfilling unpredicted client requirements without having to spend money on hiring full-time in-house staff.

Our attorneys specialize in making use of LexisNexis and Westlaw databases to carry out legal research for suitable cases, statutes, and stipulations. Our highly efficient team of attorneys and paralegals originate from diverse backgrounds and impart their rich experience in conducting effectual legal research for our clients. They proficiently sift through data by means of various research tools readily available to us, provided by these legal research companies. Our legal research services are designed to support your practice by offering comprehensive research and analysis, ensuring that solid legal precedents and statutory authority back every case. Consistent additional training and updates related to the ever-changing laws strengthen our teams’ analytical abilities and detail-oriented methodology.

Legal Research Services

Our Legal Research and Writing Services

Legal research services:.

The legal research is carried out using a variety of resources like newspapers, books, journals, periodicals, and several other online sources, often provided by reputable legal research service providers. An apparent knowledge about the goal facilitates our professionals in extracting information that is valuable. Our rigorous quality control measures ascertain that the information gathered is from reputable sources.

For case-specific research, our experts perform their tasks in tandem with the main attorney to make sure that the purpose is fulfilled. We additionally conduct comprehensive research of past cases and judgments passed and present an overview to have feasible expectations concerning the case. This collaborative approach ensures thoroughness and accuracy in legal research services.

  • Litigation and non-litigation research
  • Statutory legal research
  • Multi-jurisdictional surveys
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  • International law research
  • Federal legislative history research
  • Regulatory and administrative law research
  • Legislative bill tracking research
  • LexisNexis/Westlaw research
  • Legal research of secondary sources
  • Jury verdict and settlement research
  • Legal opinions

Legal Writing Services

Motion to dismiss, Motion for a directed verdict, Motion for a new trial, Motion for summary judgment, Motion to compel, Motion in limine, and so on.

Case Evaluation briefs, Trial briefs, Appellate briefs, and so on.

Memorandums:

Legal Research Memorandums, Investigative Memorandums and Memorandum of Law

Pre-Trial and Discovery:

Initial Disclosures, Interrogatories, Depositions, Request for Admissions, and Production of Documents

Applications, Complaints, Petitions, Responses, Answers, Motion, Replies and so on.

Legal Correspondence:

Opinion Letters Advocacy Letters etc.

Get Expert Legal Research & Writing Assistance!

Why Outsource Legal Research and Writing Services

Optimized Turnaround Time

Optimized Turnaround Time

Stringent Security Measures

Stringent Security Measures

Unparalleled Work Quality

Unparalleled Work Quality

Significant Cost-Efficiency

Significant Cost-Efficiency

Global Accessibility

Global Accessibility

Legal Insights and Advisory

Legal Insights and Advisory

Case studies.

Outsource Function: Legal Research

Legal Support World helped a US-based corporate law firm with legal research on companies listed in US stocks, providing a valuable-information database.

Outsource Function: Legal Data Extraction

Legal Support World helped a US-based client law firm via our competitive legal data extraction services. Fast project delivery. High service quality standards.

Outsource Function: Will & Operating Agreement Drafting

Legal Support World helped a US-based Estate Planning attorney through our fast and affordable Will & Operating Agreement Drafting services.

What Our Clients Say

We’ve been using the services of LSW since 3 years now, at both the lawyer and paralegal level, and have been thoroughly satisfied with the quality of their deliverables. We value our association with LSW and will never be reluctant in working together with them in the near future.

I have worked with LSW for 5 years. The lawyers here are an essential part of our in-house legal team. We get the work on-time & in an accurate manner. Their team has a great knowledge about US laws. Highly recommended to all the lawyers looking for legal support.

I was really impressed to see how LSW managed to put together an amazing team for a crucial contract review project. Not only did it help save a lot of money for our client, it also made it easier for us to finish the project on-time. We will certainly use their services again.

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Top Marketing Research Companies Specializing in Legal Research

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Chattanooga, TN

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Washington, DC

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LegalResearch.com

A Message from Our CEO

Yet, one could safely say we are one of the best kept secrets in the legal and regulatory market.

. . . until now.

Welcome to LegalResearch.com, a ‘first of kind’ destination for litigation & compliance professionals.

Whether you manage complex litigation or regulatory compliance risk . . . and when you absolutely need to get it right, and get it right now, I trust you will find what you are looking for here. Just  Ask Us .

