Navigating legal research platforms like Westlaw and LexisNexis can be tough for law students. But with some smart strategies, they can make their research faster and more effective. Knowing how to use these platforms well is key to succeeding in law school and preparing for a legal career.

Get to Know the Platform

First, law students should get familiar with each platform. Every database has its own setup, search options, and layout. Take some time to explore how the platform works. Look for important features like search bars, filters, and navigation menus.

For example, Westlaw organizes information into different sections for cases, laws, articles, and legal encyclopedias. On the other hand, LexisNexis has a helpful citation tool and a wide range of content. Using tutorials and guides provided by these platforms can help students learn how to use them effectively.

Use Advanced Search Techniques

Next, students should use advanced search methods. Simply typing in keywords can lead to a lot of unrelated results. But advanced searches can give more accurate results. Students can use special words called Boolean operators, like AND, OR, and NOT, to narrow down their searches.

For example, if a student is looking into how negligence applies to tort law, they might search for “negligence AND torts” to find cases that are specifically about both topics.

Narrow Down Results with Filters

Students should also use filters to limit their results. Both Westlaw and LexisNexis have different filters that can help, such as location, date, and type of document. Learning how to use these filters wisely can save a lot of time. For instance, focusing on the newest cases or cases from a certain area can provide helpful information for their research.

Use Citation Tools

Another important tip is to use the citation tools available on these platforms. Tools like Westlaw’s "KeyCite" and LexisNexis’s "Shepard's" help students check if a case or law is still valid or has been changed. Knowing how to use these tools regularly can help students trust the sources they find.

Create a Research Plan

Coming up with a research plan before jumping into the database can really help. Students should write down the main questions they want to answer and topics they need to explore. This plan gives a clear direction and can help avoid feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information available.

Ask for Help

Getting help and finding mentors is another great strategy. Law students shouldn’t hesitate to ask professors, librarians, or classmates who are experienced in using these databases. Many universities offer help sessions with librarians who specialize in legal research. Taking advantage of these resources can reveal shortcuts and clever techniques that might not be obvious at first.

Stay Organized with Note-taking

Another useful practice is to stay organized while researching. As students gather information, taking structured notes, highlighting important cases, and sorting findings into categories can make a big difference later. Tools like Zotero or EndNote can help manage and create bibliographies easily.

Learn from Secondary Sources

Students can also benefit from using secondary sources, which are materials that explain the primary laws. Items like legal journals, textbooks, and practice manuals can provide useful context. Both Westlaw and LexisNexis offer access to many of these secondary sources, helping students understand their legal topics better.

Be Patient and Persistent

Finally, it’s important to remember to be patient and keep trying during the research process. Legal research often requires more than one attempt. If the first search doesn’t work or raises new questions, it’s important to adjust and refine your searches. Successful researchers learn that it often takes a few tries to get the best information.

In Summary

To be successful when using legal research platforms, students should focus on:

• Getting to know the platform and its features.
• Using advanced search techniques with Boolean operators.
• Applying filters to focus their results.
• Taking advantage of citation tools to check sources.
• Making a research plan to organize their questions.
• Seeking help and mentorship from knowledgeable people.
• Keeping their notes organized while researching.
• Using secondary sources to gain a wider understanding.
• Maintaining patience and persistence in the research process.

By using these strategies, law students can confidently navigate databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis. This will help them build a strong foundation for their studies and future careers in law.