6 Ways to Improve Your Legal Research in 2017
Digital disruption has been a major game-changer for the legal industry for decades, but this disruption is continuing to pick up speed. The demand for legal services is evolving as segmentation grows in the nature and delivery of services. With these new challenges and demands, it’s crucial to have industry-leading technology to ensure you are working most efficiently without sacrificing accuracy.
Below are 6 new legal research tools on Westlaw to know about in 2017 to streamline your legal research and get the relevant information you need quickly.
1. Research Recommendations
This feature uses your current legal research session to recommend additional cases, Key Numbers, and statutes related to the issue you are searching. Research Recommendations is triggered after you have opened and viewed a number of documents in your research session. You have the option to turn it off, but I recommend letting it run as it’s a great way to bolster your legal research, ensure that your research is thorough, and let Westlaw do some of the work for you.
2. Best Portion
Plain language searching just got a little bit better. Best Portion helps you quickly determine the relevancy of a document by directing you to the most relevant language. Sections are indicated by a green arrow and brackets, and there can be up to 4 “Best Portions” per document. Best Portion sections are determined by search term occurrence, frequency and proximity; streamlining your legal researching by directing you to the heart of the document.
Read the full article to learn more about all six legal research tools that will help make 2017 your best year yet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ryan Pottebaum, National Client Representative, Thomson Reuters Ryan Pottebaum is the NCR for Southern California and much of the west coast, in addition to being an NCR team product lead for CA Jury Instruction Selector and Immigration Resources on Westlaw. Ryan graduated from the University of Minnesota and Hamline University School of Law, cum laude. Ryan has two years of experience as a Reference Attorney at Thomson Reuters, and worked in private practice in Minneapolis prior to joining Thomson Reuters in 2013. He lives in Minneapolis and enjoys biking, Jiu Jitsu and travel.
BONUS: Check out these related articles for more insights from the experts:
• How to Find Cases by Particular Judge or Entity
• How Gen Y and Gen Z Are Changing the Future of Legal Research and Technology
• 5 Tips For Efficiently Using Westlaw for Legal Research
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