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Westlaw Pros and Cons: Top 5 Advantages and Disadvantages

Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews

Generated from real user reviews

Users find Westlaw to be extremely easy to use, facilitating fast and simple legal research with effective navigation. (3 mentions)
Users find Westlaw's complete and organized searches incredibly helpful, making legal research simple, fast, and easy. (3 mentions)
Users find Westlaw's organization exceptional, making legal research efficient and crucial information easily accessible. (2 mentions)
Users value the organized formatting of Westlaw, making crucial information easily accessible for decision-making. (1 mentions)
Users find Westlaw's user-friendly interface and helpful secondary sources enhance their research efficiency. (1 mentions)
Users find the complexity of the tools challenging, especially when transitioning from other research programs. (1 mentions)
Users find the lack of affordable options for Westlaw to be a significant drawback for its overall value. (1 mentions)
Users find the inefficient workflow frustrating due to inconsistent search features and limited data refinement options. (1 mentions)
Users feel Westlaw could enhance its experience by providing a greater variety of service functions for better usability. (1 mentions)
Users wish for more search options in Westlaw, as current features limit the ability to refine and sort results. (1 mentions)

5 Pros or Advantages of Westlaw

1. Ease of Use
Users find Westlaw to be extremely easy to use, facilitating fast and simple legal research with effective navigation.
See 3 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Westlaw is the top of the top"

What do you like about Westlaw?

Westlaw is extremely helpful in everyway. Their new AI tool is so great. Research is simple, fast, and easy with WL.

Verified User
U

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Go to for legal research"

What do you like about Westlaw?

It's got EVERYTHING, and is super easy to navigate. Not only that, it's just so familiar from law school.

2. Helpful
Users find Westlaw's complete and organized searches incredibly helpful, making legal research simple, fast, and easy.
See 3 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Alexis B.
AB

Alexis B.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Westlake is extremely user friendly and provided me with the most complete records I have requested."

What do you like about Westlaw?

The most helpful is the complete searches that are provided.

Verified User
U

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Westlaw is the top of the top"

What do you like about Westlaw?

Westlaw is extremely helpful in everyway. Their new AI tool is so great. Research is simple, fast, and easy with WL.

3. Organization
Users find Westlaw's organization exceptional, making legal research efficient and crucial information easily accessible.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

3.0/5

"There are times and places where Westlaw is the best resource. Other times Lexis Nexis is the best."

What do you like about Westlaw?

I like the formatting, it's easy to take in a decision or appeal and the details of each case study are organized in such a way that crucial informati

Verified User
U

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

2.5/5

"It has been a fairly good experience"

What do you like about Westlaw?

Its helpful for legal research and is well-organized

4. Accessibility
Users value the organized formatting of Westlaw, making crucial information easily accessible for decision-making.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

3.0/5

"There are times and places where Westlaw is the best resource. Other times Lexis Nexis is the best."

What do you like about Westlaw?

I like the formatting, it's easy to take in a decision or appeal and the details of each case study are organized in such a way that crucial informati

5. Document Management
Users find Westlaw's user-friendly interface and helpful secondary sources enhance their research efficiency.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Westlaw is great and easy to use"

What do you like about Westlaw?

Westlaw is incredibly easy to use. Searching is made simple and the secondary sources are a tremendous help at times.

5 Cons or Disadvantages of Westlaw

1. Complexity
Users find the complexity of the tools challenging, especially when transitioning from other research programs.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Alexis B.
AB

Alexis B.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Westlake is extremely user friendly and provided me with the most complete records I have requested."

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

The least helpful thing is the complexity of the tools they have if you are switching fron a different research program.

2. Expensive
Users find the lack of affordable options for Westlaw to be a significant drawback for its overall value.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Westlaw is the top of the top"

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

While there are few things that I dislike about Westlaw, the fact that there is not many inexpensive options is a bummer.

3. Inefficient Workflow
Users find the inefficient workflow frustrating due to inconsistent search features and limited data refinement options.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

3.0/5

"There are times and places where Westlaw is the best resource. Other times Lexis Nexis is the best."

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

The search feature is not always consistent. I wish there were more options to refine a search, and more choices to sort and save the data which comes

4. Limitations
Users feel Westlaw could enhance its experience by providing a greater variety of service functions for better usability.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

2.5/5

"It has been a fairly good experience"

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

It could sometimes offer a greater variety of service functions.

5. Limited Options
Users wish for more search options in Westlaw, as current features limit the ability to refine and sort results.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

3.0/5

"There are times and places where Westlaw is the best resource. Other times Lexis Nexis is the best."

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

The search feature is not always consistent. I wish there were more options to refine a search, and more choices to sort and save the data which comes

Westlaw Reviews (190)

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Reviews

Westlaw Reviews (190)

View 1 Video Reviews
4.4
190 reviews
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G2 reviews are authentic and verified.
Mara M.
MM
Barista
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Daily use"
What do you like best about Westlaw?

