Are you looking for an alternative to Westlaw online? These are free legal research databases, which are similar to the paid Westlaw database but don't include all of the features. These databases can be used to help you decide if they are worth the effort.
Fastcase
If you're looking for a way to search legal opinions without paying a fee, Fastcase may be an option worth considering. This open-source solution gives access to a vast legal database. However, it is necessary to scan and index legal opinions in book in order to be able to search the database. In addition to scanning, Fastcase outsources its indexing work. If you're interested in using Fastcase as your primary legal research tool, here are some pros and cons of using it:
Fastcase doesn't offer the same level of functionality as Westlaw. However, it does provide a number of impressive features. For example, you can view an extensive list of cases that were cited in later decisions. These cases can also be viewed with arguments and their results. Fastcase comes with three pricing options, each offering different features. Casetext includes federal and state court cases as well as statutes and regulations. It also offers citation lookups. This database contains millions federal court cases, dating back to 1925.
VersusLaw
VersusLaw's Standard Plan subscription is the most basic. This plan contains most of what is covered under the Standard Plan, but it doesn't include Pennsylvania. VersusLaw also offers administrative regulations in over 30 U.S. States. VersusLaw offers access to all the latest legal developments, regardless of whether you are searching for case law from today or past cases. But the service's biggest weakness is its omission of case law from Pennsylvania.
It is approximately half the price of Westlaw. This is especially appealing to those looking for low-cost, easy-to-use legal research. The library contains the U.S. courts decisions, federal, state, as well administrative codes. And its price is considerably less than its closest competitor LexisNexis. VersusLaw targets solo lawyers, small firms and academic law libraries as well as non-lawyers.
CALI
There are other CALI Westlaw options available if you don't have the budget for a CALI Westlaw subscription. CALI, a program created by Law professors, produces more than 1,000 online tutorials. This material is for law students. To access CALI, simply visit their website and enter your school authorization code. After registering, you will need to create a password. After you sign up, you'll have free access to legal research materials from professors all over the country.
LexisONE
LexisONE is the latest legal research product from LexisNexis. LexisONE, an online subscription service, offers 5 years' worth of case law, legal form, and an Internet Legal Guide. It also links to over 20,000 other law-related sites. It can be used as a substitute for Westlaw. Additionally, it is a cost-effective alternative to Westlaw subscriptions.
The company offers a free trial. It is an excellent replacement for Westlaw. There are no additional charges and the company offers top-rated customer support. The best part is that you can use it free of charge until your Westlaw subscription expires. You can also access the entire range of Westlaw features, including case summaries by judges. Even if you are not familiar with the area, this service will allow you to view any case in any country.
FAQ
What is the difference in a paralegal and legal assistant?
Paralegals are trained to perform specific tasks such as typing, filing, or researching. Legal assistants may assist attorneys in preparing pleadings, drafting motions, or researching. Both types of professionals aid attorneys in completing their workload.
Which type of lawyer are you most in demand?
The best way to describe this question is to say that there are two types of lawyers. There are two types of lawyers: transactional lawyers or litigation lawyers. Transactional lawyers are involved in business and contract law. Lawyers who specialize in litigation deal with lawsuits. Lawyers who specialize in both areas are called generalists. The best-known example of a generalist is the "Big Law" attorney, which is the term for an attorney who practices at large firms where he or she handles many different kinds of cases. Generalists can either be transactional or litigators.
Transactional lawyers handle all sorts of legal matters: divorces, wills, trusts, real estate transactions, employment agreements, etc. Many of these lawyers work on a contingent fee basis. This means that they only get paid if the client wins. If the client loses, then the lawyer does not get paid. This is why these lawyers are usually referred to as "trial lawyers" because they have to go through trials to win their cases.
Litigation lawyers handle lawsuits. They may represent clients in courtrooms or administrative hearings. Some litigators also deal with transactional matters. For instance, they may draft documents for their clients. To defend a company against a lawsuit brought on by another company, a company may hire litigation lawyers. They can also be hired by the plaintiff to sue the defendant. Some litigators are only interested in personal injury cases. Others focus on commercial disputes. Some others specialize in family law.
Lawyers who work in litigation need to be able argue and present evidence in front of juries and judges. They must be familiar with civil procedure rules and other aspects of litigation law. They must be able to research and analyze facts and issues. They should also be skilled negotiators.
