Free or Cheap Legal Research Recommendations?
(Chimp, 15
Points)
I don't do a lot of legal research in my practice but need to access primary authority and administrative decisions now and again. Does anyone have a recommendation for a legal research website or company that is cheaper than Lexis or Westlaw for the occasional researcher like me?




If you know exactly what
If you know exactly what you're looking for (e.g., looking up a citation) you can just google most things.
This ABA article lists some
This ABA article lists some more affordable research options:
http://www.abanet.org/tech/ltrc/fyidocs/soloresearchoptions.html
If you live near a public law
If you live near a public law library, check out what they've got. In addition to having things in print, ours has free primary law access to Westlaw and Lexis -- although you physically have to go into the library to use it.
Google.
Google.
Has anyone ever used the law
Has anyone ever used the law library in San Diego? Is it a pain in the ass to get on the computers to access the legal research services?
Google is great... I've been
Google is great... I've been surprised at what I can find online. VA Bar offers it's members access to a database with state cases, laws and regs. Unfortunately, this database is don't tell you if the case law is still good. Many law schools offer open access to the public and while book method is slow, it's better than not shepardizing at all.
McLovin wrote:Google is
Google is great... I've been surprised at what I can find online. VA Bar offers it's members access to a database with state cases, laws and regs. Unfortunately, this database is don't tell you if the case law is still good. Many law schools offer open access to the public and while book method is slow, it's better than not shepardizing at all.
Are you a member of the VA bar? if so, what city?
Westlaw -- actually
Westlaw -- actually WestlawNext -- is the best. You get what you pay for. Google is great if you're just reading a case, but actually research, you need the headnotes. Lexis has fake headnotes that suck. And I heard they don't even employ attorneys for their helpline (and I believe that after using them).
Aside from Lexus or Westlaw,
Aside from Lexus or Westlaw, I'd say Google search or just type in free legal research or caselaw on google. I am sure they are free sources, albeit limited, in your jurisdiction.
Eric Stepanov, Esq.
Check with you state bar
Check with you state bar association. Membership with the PA Bar Assoc. will get you access to a limited version of Lexis. Good enough for basic state and federal case research and some administrative stuff.
happypantsmcgee wrote: Are
Are you a member of the VA bar? if so, what city?
Yep, member of the VA Bar. Living in far Southwest VA.
I am new to the site and,
I am new to the site and, therefore, late to this post but, for what it may be worth ... I agree with the comments that mention services provided by various state bars. I am a member of the DC bar and it has recently made available to its members at no charge, Fast Case. You can enhance the scope of authorities available to be used for a yearly fee. I think it is $195. If your bar does not provide such a service, try VersusLaw. Cheap Plan, access to most everything a solo practitioner usually needs.
CNM
Re San Diego law library --
Re San Diego law library -- not too hard to get access to the terminals depending on when you go.
It certainly is not very
It certainly is not very comprehensive and more Nevada-centric, but www.trucounsel.com has some good material.
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