Legal Research

Most 1Ls are probably unaware that Westlaw and Lexis switch off law student access to most of their research systems during the summer.  Only certain students qualify for continued summer access to the entire Lexis and Westlaw research systems.

Westlaw has just announced that students who are taking summer classes, working on law review projects, working for a professor, studying for the bar, or working in a non-profit, public interest internship or other pro bono work that is required for graduation may register for summer access.  If your summer activities include any of the above, then you can register online for summer access to Westlaw and TWEN. Just sign on to Westlaw as usual, then look for the big link in the middle of the page that says, "Extend your Westlaw password this summer."

Lexis has announced that students may register for summer access if they are taking summer classes, working for a professor, working on law review projects, working on a school-related research assignment, studying for the bar, working in a nonprofit externship, or working in an unpaid internship/externship.  Again, just sign on to Lexis, then look for the big link in the middle of the page that says, "Extend your LexisNexis ID over the summer."

If your summer activities don't fit neatly into any of the above categories, contact our academic representatives, Danae Weidemann at Westlaw and Aaron Villalobos at Lexis, to discuss your particular situation.  They will let you know whether you qualify for summer access. 

Both vendors will shut off access as of June 1, 2008, so don't procrastinate!  It takes just a few seconds to sign up. 

The Zief librarians hope that all of you have a fabulous summer!