Comments on: More thoughts about WestlawNext (UPDATED)

By: Anderson

Anderson — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:20:29 +0000

“Attorneys do not look at documents on Westlaw beyond the first 5 to 10 results. I suspect it’s the same for Lexis, and pretty much any search site nowadays”

Omigod. I’ve been researching retroactive application of regulations, to prep for a Fifth Circuit argument, and I’ve been scanning lists of 20 to 75 opinions at a time.

What kind of lawyer are we talking about here?

By: Rebelyell

Rebelyell — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:43:00 +0000

The nearest law school to me doesn’t have any West Digests. They just have PUBLIC Westlaw terminals and lawyers are welcome to use them for research because they will bill you for your copies if you show your bar card.

On the downside, it’s a 70 minute drive and costs $10 to park.

I miss the books, which allowed you to see cases in other keys, where you could see that that had applicability, too. And it never fails that as soon as I get 20 minutes towards home, I remember something I forgot to search.

By: David

David — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:53:47 +0000

Just found your post. Thanks.

By: NMC

NMC — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:11:52 +0000

I’ve heard that about it, too, David, and have not yet had a chance to try it. I’ve posted about it.

By: David

David — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:51:33 +0000

NMC

Not too far off the road from the issue in your post, have you heard anything about Fastcase? New app (free). Doesn’t shepardize but pulls the cases pretty well. The statutes seem out of date. Otherwise, good app so far.

By: Philip Thomas

Philip Thomas — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:55:37 +0000

Westlaw will cut deals on their pricing if forced to or desperate for the business. I was on a Westlaw contract that expired. I went with Lexis on a new contract because Westlaw wanted to significantly raise the price from my old contract. Six months later Westlaw was calling offering a contract for much less than what they were previously offering. I couldn’t switch, but it opened my eyes to the flexibility of their pricing.

By: mississippiman

mississippiman — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:45:49 +0000

Westlaw is catering to the high-end clientele and leaving the solo/small firm market. They may not admit it, but it is happening through pricing. Fine with me. If I need the treatise I will buy the book or go to the library. The ABA Journal this month contains an article in which Fastcase alleges it will be adding secondary sources. Good.

Law schools need to begin thinking about the way LRW classes are taught. At Ole Miss, you have one project using the books and are then issued a Westlaw/Lexis password. It is like giving away crack in junior high. Now that Google, Bloomberg, Fastcase, Casemaker, Thelaw.net, etc. are all providing alternatives, LRW classes should teach these methods. And in general, the school should make aware that outside of the law school library, these services cost money.