Lexis v. Westlaw super search smackdown Forum

[introversional]

Which do you like better and why? I'd have to say Lexis seems to be the Cadillac of legal search at the moment, but I don't know all of West's tricks yet, so I might be swayed. If you're already a legal search ninja on either of these, please share some tips.

[dougroberts]

My favorite part of Westlaw is the KeyNumbers (at least in the old Westlaw). Go to the KeyNumbers link at the top, and then click on West Key Number Digest Outline.

You get a list of "all" legal topics and subtopics. Then you can drill down to what you are looking for, and select the checkbox(es) next to the one's you are interested in. Then click the "Search selected" button at the bottom.

Now you can search just within this KeyNumber, minimizing searches in other non-relevant parts. Narrow by jurisdiction, etc. Normally if you search using the normal search boxes, it would search entire cases/statutes, etc. Here, it will only search headnotes in that particular topic! You'll get a list of all the pertinent headnotes once you search the KeyNumber.

[target]

Ditto the the digest in west law. It comes in handy when research for legal memo. I like the Sherpardize (spelling?) of Lexis, but it seems like west has it now too. I like the cae summary of each case in Lexis though, help me brief faster.

[Bronte]

I can't seem to sign on to Lexus Advance so I'm gonna go with Westlaw Next cuz I don't like 90s era databases.

[shoeshine]

Westlaw Next > Lexis Advance

[target]

I can't seem to sign on to Lexus Advance so I'm gonna go with Westlaw Next cuz I don't like 90s era databases.

Isn't that the Lexis Beta? I thought UMich has it, no?

[Bronte]

I can't seem to sign on to Lexus Advance so I'm gonna go with Westlaw Next cuz I don't like 90s era databases.

Isn't that the Lexis Beta? I thought UMich has it, no?

It's in beta. And Mich does have it. But it's being obnoxious with the login, in classic Lexis style.

[Judge Philip Banks]

I don't understand why anyone would use lexis over westlaw. For me, Westlaw and WestlawNext are much easier to use than Lexis. I'd like to hear why someone in the small Lexis minority uses it.

[fanmingrui]

Lexis has better rewards.

[LSATmakesMeNeurotic]

Lexis has better rewards.

[kalvano]

Westlaw Next is the absolute correct answer.

Lexis Advance sucks.

[ahduth]

Westlaw Next is the absolute correct answer.

Lexis Advance sucks.

Do any law firms actually use either of these products? Particularly Lexis Advance... it's only in beta. I've only just started using this stuff, and I maybe prefer Westlaw a bit, but I've avoided the premium products altogether. Maybe I'm just being silly.

[shepdawg]

I don't think many law firms use either Advance or Next.

[kalvano]

Seems like most firms use Westlaw and most government places use Lexis.

However, you'll see more places use Westlaw Next as they phase out regular Westlaw.

[smokyroom26]

I just wanted to say I take my research with a glass of bourbon.

Also, Lexis Advance does suck. It's the same algorithm with an "improved" interface.

[kahechsof]

I haven't tried the new lexis yet, but the old westlaw was better than old lexis, and westlaw Next makes old lexis look like an Apple 2C

[quiver]

WestlawNext is the answer here. It's basically the google of legal research. Huge fan.

[bport hopeful]

So far, (1L) i like west law better. Highlight function/better tools in general and an iPad app.

Also, Lexis Advances is a beta.

[SilverE2]

I do the minimum on Lexis to get my points, then switch on over to Westlaw.

[bport hopeful]

I do the minimum on Lexis to get my points, then switch on over to Westlaw.

haha.

Ive just been typing in the first case in my casebook into lexis at the beginning of my first class everyday.

[23402385985]

I have the most free shit from Westlaw, so far. So they win.

I will see what Lexis has for swag, again. Was not impressed last time.

[smokyroom26]

I have the most free shit from Westlaw, so far. So they win.

I will see what Lexis has for swag, again. Was not impressed last time.

Those Westlaw pen/highlighters were pretty great, although they tended to run out too quickly. But Kaplan highlighters FTW. I love these fucking things.

[23402385985]

I have the most free shit from Westlaw, so far. So they win.

I will see what Lexis has for swag, again. Was not impressed last time.

Those Westlaw pen/highlighters were pretty great, although they tended to run out too quickly. But Kaplan highlighters FTW. I love these fucking things.

Yeah, the pen/highlighters were great. I LOVE the pen side of it. It bleeds, but it does not streak when I highlight over it.

[I.P. Daly]

Do any schools have access to Bloomberg? If so, how does it compare to Lexis and West?

[shoeshine]

Do any schools have access to Bloomberg? If so, how does it compare to Lexis and West?

What is Bloomberg? (besides a media conglomerate, new york mayor, and television channel)