They still have the same features I enjoy using, especially being able to narrow down my case law research. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

West law dud some updates but they aren’t able to get as specific with jurisdictions. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Greg Fidler of Westlaw

Thank you Mara, for your positive review! We appreciate your feedback and always look for ways to improve Westlaw. I would be very interested in hearing how we can improve our jurisdictional offerings. Please feel free to contact me @ greg.fidler@tr.com to share any thoughts or ideas on how we can improve this area of Westlaw.

Verified User in Legal Services
AL
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"There are times and places where Westlaw is the best resource. Other times Lexis Nexis is the best."
What do you like best about Westlaw?

I like the formatting, it's easy to take in a decision or appeal and the details of each case study are organized in such a way that crucial information is obvious and easily accessible. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

The search feature is not always consistent. I wish there were more options to refine a search, and more choices to sort and save the data which comes back from a query. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Greg Fidler of Westlaw

We're glad to hear that you find Westlaw's formatting and organization helpful for accessing case studies. We understand your feedback about the search feature and we are addressing that in the latest versions of Westlaw.

Alexis B.
AB
Unemployed
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Westlake is extremely user friendly and provided me with the most complete records I have requested."
What do you like best about Westlaw?

The most helpful is the complete searches that are provided. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

The least helpful thing is the complexity of the tools they have if you are switching fron a different research program. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Greg Fidler of Westlaw

We're glad to hear that you find Westlaw user-friendly and that it provides you with complete records. We understand that transitioning from a different research program can be challenging, and we are constantly working to improve our tools to make the transition smoother for our users.

Verified User in Government Administration
UG
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Westlaw is the top of the top"
What do you like best about Westlaw?

Westlaw is extremely helpful in everyway. Their new AI tool is so great. Research is simple, fast, and easy with WL. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

While there are few things that I dislike about Westlaw, the fact that there is not many inexpensive options is a bummer. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Greg Fidler of Westlaw

We're thrilled to hear that you find Westlaw extremely helpful and that our new AI tool is making research simple, fast, and easy for you. We appreciate your feedback about the pricing options, and we are constantly working to provide the best value for our customers. Thank you for choosing Westlaw for your legal research needs!

Verified User in Law Practice
UL
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Westlaw is great and easy to use"
What do you like best about Westlaw?

Westlaw is incredibly easy to use. Searching is made simple and the secondary sources are a tremendous help at times. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

There is nothing I dislike about Westlaw at this time. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Greg Fidler of Westlaw

We're thrilled to hear that you find Westlaw easy to use and that our secondary sources are helpful. Thank you for your positive feedback!

Verified User in Retail
UR
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"Go to for legal research"
What do you like best about Westlaw?

It's got EVERYTHING, and is super easy to navigate. Not only that, it's just so familiar from law school. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

Sometimes the quantity of new features can be a bit overwhelming. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Greg Fidler of Westlaw

We're glad to hear that you find Westlaw comprehensive and user-friendly. We understand that the constant updates can be overwhelming, and we're continuously working to improve the user experience.

Verified User in Legal Services
UL
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"It has been a fairly good experience"
What do you like best about Westlaw?

Its helpful for legal research and is well-organized Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

It could sometimes offer a greater variety of service functions. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Greg Fidler of Westlaw

We're glad to hear that you find Westlaw helpful for your legal research and that it benefits you by providing appropriate primary and secondary sources. Look for additional service functions in our latest versions of Westlaw.

Rudra N. Z.
RZ
Managing Director
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Exceptional Legal Research platform tailored to the needs of lawyers."
What do you like best about Westlaw?

Legal research tools are very helpful. The user interface is great, and is friendly to use and access. The platform is fluid, and operatable by different types of users. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

The reach among customers and prospective users is less. Not many people in the legal field are aware of this platform, and a larger and broader reach would be beneficial for the community. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Greg Fidler of Westlaw

Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear that you find our platform fluid and operable for different types of users. We understand the importance of reaching a wider audience and are continuously working on expanding our reach in the legal field.

DM
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Excellent legal research software to obtain legal information for cases"
What do you like best about Westlaw?

I like it because it is an essential and convenient software to find legal cases and easy-to-use category filters to find what we are working on. I also like that it helps us in the legal investigation. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

It's a great product that gives you the information you need, and I don't see any displeasure. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Greg Fidler of Westlaw

We're thrilled to hear that Westlaw has been an essential and convenient tool for your legal research needs. Our easy-to-use category filters are designed to make finding relevant information as efficient as possible.

TD
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"A simple tool for legal research easy to find and use"
What do you like best about Westlaw?

I like this tool because it is valid, and the user interface is excellent because it shows sub-tabs in different categories and makes it easy to find cases for legal research. I like that it offers precise details and that public records and filters can be added to searches. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Westlaw?

There is nothing harmful with Westlaw at the moment. I hope they can improve the squads. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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