What type of job opportunities can I expect once I am done with college?
Graduates can choose from three career options: government service, private practice, or public interest. Public interest jobs can include being an attorney for a non-profit organization or as a judge. Private practice positions can include solo practitioners, partners in a firm, and corporate counsel. Government service careers include working as a prosecutor, defense attorney, or judge.
What's the difference between a transactional and a litigation lawyer, you ask?
There is a big difference between attorneys who specialize in transactional and lawyers who specialize in litigation. It's the type of legal problem they are most likely to encounter. Transactional lawyers focus on contracts, real estate transactions and business formation. They also deal with intellectual property issues. Litigation attorneys deal with disputes involving corporations. Partnerships, trusts, estates. Insurance claims. Personal injury cases.
There are different types of attorneys and each one has a different set of skills and knowledge. You might consider hiring a transactional or litigation attorney if you want to learn how to write agreements, prepare documents, negotiate terms and deal with conflicts. A litigation attorney needs to be familiarized with the rules for evidence, statutes, limitations, rules on discovery, etc.
In addition, there may be other differences based on where the client is located. An attorney in New York City might not know as much about California laws as one who is practicing in California. A Florida lawyer would also be less familiar than someone who practices in Texas.
How does a lawyer get paid?
Lawyers are compensated for the time they spend on legal matters by billing clients at an hourly rate. Hourly rates will vary depending on how complex the matter is and how much experience a lawyer has.
Because they have accumulated expertise over many years, the most experienced lawyers charge more per hour.
As a less experienced lawyer, he/she may charge lower hourly rates because he/she has learned how to manage cases more efficiently.
Some lawyers are compensated for handling particular types of cases. In some cases, lawyers representing criminal defense may be eligible for bonuses if their case is successful.
How much does law school cost?
Law school tuition varies by school but generally costs around $50,000-$60,000 per year. Law schools offer financial aid packages to low-income students. Students with federal loans, such as Stafford Loans may be eligible after graduation for loan forgiveness.
Statistics
- The median annual salary for lawyers in 2016 was $118,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (rasmussen.edu)
- A Johns Hopkins study of more than 100 professions found lawyers the most likely to have severe depression—four times more likely than the average person. (rasmussen.edu)
- According to the Law School Admission Council, the number of people applying for these programs was up 13% last fall. (stfrancislaw.com)
- Though the BLS predicts that growth in employment for lawyers will continue at six percent through 2024, that growth may not be enough to provide jobs for all graduating law school students. (rasmussen.edu)
- According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average annual wage of a lawyer is $144,230. (legal.io)
External Links
How To
What is the best way to get free legal assistance?
It can be hard to find a lawyer who is pro bono because there are so many attorneys out there looking for your business. There are many options for finding a pro-bono attorney. Ask around at your local bar association or search online for a list pro bono attorneys. You may also check with your state bar association. Local law schools can help you find a probono attorney. Many law schools offer their students the opportunity to work with low-income clients to give them access to justice. If none of these options seem like a good fit for you, then you should consider contacting a nonprofit organization such as Legal Services Corporation (LSC). LSC supports nonprofit organizations throughout the country that provide civil legal help to people living below poverty lines. This organization funds programs that aid low-income persons with housing issues, child support enforcement and family law matters. LSC offers financial assistance and also guides grantees in how to best serve clients. Some of the services offered include:
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Financial counseling
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Assistance with bankruptcy filing
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Helping families resolve domestic violence situations
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Representation before administrative bodies
Here are some tips to help you find a pro bono lawyer if you are struggling to find one.
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You shouldn't waste your time looking for a specialist in your case. Many pro bono lawyers represent many different types of clients. This means that they won't have much experience with your particular case.
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Look for a lawyer who has experience representing low-income clients. This indicates that he or she has experience in representing low-income clients.
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Ask your lawyer if he or she has received any training in the area you are concerned. Consider, for example, whether the lawyer is familiar with handling landlord-tenant cases.
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Find out whether the lawyer is available to take on new clients. You might not find a lawyer who only takes on certain types cases.
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Do not trust lawyers who claim that they specialize in a certain area of law. Many lawyers state that they have specialized in other areas but are not knowledgeable about the subject.
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Check that the lawyer has a good reputation. Ask family and friends for recommendations. You can also search online to find reviews left by other clients.