Legal Research Tools

Legal research tools are databases of court decisions, statutes, regulations, and secondary sources (legal analysis, treatises). Lawyers query these databases to find precedent for their arguments. Westlaw and LexisNexis are the primary platforms used by law firms and courts. Google Scholar is a free alternative. Tools include powerful search, citation checking, and integration with legal writing software. Legal work requires precedent. "Show me a similar case where we won." Good research finds winning cases faster. In legal billing (hourly rates), saving 5 hours per case = billable time unlocked for other work. Paralegals who master research are indispensable.