7.3 Evaluating and Selecting Electronic Research Tools

Electronic legal research tools are game-changers for lawyers. They offer powerful search capabilities, vast databases, and advanced features that make finding relevant information a breeze. From comprehensive platforms like Westlaw to specialized databases, these tools revolutionize how legal pros tackle research tasks.

Choosing the right tool is crucial. Consider your specific needs, budget, and expertise. Weigh the pros and cons of comprehensive vs. specialized platforms, and don't forget about free resources. Remember, combining multiple tools often yields the best results for thorough research.

Electronic Legal Research Platforms

Comprehensive Services and Specialized Databases

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• Electronic legal research platforms include comprehensive services (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Bloomberg Law)
• Specialized databases focus on specific practice areas or jurisdictions
  • Provide targeted, in-depth coverage of a particular legal domain
  • May lack the breadth of resources found in comprehensive platforms

Key Features and Capabilities

• Full-text searchability enables users to locate relevant documents quickly
• Citator tools (KeyCite, Shepard's) verify the current status of a case and identify related authorities
• Secondary source libraries offer valuable background information and analysis
  • Include treatises, practice guides, and journal articles
  • May not be as frequently updated as primary law databases
• Case law and statutory databases provide access to primary legal authorities
• Alert services help users track legal developments and stay current in their practice areas

Advanced Search Functionality

• Boolean operators, proximity connectors, and wildcard symbols refine search results
• Field searching allows users to limit results by specific document sections or metadata
  • Improves precision and relevance of search results
  • Saves time by filtering out irrelevant documents
• Advanced search capabilities are essential for conducting efficient and comprehensive legal research

Collaborative and Analytical Tools

• Shared folders, annotated documents, and research trails facilitate collaboration and organization
  • Allow users to work efficiently in teams and share knowledge
  • Streamline the research process and reduce duplication of efforts
• Data visualization, citation analysis, and litigation analytics provide valuable insights
  • Reveal legal trends, judge behavior, and opposing counsel strategies
  • Support data-driven decision-making and strategic planning

Strengths and Limitations of Research Tools

Comprehensive Platforms vs. Specialized Databases

• Comprehensive platforms (Westlaw, LexisNexis) offer broad coverage across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas
  • Well-suited for complex, multifaceted research questions
  • Provide a one-stop-shop for most legal research needs
• Specialized databases may have more targeted, in-depth coverage of a particular legal domain
  • Ideal for researchers with a narrow focus or expertise in a specific area
  • May lack the breadth of resources found in comprehensive platforms

Free and Low-Cost Resources

• Google Scholar, Fastcase, and court websites can be effective for quick searches or preliminary research
  • Useful for locating known items or getting an overview of a topic
  • May lack advanced features and editorial enhancements found in paid platforms
• Free resources should be used in conjunction with other tools for thorough and reliable research

Citator Tools and Secondary Sources

• Citator tools (KeyCite, Shepard's) are essential for verifying the current status of a case and identifying related authorities
  • Ensure that cited cases are still good law and have not been overturned or superseded
  • May not be available in all platforms, particularly free or low-cost services
• Secondary sources (treatises, practice guides, journal articles) provide valuable background information and analysis
  • Offer expert commentary, practical guidance, and in-depth exploration of legal topics
  • May not be as frequently updated as primary law databases, potentially impacting currency

Electronic Research Services: Cost vs Coverage

Pricing Models and Budgetary Considerations

• Flat-rate subscriptions provide unlimited access for a fixed price
  • Ideal for frequent users or institutions with high research volumes
  • May be cost-prohibitive for occasional users or small firms
• Pay-per-use or transactional pricing based on the number of documents accessed or time spent researching
  • Suitable for infrequent users or those with limited research needs
  • Can be difficult to predict costs and manage budgets effectively
• Low-cost or free services may offer limited coverage or functionality compared to premium platforms
  • Potentially impact research efficiency and completeness
  • Require additional effort to fill gaps in coverage or features

Evaluating Scope of Coverage

• Consider the specific jurisdictions, practice areas, and document types relevant to the user's research needs
  • Ensure that the platform covers the necessary geographic areas and legal domains
  • Verify the availability of specific document types (case law, statutes, regulations, secondary sources)
• Assess the depth of coverage within each category
  • Look for comprehensive coverage of federal and state materials
  • Check for the inclusion of administrative decisions, trial court opinions, and other specialized content

Usability and User Experience

• Intuitiveness of the search interface impacts ease of use and learning curve
  • Look for clear, logical organization of search options and filters
  • Assess the availability of natural language processing and autocomplete features
• Filters and sorting options help users refine results and prioritize relevant documents
  • Evaluate the granularity and flexibility of filtering options
  • Consider the ability to sort results by relevance, date, court hierarchy, or other criteria
• Responsive customer support and high-quality user guides and training materials enhance the overall user experience
  • Timely and knowledgeable customer support can minimize disruptions and improve productivity
  • Comprehensive documentation and training resources facilitate onboarding and ongoing skill development

Mobile Access and Integration

• Mobile access and offline capabilities support research on the go
  • Look for platforms with dedicated mobile apps or responsive web designs
  • Consider the ability to save documents for offline viewing or annotate on mobile devices
• Integration with other legal software tools streamlines workflows and improves efficiency
  • Assess compatibility with case management systems, document management platforms, or citation managers
  • Evaluate options for exporting search results or documents to other applications

Selecting the Right Research Tool

Aligning Tool Selection with Research Needs

• Choose a research platform that aligns with the scope and complexity of the legal issue
  • Consider factors such as jurisdiction, practice area, and document types needed
  • Assess the depth of analysis required and the expected output format
• Urgency of the research task should guide the selection of tools based on their efficiency and comprehensiveness
  • Prioritize platforms with strong search capabilities and user-friendly interfaces for time-sensitive matters
  • Balance speed with thoroughness to ensure reliable and complete results

Budgetary Constraints and Institutional Resources

• Available resources, such as institutional subscriptions or library access, may limit the range of feasible options
  • Leverage existing subscriptions or memberships to maximize value and minimize additional costs
  • Explore options for shared access or group licenses to expand coverage while controlling expenses
• Budgetary constraints may necessitate the use of free or low-cost alternatives
  • Supplement limited resources with creative search strategies and cross-referencing techniques
  • Collaborate with colleagues or librarians to share resources and expertise

Researcher Expertise and Proficiency

• Researcher expertise and familiarity with specific platforms may influence tool selection
  • Capitalize on existing skills and knowledge to maximize efficiency and effectiveness
  • Invest in training and professional development to expand proficiency and adapt to new tools
• Proficiency with advanced search techniques and platform-specific features can impact the speed and quality of research outcomes
  • Develop a deep understanding of boolean operators, proximity connectors, and field searching
  • Stay current with platform updates and new features to optimize research strategies

Combining Multiple Research Tools

• A combination of research tools may be necessary to fully address a legal issue
  • Leverage the unique strengths of different platforms and resources
  • Use specialized databases to supplement the coverage of comprehensive platforms
• Develop a strategic approach to research that incorporates multiple tools and techniques
  • Begin with broad searches in comprehensive platforms to identify key issues and relevant authorities
  • Refine searches using specialized databases, secondary sources, and citator tools to deepen analysis and ensure completeness
• Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of research tools and adjust strategies as needed
  • Monitor the quality and relevance of search results
  • Seek feedback from colleagues and clients to assess the impact of research on legal outcomes