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Westlaw description
Westlaw is a comprehensive online legal research service from Thomson Reuters, designed for legal professionals. It offers access to a vast database of legal information, including case law, statutes, regulations, and secondary sources. Westlaw's latest version, Westlaw Precision, introduces AI-powered features, making legal research faster and more efficient. Key features include AI-assisted research, tools to find related cases, an outline builder, and a visual representation of your research history.
Who is Westlaw best for
Westlaw, by Thomson Reuters, offers comprehensive legal research with AI-powered tools. Users praise the extensive database and helpful KeyCite system but dislike the new interface and high cost. Westlaw is best for legal professionals seeking advanced research capabilities.
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Best fit for small, mid-sized, and large firms.
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Ideal for legal professionals.
Westlaw features
| Supported Westlaw allows statute research across various jurisdictions. |
| Supported Westlaw supports searching legal journals, treatises, and other secondary sources. |
| Supported Westlaw supports searching and accessing regulations, including federal and state regulations. |
| Supported Westlaw supports case law research using keywords, citations, and other criteria. |
| Supported Westlaw allows filtering legal research by specific jurisdictions, such as federal or state courts. |
We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software
Ease of Use
Reliability and Performance
Westlaw reviews
We've summarised 190 Westlaw reviews (Westlaw G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.
- Comprehensive legal database with extensive primary and secondary sources.
- AI-powered research tools, including Westlaw Precision, enhance efficiency.
- Easy navigation and user-friendly interface (classic version).
- Helpful KeyCite system for tracking and validating legal citations.
- Integrated features like Practical Law and Litigation Analytics provide valuable insights.
- The new user interface is counterintuitive and difficult to use.
- Inconsistent search results and limited search refinement options.
- High cost, especially for accessing court documents and specific features.
- Unexpected logouts and session timeouts disrupt research.
- Lack of inexpensive options and pricing transparency.
Westlaw pricing
The commentary is based on 14 reviews from Westlaw G2 reviews.
Westlaw is a powerful legal research tool praised for its comprehensive features and ease of use. However, reviews consistently cite its high cost and complex pricing structure as significant drawbacks. Many users feel the expense is justified by the time saved, but others find the lack of pricing transparency frustrating.
Users sentiment
Westlaw alternatives
LexisBetter for government and non-profit organizations. A Westlaw competitor with a slightly higher average rating. Users report easier case searching but subpar AI features.Read more
Practical LawBetter for practical guidance, templates, and checklists. Users appreciate the easy-to-use interface and practical resources. However, some find the content too general and the cost high.Read more
LegistifyBetter suited for managing internal legal operations for a variety of industries. A Westlaw alternative focused on contract and intellectual property management, not legal research. Streamlines legal processes like case and contract management with automation and data insights.Read more
Lexis® for Microsoft® OfficeBetter for drafting and reviewing legal documents within Microsoft Office. Higher user ratings. Easier to use. Westlaw is a better Westlaw alternative for comprehensive legal research.Read more
CASEpeerBetter fit for small to medium-sized personal injury law firms. Has more momentum based on employee growth. Focuses on case management, client communication, and data-driven insights, not general legal research. A Westlaw alternative and competitor.Read more
HighQBetter for document management, workflow automation, and matter management. More suitable for law firms, legal departments, and government agencies. Not a good Westlaw competitor for professional services or finance industries.Read more
Westlaw FAQ
What is Westlaw and what does Westlaw do?
Westlaw, by Thomson Reuters, is a comprehensive online legal research service for legal professionals. It provides access to vast legal information, including case law, statutes, and regulations. Westlaw Precision, its latest version, uses AI for faster, more efficient research, offering features like AI-assisted search and a visual research history.
How does Westlaw integrate with other tools?
Westlaw integrates with other tools like Practical Law and Litigation Analytics, providing valuable insights for legal professionals. However, some users have reported difficulties with the new user interface. It offers AI-powered research tools and a comprehensive legal database.
What the main competitors of Westlaw?
Lexis is the main competitor of Westlaw, offering a similar comprehensive legal research platform. Other alternatives include Bloomberg Law, Fastcase, and Casetext, each with varying focuses and functionalities for legal professionals.
Is Westlaw legit?
Yes, Westlaw is a legitimate and widely used legal research service by Thomson Reuters. It's known for its comprehensive legal database and AI-powered research tools, ensuring reliable and efficient legal research. However, some users find the cost high and the new interface difficult.
How much does Westlaw cost?
I cannot find pricing details for Westlaw. Contact Westlaw sales for a customized quote based on your specific needs and firm size. Is Westlaw worth it? Consider its features and your budget before deciding.
Is Westlaw customer service good?
Westlaw's customer service receives mixed reviews. Some users describe it as "great" and "phenomenal," praising the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team. However, others report inconsistent experiences, with customer service quality varying depending on the representative.
Reviewed by
Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.
Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.