Westlaw Review

Category: Legal Research Founded: 1975 Parent Company: Thomson Reuters

Westlaw is the industry-leading legal research platform by Thomson Reuters, offering comprehensive case law coverage, KeyCite citation service, and powerful search capabilities that have made it the gold standard for legal professionals worldwide.

Overview

Westlaw has been at the forefront of legal research technology for nearly five decades. As part of Thomson Reuters, Westlaw provides access to one of the world's most comprehensive legal databases, combined with innovative search technology and analytical tools that help legal professionals find answers quickly and confidently.

Key Features

  • KeyCite: Industry-leading citation service showing case treatment and history
  • WestSearch: Natural language and Boolean search with advanced filters
  • Westlaw Edge: AI-enhanced research with litigation analytics
  • Practical Law: Practice notes, checklists, and standard documents
  • Litigation Analytics: Judge, attorney, and expert witness analytics
  • Quick Check: Upload briefs to check citations and find additional authorities
  • KeyCite Overruling Risk: AI-powered negative treatment warnings
  • Statutes Compare: Track legislative changes over time
Westlaw Research Interface KeyCite Citation Service

Database Coverage

Westlaw offers unparalleled depth and breadth of legal content:

  • Case Law: All federal and state cases, including unpublished opinions
  • Statutes & Regulations: Current and historical federal and state codes
  • Secondary Sources: Treatises, law reviews, ALR, and practice guides
  • Briefs & Pleadings: Millions of court filings and trial documents
  • News & Business: Legal news, company information, and public records
  • International: UK, EU, and other international legal materials
  • Specialized Content: Tax, IP, employment, and other practice areas

Pros

  • Most comprehensive legal database available
  • KeyCite is the industry standard for citations
  • Excellent editorial enhancements and headnotes
  • Powerful analytics and AI features
  • Seamless integration with Microsoft Office
  • Outstanding customer support and training

Cons

  • Premium pricing reflects premium features
  • Can be overwhelming for new users
  • Some features require additional subscriptions
  • Mobile app has limited functionality

Westlaw Edge Features

The Westlaw Edge upgrade adds powerful AI and analytics capabilities:

  • Litigation Analytics for judges, attorneys, and parties
  • KeyCite Overruling Risk warnings
  • Quick Check judicial review
  • Predictive analytics and insights
  • Enhanced search with AI-powered suggestions

Training & Support

Westlaw provides comprehensive support resources:

  • 24/7 reference attorneys for research assistance
  • Free training webinars and certification programs
  • On-site training for firms
  • Extensive help documentation and videos
  • Dedicated account representatives

User Reviews

5★
122
4★
47
3★
13
2★
4
1★
1

David Martinez

Partner • Large Law Firm
★★★★★

"Westlaw has been the gold standard for legal research for decades. KeyCite is unmatched for citation checking, and the depth of coverage is extraordinary. The new AI features in Westlaw Edge have made our research even more efficient."

Sarah Chen

Associate • Mid-size Firm
★★★★☆

"Excellent research platform with comprehensive coverage. The learning curve is steep but worth it. My only complaint is the cost - it's quite expensive for smaller firms. However, the quality of the content and tools justifies the price for serious legal research."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is KeyCite?

KeyCite is Westlaw's citation service that shows the treatment history of cases, statutes, and other legal authorities. It uses a flag system to indicate negative treatment and provides detailed citing references.

How much does Westlaw cost?

Westlaw pricing is customized based on firm size, practice areas, and content needs. Plans typically range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per month. Contact Thomson Reuters for a personalized quote.

What's the difference between Westlaw and Westlaw Edge?

Westlaw Edge includes all standard Westlaw features plus AI-powered enhancements like litigation analytics, KeyCite Overruling Risk, Quick Check, and predictive insights. Edge provides deeper analytical capabilities for strategic research.

Is Westlaw worth the cost?

For firms that require comprehensive legal research capabilities, Westlaw's depth of content, editorial enhancements, and powerful tools often justify the cost. Many firms consider it essential for thorough legal research and risk management.