Cameron Miranda
Westlaw and Lexis are two tools that allow researchers to search for case law by attorney or firm name. On Westlaw, users can use the Advanced Search option to type the attorney or firm name in the Attorney field. On Lexis, users can use the AT or ATTORNEY connector to search for cases by attorney or firm name. Additionally, PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is a service that provides the public with access to federal court records. Anyone can access PACER to view federal court records, but registration is required. The cost to access a single document is capped at $3.00, and the $0.10 per-page charge is based on the number of pages that result from each search.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best legal research approach | Start with the global search box on Westlaw |
| Search by | Judge, attorney, or firm name |
| Tools | KeyCite on Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg's Litigation Analytics, PACER |
| Business case for partnership | Succinct, compelling, and evidenced |
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What You'll Learn
Searching for a law firm partner's case using Westlaw
Westlaw is a powerful tool for legal research, allowing users to access data-driven insights on judges, courts, attorneys, law firms, damages, and case types. It offers a comprehensive database of legal information, including case law, trial court orders, statutes, and regulations. With its advanced search features, Westlaw enables users to conduct targeted searches and access relevant information efficiently. Here is a step-by-step guide to searching for a law firm partner's case using Westlaw:
Step 1: Accessing Westlaw
Begin by accessing the Westlaw website and creating an account if you don't already have one. Westlaw offers various subscription plans tailored to different user needs, such as attorneys, law students, and legal professionals. Choose the plan that best suits your requirements and create your account to access the platform.
Step 2: Understanding Search Options
Westlaw provides two primary search methods: the global search box and the advanced search option. The global search box is ideal for broad queries, while the advanced search option allows for more precise and targeted searches by providing additional fields and filters.
Step 3: Conducting a Basic Search
If you have limited information or prefer a straightforward search, start by typing the law firm partner's name or the case details into the global search box on the Westlaw homepage. This will yield a comprehensive list of results, which you can then narrow down using filters.
Step 4: Advanced Search for Targeted Results
For a more focused search, opt for the advanced search option. After selecting Cases from the Westlaw homepage, click on the Advanced link located to the right of the search bar. This will direct you to a template with various fields that you can use to refine your search.
Step 5: Utilizing Fields and Connectors
In the advanced search template, you will find several fields, including Document Fields and Attorney Fields. Enter the law firm partner's name in the appropriate field, such as the Attorney or Author field, depending on your specific search criteria.
Additionally, you can use Boolean terms and connectors to further refine your search. For example, if searching for a specific attorney named John Smith, you can use the connector "AT" in the search box, typing AT("John Smith"). This indicates that you are specifically searching for cases or documents associated with that particular attorney.
Step 6: Refining Results with Filters
Once you have conducted your initial search, whether through the global search box or the advanced search option, utilize the filters provided by Westlaw to narrow down your results. These filters allow you to specify parameters such as date ranges, jurisdictions, and case types, helping you hone in on the most relevant information.
Step 7: Exploring Additional Features
Westlaw also offers additional features to enhance your research process. KeyCite, for instance, is a valuable tool that attorneys can use to ensure their arguments are aligned with the true nature of the law. It provides insights into the validity of cases and helps identify related cases that share a pattern of citations.
Searching for a law firm partner's case on Westlaw involves a combination of effective search strategies and utilization of the platform's advanced features. By following the steps outlined above, you can efficiently navigate Westlaw and access the legal information you require. Remember to explore the various search fields, connectors, and filters available to tailor your search and obtain the most relevant and up-to-date case law information.
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Using Lexis to search for a law firm partner's case
LexisNexis® solutions offer a range of tools to help law firm partners conduct thorough research, monitor litigation, and identify new business opportunities. The platform provides access to a vast collection of federal and state court dockets and documents, news, business, financial, and public records information.
To search for a law firm partner's case on Lexis, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the LexisNexis website and select the appropriate legal research database.
- Use the global search box on the homepage to type in your query. You can use the connector "AT" to search for a specific attorney or firm name. For example, if searching for John Smith, type AT("john smith") into the search box.
- Utilize the advanced search options to narrow down your results. Lexis offers segments that allow you to search case law specifically by attorney or firm name.
- Apply filters to refine your search results and view only the most relevant information.
- Set up alerts to stay up-to-date on new and ongoing case filings. With a LexisNexis account, you can save key searches and receive updates on your preferred timetable, even in real-time.
LexisNexis also offers additional tools to assist law firm partners, including CaseMap+ AI organizational tools, TextMap® for managing depositions, and Lex Machina for in-depth litigation analytics. These tools can help you structure your case, locate and annotate key passages, and access a multitude of data points on litigators and law firms.
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Searching for a federal court case using PACER
PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is a government-run system that provides the public with access to federal court records. It offers instantaneous access to over 1 billion documents filed at all federal courts. To search for a federal court case using PACER, follow the steps outlined below:
Register for a PACER Account
To begin searching for federal court records online, you must first register for a PACER account on the official PACER website. There is no fee to register, and anyone can access PACER to view federal court records. However, there is a fee to access court records once you are logged into your PACER account. The cost to access a single document is capped at $3.00, equivalent to 30 pages. If you accrue $30 or less in charges in a quarter, the fees for that period are waived.