LegalResearch.com brings a best-in-class team of legal experts who are your secret weapon in litigation and your vanguard for managing compliance risk. Whatever your litigation or compliance issue, we stand ready to help you find your pathway as your trusted partner, on your terms, your timing, and your budget.

We are very good at what we do – many say we are the best.  Rather than taking my word for it, please take a moment to review how Our Customers Say it Best .

We aspire to be the world’s most respected legal intelligence company that professionals trust and rely on to make the law clear and applicable to any circumstance they may face, while advancing the tenets of equal access, fairness, transparency and justice every day.

Customer Leadership Mindset

We work tirelessly to win the hearts and minds of our customers with authentic and personable service delivered with integrity, quality and responsiveness – customer leadership is not corporate speak to us, it’s how we work for you.

Innovation Made Practical

We innovate every day on behalf of our customers, in ways that matter and are beneficial to their worlds – innovation is not theory to us, it’s what we do every day.

Teamwork Inspired Culture

We foster a culture of leadership and teamwork, where every team member is entrusted and supported to deliver above and beyond for our customers – teamwork is not aspirational to us, it’s how we stand apart from the rest.

Commitment to Community

We are active stewards of the law and strive to exemplify the role of corporate citizenship, supporting the right ways to do business in a sustainable, socially conscious and legally compliant way – good citizenship is not a notion to us, it’s demonstrated in our work every day.

We invite you to use LegalResearch.com, and please let us know what you think, and what more you would like to see – just email me at [email protected]

Kind regards,

Kevin Ritchey

Kevin Ritchey

Russia reinforces Kursk region, videos show Ukrainian presence, evidence of attack

  • Medium Text
  • Russia boosts firepower, imposes anti-terror measures
  • First Ukrainian video of troops controlling gas facility
  • Second video shows column of charred Russian vehicles
  • Ukraine exposes Russian intelligence failings
  • Rouble falls against U.S. dollar

VIDEO SAID TO BE IN RUSSIAN GAS FACILITY

Satellite image shows damaged Sudzha border crossing in Oleshnya, Kursk Region

ADVANCING INTO RUSSIAN TERRITORY

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Reporting by Mark Trevelyan in London, Editing by Ron Popeski, Alistair Bell and Diane Craft

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

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Thomson Reuters

Chief writer on Russia and CIS. Worked as a journalist on 7 continents and reported from 40+ countries, with postings in London, Wellington, Brussels, Warsaw, Moscow and Berlin. Covered the break-up of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. Security correspondent from 2003 to 2008. Speaks French, Russian and (rusty) German and Polish.

French President Emmanuel Macron visits the Olympic village in Paris

Russia's Putin to talk Middle East crisis with Palestinian President Abbas, Kremlin says

Russia's President Vladimir Putin will discuss the situation in the Middle East with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Moscow on Tuesday, the Kremlin said late on Monday.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are seen at the Firing Room Four after the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft, from Cape Canaveral

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COMMENTS

  1. Westlaw

    Westlaw is the most trusted and award-winning legal research service. Related Westlaw offerings. Practical Law. Accelerate how you find answers with powerful generative AI capabilities and the expertise of 650+ attorney editors. With Practical Law, access thousands of expertly maintained how-to guides, templates, checklists, and more across all ...

  2. The Best Online Legal Research Services

    Legal research is a pivotal aspect of a lawyer's profession, shaping the course of cases and ensuring justice prevails. As a result, selecting the most suitable legal research services is paramount.

  3. Guide to the 20 Best Legal Research Tools In 2024

    Fastcase - Best for real-time legal data integration for robust research. Lexis PSL - Best for precise and pragmatic legal guidance tailored to UK lawyers. Bloomberg Law - Best for high-quality, detailed legal analysis with real-time news updates. Practical Law - Best for in-depth practical legal know-how, from global to jurisdiction-specific.

  4. Best Online Legal Research Software Reviews (2024)

    Compare and choose online legal research tools for your law firm based on features, pricing, and ratings. Learn how to use AI, natural language search, citation checking, and more to find relevant cases and statutes.

  5. Westlaw Edge

    The value of Westlaw Edge. "Get Westlaw Edge and don't hesitate. It is absolutely worth it. It'll make you a better attorney. It'll make your firm better. And you'll serve your clients better than you have before.". Westlaw is the most trusted and award-winning legal research service.

