By Robert J. Ambrogi Legal research on the Internet took two giant steps forward in recent months as the two dominant research services, Westlaw and Lexis-Nexis, introduced Web access to their full collections of legal and news databases. No longer must you use special software or dial in to a particular phone number. All that is required is a standard Web browser and Internet access, making either service easier to use even when away from the office. Still required by both is a subscription, with prices mirroring those for traditional Westlaw and Lexis-Nexis access.
Current subscribers can continue to use existing accounts.
Both services offer special pricing for sole practitioners and small firms. Both offer legal databases unrivaled on the Web for their breadth and integrity. Any legal professional can use Xchange, free of charge, to access a variety of services, including current legal news and practice-area forums. Access to the database, however, requires an account, with prices mirroring those of traditional Lexis-Nexis subscription plans. Flat rate plans are also available for various specialty libraries.