Log In to Your PACER Account
Once you have registered, log in to your PACER account using your credentials. You can access your account 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.
Search for the Case
There are several ways to search for a federal court case using PACER:
- Search by Case Number or Party Name: You can search for a case by entering the case number or the party name. If you are unable to locate the case using this method, you can try the PACER Case Locator.
- PACER Case Locator: The PACER Case Locator is a national case locator index for federal court records in district, bankruptcy, and appellate courts. It is updated daily with new case information. By logging in with your PACER credentials, you can use the PACER Case Locator to search for a case by generating a listing of nationwide court locations and case numbers where a party is involved in federal litigation.
- Search by Court: If you know the specific court where the case was filed, you can search that court directly. Each court maintains its own case information.
Access Case Information
After locating the case, you can access detailed case information, including court opinions, docket entries, and copies of documents. Case information is available for a fee of $0.10 per page, and you can access this information 24 hours a day. For further assistance, you can contact the PACER Service Center by phone or email during their operating hours.
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Common mistakes in business cases for a law firm partner
When it comes to becoming a partner in a law firm, it is a tricky business. One of the common mistakes in business cases for a law firm partner is the belief that simply doing a good job and keeping your nose clean is enough to make that transition from senior associate to partner. However, it is essential to create a compelling business case for partnership. This means not only hitting but exceeding billing targets to demonstrate your value to the firm.
Another mistake is focusing solely on billing targets without taking on leadership responsibilities and actively winning new business for the firm. As a partner, you are expected to act and think like a partner, bringing in work and demonstrating your ability to stand on your own two feet. This could mean getting work internally or externally, without relying on your sponsoring partner.
A business case for partnership should be succinct and to the point. Avoid lengthy essays filled with empty marketing statements. Instead, use visuals and concise text to make your case compelling and punchy. It is unlikely that all partners will read your entire business case, so learn to articulate the crux of your argument in 3-4 paragraphs.
Other common mistakes include a lack of comfort with uncertainty. Partners need to be able to navigate ambiguous situations and make decisions without a clear structure. Additionally, do not make decisions based solely on money and bonuses, as this can lead to career mistakes.
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Tips for creating a business case for a law firm partner
Creating a business case for a partnership role in a law firm can be challenging, but there are several tips that can help you craft a compelling and persuasive case. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Know the Requirements
Before you begin, understand the key messages you want to convey and the story you want to tell. Most law firms have a standard form or checklist for partnership business cases, but it is recommended to write your case first and then reorder it to fit the form. Ensure you are familiar with the financial requirements, as most firms will want to see a breakdown of your financial performance and projections. Understand the firm's expectations regarding billing targets and be prepared to explain any discrepancies.
Demonstrate Your Value
Focus on demonstrating your potential value to the firm. Emphasize your ability to bring in new clients and strengthen relationships with existing ones. Discuss your financial performance, including client partner billings and matter partner billings, to showcase the revenue you can generate. If you are an established lawyer, highlight your billing hours and how you have contributed to the firm's success.
Showcase Your Unique Skills
Differentiate yourself from your colleagues by highlighting any unique skills, expertise, or experiences that would benefit the firm. This could include geographical expertise, sector expertise, or leadership capabilities. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for building your practice and showcase your ability to form strong internal relationships with colleagues.
Provide a Clear Structure
Make your business case concise and to the point. Use visuals and a small amount of text to create a compelling narrative. A talksheet can be a useful tool to condense your key messages and pitch your case effectively. Ensure your case is easy to understand and commercially sound, addressing any potential concerns or challenges.
Build a Strong Team Case
When presenting your business case, include a breakdown of your current team and their contributions. If you plan to bring team members with you to your new firm, explain the benefits and provide details of their expertise and remuneration. This demonstrates your ability to lead and manage a team effectively.
Practice and Prepare
Finally, practice your pitch and presentation skills. A partner panel interview can be intimidating, so ensure you are well-prepared and confident in delivering your key messages. Use checklists and seek feedback to refine your business case and improve your chances of success.
Creating a strong business case for a law firm partnership requires a combination of demonstrating your financial value, showcasing your unique skills, and effectively communicating your vision and enthusiasm. By following these tips, you can make a compelling case for your promotion to partner.
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Frequently asked questions
You can search for a law firm partner's case by using Westlaw or Lexis. On Westlaw, use the Advanced Search option and type the attorney or firm name in the Attorney field. On Lexis, use the AT connector to search by attorney name.
When using Westlaw to search for a law firm partner's case, you can use the global search box on the homepage and then use filters to narrow down your results. You can also use field searching, which allows you to look for specific terms in particular parts of a document, such as the title or author fields.
When using Lexis to search for a law firm partner's case, you can use the AT connector to search by attorney name. Lexis also provides basic litigation analytics such as cases per year, types of cases, and time to key events.
Yes, another tool you can use is PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), which provides electronic public access to federal court records. You can search for cases by case number or party name, or use the PACER Case Locator to generate a listing of nationwide court locations and case numbers.
