Why is Westlaw/LexisNexis so expensive? Forum

[TheFutureLawyer]

Especially when it comes to just looking at statutes and cases. I mean, those are free to look up, right? All West/Lexis/Bloom do is put it all together, categorize it, etc.; which is extremely helpful, but at the point where doing that with respect to a single state makes it cost ~$500 a month?

West/Lexis/Bloom are all around the same price range, so I'm guessing they aren't just crazily inflating their prices (unless they're in collusion). But how's this shit so expensive?


This isn't even something I have to worry about right now, it's just that this question has been bugging me for a while.

[Extension_Cord]

Why don't you make your own site and make it cheaper. Might actually make it.

[Detrox]

It's not so much the database as it is the compiling algorithm that allows you to find relevant cases without having to dig through piles of irrelevant material if you know how to search well.

That being said, google is free...

[TooOld4This]

Because you need Shepard's/Keycite and the search algorithm. It is generally more expensive to pop in and out of Lexis/Westlaw (lawyer billing rate) than to just stay within the site.

That said, if you just want to read a statute or regulation and don't need to find cases interpreting it, then you shouldn't be using these tools. GPO's fedsys is the way to go.

[MrAnon]

because they can get away with it. its like who would pay $1000 per hour for legal advice?

[sundance95]

Especially when it comes to just looking at statutes and cases. I mean, those are free to look up, right? All West/Lexis/Bloom do is put it all together, categorize it, etc.; which is extremely helpful, but at the point where doing that with respect to a single state makes it cost ~$500 a month?

West/Lexis/Bloom are all around the same price range, so I'm guessing they aren't just crazily inflating their prices (unless they're in collusion). But how's this shit so expensive?


This isn't even something I have to worry about right now, it's just that this question has been bugging me for a while.

because otherwise you'd have to do fucking book research.

[NYC2014]

Especially when it comes to just looking at statutes and cases. I mean, those are free to look up, right? All West/Lexis/Bloom do is put it all together, categorize it, etc.; which is extremely helpful, but at the point where doing that with respect to a single state makes it cost ~$500 a month?

West/Lexis/Bloom are all around the same price range, so I'm guessing they aren't just crazily inflating their prices (unless they're in collusion). But how's this shit so expensive?


This isn't even something I have to worry about right now, it's just that this question has been bugging me for a while.

because otherwise you'd have to do fucking book research.

Google has done everything else (like taken street-level pictures of most cities and suburbs [lolwat]); only a matter of time before Goolegal comes out with every legal material you'd ever need for free and it'll be better than West Next. (Ok, the name needs work.)

[TheFutureLawyer]

Especially when it comes to just looking at statutes and cases. I mean, those are free to look up, right? All West/Lexis/Bloom do is put it all together, categorize it, etc.; which is extremely helpful, but at the point where doing that with respect to a single state makes it cost ~$500 a month?

West/Lexis/Bloom are all around the same price range, so I'm guessing they aren't just crazily inflating their prices (unless they're in collusion). But how's this shit so expensive?


This isn't even something I have to worry about right now, it's just that this question has been bugging me for a while.

because otherwise you'd have to do fucking book research.

Google has done everything else (like taken street-level pictures of most cities and suburbs [lolwat]); only a matter of time before Goolegal comes out with every legal material you'd ever need for free and it'll be better than West Next. (Ok, the name needs work.)

GLaw?

[NotMyRealName09]

Consider the logistics of adding and sheparadizing published legal opinions from the courts of every state and federal court, DAILY. Then theres the headnoting, summarizing, etc. The searching is one thing - the initial organization is where I suspect the bulk of the expense lies.

Google won't provide headnoted cases - someone has to write the headnotes - and the headnotes can save a lot of time, helping to narrow your search to only cases containing discrete, relevant sections. That is what you're paying for.

It's not only the compiling - its the pre-analysis that, in the end, will save you time, and save your client money.