Lexisnexis against Westlaw: a head to head comparison for law professionals

While lawyers and their legal teams juggle complex cases and tight deadlines, reliable legal research is an essential advantage. This is why the choice of the right legal research platform is important. By far, the two biggest players in this space are Lexisnexis and Westlaw. So which of these platforms is right for you?

Here, we explore the Lexisnexis debate against Westlaw to compare and compare the platforms and to explain how they work for different users. While Free legal research tools Many companies will opt for one of these two “big canons” are available.

Lexis vs Westlaw: What tool is right for you?

Lexis and Westlaw are the best research tools for the legal industry. Although they have several of the same capacities, there are key differences between these platforms.

Research capacities and database width

Any good research platform needs good coverage of a multitude of legal documents, including case law, laws, legal documents and secondary sources. The platform also requires the ability to search for these materials in depth and effective.

Lexis database and research capacities

Lexis provides an extremely complete legal database. This includes case law, statutes, verdicts, regulations and legal documents filed with the courts. In addition, Lexis offers sources, guides and secondary (legal and non -legal) accelerations.

Another lexis advantage is its range of research options. A lexis user can seek by quotation, browse a subject, enter a natural language request or use Boolean logic. (Boolean logic uses words such as “and” “or” and “no” to refine or expand research.)

Westlaw database and search

Westlaw also provides excellent case coverage and statutory law in the United States for secondary sources, Westlaw has an advantage over Lexis with thousands of practice and treaties. As for research options, Westlaw generally authorizes the same types of research as Lexis.

Advanced legal analysis and research tools

The key question of quotes analysis is: is this a good law? Lexis and Westlaw offer unique tools that help the analysis of quotes. Platforms also provide other advanced search tools, as shown below.

Lexis advanced tools

Lexis presents the following advanced tools for research and analysis:

• Shepard’s Quote Service: This provides an updated view of how the courts have dealt with a case or a special status.
• Brief analysis: Lexis users can download a brief or movement and initiate an analysis fueled by AI of the document with this functionality. A brief analysis will identify the legal concepts of the document and provide recommendations for additional research.
• Lexis answers: This provides answers to natural language questions, such as “what are the elements of contract breaking?”, Which can be reduced to a particular jurisdiction.
• Research term maps: This tool maps your research terms in one case, which allows users to easily identify models and relationships.
• Ravel view: Ravel View is a graphic representation of the main search results using circles and lines, with larger circles for cases and the most cited lines displaying the relationships citing with other cases.
• Lexis + analytics of disputes: This tool gives an overview of potential damage, judges, courts and opposing advice.

Westlaw advanced tools

Westlaw offers its own advanced features:

• Keycite: Keycite will respond to “it’s a good law?” Question for a case, a law, a regulation or an administrative decision. For intellectual property purposes, it will also confirm the validity – or its absence – of a brand or a patent.
• Complaints to explore: Enter the facts of your case and this tool will provide a list of potential legal allegations to consider.
• AI jurisdictional surveys: Enter a request on a legal issue and receive a starting point generated by the AI ​​for research.
• Quick verification: When the opposing lawyer includes a quote from a cited case, use a generative AI to determine if the quote is used with precision.

Pricing structures

Lexis + offers flexible pricing options adapted to companies of different sizes. Starting plans for solo practitioners can reach $ 200 per month. Large companies with more personalized features and higher support levels can pay more than $ 1,000 per month.

Westlaw Precision has separate price plans for law firms and the Advocate General. Companies with a number of lawyers on a certain limit (currently 10) must contact Westlaw sales for prices.

Demos, free trials and discounts

Lexis + offers a free two -day trial and demos of free products. For US law students, the Lexisnexis awards The program allows users to win points for the use of Lexis for research, attend training sessions and consult videos. Points can be exchanged for gift cards, goods and charitable donations.

Westlaw also offers a free personalized demo and a free trial.

Money report: lexisnexis vs westlaw

Westlaw and Lexis offer excellent value for money for money. However, Westlaw is generally more affordable than Lexis and can be more suitable for certain solo and small businesses.

How to choose the best solution for your law firm

When you decide which one of these research solutions is the best for your business, take into account the following considerations.

• What is your biggest pain point, or what problem do you try to solve, and what tool is it better?
• Is price a factor?
• Does a platform offer a solution that the other does not do?
• Do we more transparently integrate into the current tools of your business?
• What is the importance of having AI tools or compatible tools AI in the decision of your business?

Take advantage of free trials and product demos to explore these problems.

Special considerations for different user groups

For solo practitioners and small businesses, the lower subscription costs of Westlaw can make it a more practical solution. For large law firms and internal advice, Lexis offers larger discount rates than Westlaw for multi -year transactions.

Many law students and academics tend to prefer Westlaw to Lexis. In addition, Lexis offers the Lexisnexis Rewards program for US law students, which is a decisive factor for many.

Final reflections on lexisnexis vs westlaw

Lexisnexis and Westlaw provide very effective search platforms. Although Lexisnexis has somewhat advanced capacities fed by AI, Westlaw is more affordable for many small businesses. The right choice between the two will depend on the needs of your business.

We published this blog article in April 2025. Last update: April 8, 2025.

Classified in: Technology