  6. Tap into the Best Legal Research Services for Attorneys (3,500

    Here's how to post your first Project on our marketplace, step by step: Once you're logged in and see your dashboard, click on the plus sign icon (+) for "Post a New Project or Build a New Team," then on the pop-up, "Create a New Project.". Step 1: Set the Project's parameters, including:. The Project name.; The length of time you'd like to accept applications.

  7. Best Legal Research Software Reviews 2024

    What is Legal Research Software? Legal Research Software is a tool designed to assist legal professionals in conducting legal research and accessing relevant legal information. It provides access to comprehensive legal databases, case laws, statutes, regulations, legal journals, and other legal resources, as well as tools for searching ...

  8. List of Top Legal Research Software 2024

    Legal Research Software reviews, comparisons, alternatives and pricing. The best Legal Research solutions for small business to enterprises. ... Brightmine is a division of LexisNexis Data Services, within RELX®, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools. RELX serves customers in 180+ countries with 35,000+ employees.…

  9. Best Legal Research Software: User Reviews from August 2024

    SB. Researched and written by Samarth Bhat. Legal research software provides tools for lawyers to study statutes, case laws, and specific legal practice areas. When working through a case or preparing for trial, law firms can utilize this software to make sense of data points and determine the most applicable precedents.

  10. The Essential Guide to Legal Research Services for Lawyers

    Selecting a legal research service provider is a critical decision. Look for partners who offer: Expertise in your practice area(s), ensuring that the research support you receive is both relevant and reliable. A commitment to confidentiality and security, safeguarding the sensitive information that is the lifeblood of your legal practice.

  11. Legal Research Services for Attorneys

    Legal Research Services for Attorneys. NLRG founded the legal research services industry in 1969 with the mission of providing solo practitioners, small law firms, and corporate counsel with trial and appellate briefs, memoranda, motions, pleadings, and multi-state surveys - the same specialized legal research firepower enjoyed by large firms, at an affordable price, on an "as needed" basis.

  12. The Best Free Legal Research Tools and Databases

    Some of the best free legal research tools include Fastcase, CourtListener, Caselaw Access Project, FindLaw, Casetext, Justia, and the Legal Information Institute. 1. Fastcase: For an online law library. As one of the largest online law libraries in the world, Fastcase provides online access to case law, statutes, regulations, constitutions ...

  13. Legal Research & Writing Services for Attorneys

    The Nation's Oldest and Largest Legal Research Firm: The National Legal Research Group founded the legal research industry in 1969 to provide research, writing and substantive expertise to all attorneys--solo practitioners, corporate counsel, large firms, and counsel for municipal, state and federal government. NLRG has assisted more than 50,000 attorneys on over 170,000 projects--more than ...

  14. Legal Research Basics: A Step-By-Step Guide to Brushing Up ...

    Step 1: Record the Facts of Your Case and Create a Research Plan. Handling a legal task with authority requires confidence in the process. This is true in any practice, jurisdictional setting, or level of legal expertise. A good process should start by taking time to identify and understand the facts of your case.

  15. About Us

    Introducing LegalResearch.com, a "first of kind" destination for litigation and compliance professionals. Whether you're managing complex litigation or regulatory compliance risk, our trusted legal research platform and expert research, analysis and writing services provide you with the essential resources you need for navigating the law ...

  16. Home

    This guide contains selected, free, online United States federal and state legal research materials. Many lawyers have access to paid databases. Yet, combining paid and free resources, can help them to avoid potentially expensive searches. According to a 2020 Legal Technology Survey Report, nearly 60% of lawyers "say they regularly use free ...

  17. Legal Research & Guidance Solutions

    Manage legal research with confidence, identify and integrate knowledge faster, and track workflows confidently and efficiently. Feel confident your research is accurate and complete while finishing your work faster than ever before. Get a jumpstart on your research with generative AI, find cases faster with more precise search technology, and ...

  18. Legal Research and Practical Guidance tools

    Shepard's ® Citations Service at Lexis ®. Find legal cases dealing with issues similar to yours, and ensure the authority you are using is good law. Experienced attorney-editors adhere to strict standards in developing Shepard's ® validation and analysis. Easily Shepardize ® cases, codes and more, then view the history of citing decisions in a map or grid format with Shepard's ...

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    Average rating of Litigation Partner and Compliance Partner services on a 5 point scale. 2000 + New cases, and updated statutes and regulations, every day. 40000 + Laws and regulations surveyed annually for our compliance customers. ... "Thank you for the best legal research value anywhere. I just sent notices to the 350 lawyers who belong to ...

  20. Legal Research and Writing Services to Law Firms

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