Monday

Getting Free Case Law

Westlaw and Lexis aren't cheap, but they offer things you can't get elsewhere. But what if you don't need all that high-powered help? Maybe you just want the basics. Law Technology News had a recent article on some free case law resources and we added a couple of our own too.

Here's some web sites where basic legal research can be done to find cases to help your client for free or near-free.

www.Casemaker.us is available as a benefit for many state bar association memberships, but if you aren't a member, there are some other sources to tap. Everyone has their own preference but here's some to take a look at:

www.Findacase.com

www.lawguru.com

www.Findlaw.com

www.precydent.com

www.lexisone.com

www.plol.org , the Public Library of Law

www.altlaw.org

www.justia.com

www.megalaw.com

There are others out there, but if your budget doesn't allow a paid service for your research, these are some places to start out.

Ron Burdge
Helping lawyers win cases since 1978.