Let’s face it: legal research can be a daunting task but actually paying for some of the popular, big-name tools can be even more daunting. Sometimes – if you’re a small firm or going it on your own – your budget screams for a little financial restraint.
That’s where free legal research tools come in handy. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of eight top-notch, free resources that can help you research the heck out of whatever legal issue you’re facing without spending a dime (beyond the cost of your computer and internet connection, that is).
1. Google Scholar
First up, the gold standard of free legal research tools: Google Scholar. It’s versatile, reliable, and remarkably up-to-date. Google Scholar allows you to search for articles, theses, books, patents, and conference papers across various disciplines, including law.
Using Google Scholar for legal research is a breeze. Simply head over to the website, and you’ll be given an initial choice of searching for “Articles” or “Case law”. If you choose Case law, you’ll then be able to choose which specific state and federal courts you want to pursue, with a shocking amount of specificity.
Once you select your courts and enter your search term, you’ll be presented with a plethora of cases, which you can then winnow down by date.
One of the coolest features is the “How cited” link, which shows how other courts have treated the case you’re looking at. This can help you make sure the case you want to rely on is still good law and help to find other relevant sources.
While Google Scholar is a powerful tool, it does have its limitations. Not all legal documents are available, and sometimes, the search results can be a bit overwhelming. But with a little patience and some strategic searching, it can be an invaluable resource in your legal research arsenal.
2. Cornell Legal Information Institute (LII)
Next on our list is the Cornell Legal Information Institute (LII), which is a veritable treasure trove of free legal information. Founded in 1992, LII is one of the pioneers in providing open access to legal materials. Their mission? To make the law accessible to everyone.
Cornell LII offers a wide range of resources, from the U.S. Code and Supreme Court decisions to regulations and state statutes. The site is well-organized and user-friendly, making it easy to find what you’re looking for.
One standout feature is the Wex legal dictionary and encyclopedia, which provides plain-language definitions and explanations of legal terms and concepts.
Navigating LII is straightforward. By clicking on the “Get the law” tab, you can search for specific laws or browse by jurisdiction.
The site also includes helpful annotations and links to related resources, giving you a deeper understanding of the legal issue you’re chasing down. Whether you’re researching federal law or state-specific regulations, LII is a reliable and comprehensive resource.
3. FindLaw
FindLaw is another important resource. Owned by Thomson Reuters, FindLaw offers a vast array of legal information, including case law, statutes, news, blogs, and legal commentary. It’s basically a one-stop shop for all your legal research needs.
One of FindLaw’s most user-friendly features is its extensive database of subject-specific information. Right from the homepage, you can access repositories of legal information for topics like accidents and injuries, employment law, family law, and over 20 other practice areas. In addition, FindLaw provides access to a wealth of case law, statutes, and regulations, both federal and state.
The site also includes a directory of legal professionals, which can be worth its weight in gold if you’re looking to connect with an expert in a particular field.
4. Justia
Next, we have Justia, which is another of the more popular free legal tools. Justia’s mission is to advance the availability of legal resources for the benefit of society. They offer an impressive collection of case law, statutes, regulations, articles, and legal blogs, making it a valuable site for comprehensive legal research.
Using Justia is straightforward. The homepage gives you easy access to a variety of legal information, from federal and state case law to codes and regulations. You can search by case name, citation, or keywords. Lawyers needing CLE credits will also appreciate the site’s wealth of free CLE/Webinars.
Justia’s expansive database includes millions of court opinions from federal and state courts. Plus, they provide detailed annotations and links to related cases, which can save you tons of time and effort. Like other free tools, however, Justia has some limitations in terms of depth and completeness, especially for more obscure or older cases. Still, for most legal research tasks, Justia is a solid choice.
5. Law360
For those who like to stay in the know with the latest legal news and developments, Law360 is an excellent resource. Known for its comprehensive news coverage and in-depth analysis, Law360 offers a selection of free articles and resources that can prove very useful for legal research.
Law360 covers a wide range of legal topics, including litigation, policy developments, and corporate news, with dedicated sections for various practice areas. This makes it a great resource for understanding the broader context of legal issues and staying informed about specific issues that impact your clients.
While full access requires a subscription, Law360 offers a selection of free articles each month and sometimes provides free access to special reports and newsletters. Although the free offerings are admittedly limited, they provide high-quality legal insights, making Law360 a valuable tool for all legal professionals.
6. CourtListener
CourtListener is a gem for anyone who needs to keep tabs on court opinions and legal precedents. Developed by the Free Law Project, CourtListener offers free access to millions of court opinions from federal and state courts. It’s particularly useful for tracking legal developments and researching case law.
CourtListener’s search functionality is impressive. You can search by case name, citation, judge, or keywords, and filter results by court and date. This makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. Another cool feature is the Alerts service, which lets you track new opinions in specific areas of interest.
CourtListener also lets you listen to the latest oral arguments from appellate courts across the country. This is not only useful if you’re tracking a particular issue on appeal, but can help you hone your own oral argument skills.
7. Fastcase
Fastcase rounds out our list of heavyweight contenders. While it’s known for its paid service, Fastcase offers a free trial that can be really useful if you need to do some focused, hard-hitting research over a short period of time.
Using Fastcase is like having a legal research assistant at your fingertips. Like other platforms, Fastcase provides access to federal and state case law, statutes, regulations, court rules, and bar publications. You can search by citation, party name, or keywords, and the advanced search options allow you to fine-tune your queries.
One of the most unique features of Fastcase is its interactive timeline, which allows you to track up to four different attributes of a case at one time. These include things like the date of the decision, its relevance score, and the number of times the case has been cited by other courts.
8. Jurisdiction-specific tools
As every practitioner knows, there are times when you need to venture into the nitty-gritty of specific jurisdictions. That’s where jurisdiction-specific legal research tools come in handy. These resources provide access to legal information tailored to the particular states, counties, or courthouses you’re interested in.
One example is the Texas State Law Library, which offers a vast array of free legal resources, including statutes, case law, and administrative rules specific to Texas. Another great resource is the California Courts website, which provides access to California Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal opinions, information on local court rules and procedures, and general information organized by different legal topics.
Many state bar associations also offer free legal research tools for their members. For instance, both the New York State Bar Association and the Florida Bar Association provide members with free access to Fastcase. The California State Bar gives its members a plethora of research tools on everything from jury instructions to Attorney General opinions. So, before you sign up for any paid service, make sure you haven’t already paid for it by virtue of your state bar dues.
So, there you have it – the world of free legal resources in a nutshell. If you don’t find what you’re looking for within this article, however, don’t despair. You may have other options, such as access to certain paid research platforms or law libraries through your law school alumni association.
The truth is, the vast majority of the legal research you need to competently run your practice can be accessed for free. Take your time to use and learn the above tools and you will soon be wondering why you ever paid for those expensive research platforms.
