Top Five Websites for Legal Research

Most of us have faced a legal problem at one point or another, but where can we go when we need legal advice? Most attorneys charge fees for even brief consultations, so that isn’t always a viable option. The most obvious place to turn for legal research is the Internet, but unfortunately there are a few websites where proper information isn’t always available.

Here are the top five websites for legal research.

Legal Research Website #1: Nolo’s Legal Encyclopedia

This is one of the most well-thought-out websites on the Internet, and their legal information is both informative and easy to understand. Their main categories are Business & Human Resources, Patents; Copyright & Art; Wills & Estate Planning; Property & Money; Family Law & Immigration; and Rights & Disputes. They also have a legal dictionary, a Q&A forum with Auntie Nolo, and statute and case files. It is quite a viable resource for anyone who wants to find as much information as possible about a particular legal question or situation.

Legal Research Website #2: Find Law

FindLaw is the place to go if you are looking for a basic overview of specific legal topics. For example, you can find step-by-step guides for dealing with automobile accidents, divorce court, estate planning, real estate transactions, civil rights, bankruptcy and more. They have two separate sections – for the public and for legal professionals – that can guide just about anyone through the twists and turns of the law. It isn’t as attractive a site as Nolo, but it does have more information, if not as specific.

Legal Research Website #3: Internet Legal Research Group

Aside from a very basic and unattractive lay-out, this is an excellent resource. It may take time to find what you are looking for, as there isn’t much of a navigation system, but when you do find it, you’ll be privy to articles and case studies that are chock-full of information. They have quite an intelligent search engine that will help you to find exactly what you are looking for, and they have one of the best collections of legal forms that I have ever seen. Just beware of pop-ups!

Legal Research Website #4: WestLaw

This is a fee-based website where you can find information regarding cases, statutes, current litigation and other up-to-the-minute advice. You can either join as a member or search for specific cases and pay by credit card for that information. You’ll find more on this site than on any of the other free sites, but be sure that you know exactly what you are looking for.

Legal Research Website #5: BitLaw

If you are looking for legal resources related to the technology industry, then BitLaw is the place to be. You can find information on patents, trademarks, copyright, software, Internet law, and forms and contracts. It is often in a state of construction, however, so be sure to check back often for updates.