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Fastcase

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Lawyerist Rating for Fastcase

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Rating Breakdown

Our Rating: 4.7/5

Our rating is based on our subjective judgment. Use our resources—including our rating and community ratings and reviews—to find the best fit for your firm.

4.7/5

Overview
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What is Fastcase?

Fastcase is an excellent legal research option whether a lawyer already has access through their bar association or not. Its comprehensive database and growing list of secondary sources is highly competitive with Westlaw and LexisNexis, but at a much lower price.  Its recent acquisition of Casemaker means it adds an even deeper case law database to its advanced legal research tools.

Starting Cost: $65/user/month

Pros
  • Open API
  • Docket Search
  • Public Records Search
Cons
  • Limited Secondary Sources
  • No Business Search
  • Not for Large Firms
Overview
Featured Ratings

Fastcase Features

Customer Experience & Support

/5

Price & Value

/5

Security

/5

Innovation & Future-Proofing

/5

Overview
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Product Details

Apps
  • Android
  • iOS
Software Integrations
  • Clio
  • Docket Alarm

Core Features

For Online Legal Research, the following are essential features, and you should therefore expect to see a check in every box in this section.

Yes
No

Free Trial

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI legal assistants can help you identify relevant cases and statutes, and may even help you draft your brief.

Natural Language Search

Can you search by entering a question in normal language rather than keywords or Boolean connectors and phrases?

Boolean Search

With Boolean operators like AND, OR, and more, you can precisely target your search query.

Case Summaries

Citation Checking

A citation checker helps you identify whether a case or statute has been overruled, modified, or reversed or repealed.

Filter Search

Can you restrict your search to certain parts or features of cases and statutes, like the date, judge, or jurisdiction?

Research History

Research history makes it easier to find the results of previous searches or see if the law has changed with new results.

Research Folders

Organize your research history into folders.

PDF/Word Downloads

Download cases and statutes as a formatted PDF or Word document.

Suggestions

When you run a search, get suggestions for additional searches to run or material you should look at.

Alerts

Flag key cases so that you get an email notification if it is cited in a new case, statute, or secondary source.

Open API

Compare Fastcase Similar Products

Select another product to compare:

Fastcase

4.7/5

fastcase review logo
Pros
  • Open API
  • Docket Search
  • Public Records Search
Cons
  • Limited Secondary Sources
  • No Business Search
  • Not for Large Firms

Casetext

4.7/5

casetext logo
Pros
  • Price
  • Citation Check
  • Integrations
Cons
  • Limited Secondary Sources
  • No Open API
  • No Public Records
Read Casetext Review

LexisNexis

3.1/5

LexisNexis Logo
Pros
  • Secondary Sources
  • Citation Check
  • Integrations
Cons
  • Expensive
  • No Open API
  • Not for Solos
Read LexisNexis Review

Westlaw

3/5

westlaw subscription logo
Pros
  • Secondary Sources
  • Citation Check
  • Integrations
Cons
  • Expensive
  • No Integrations
  • Not for Solos
Read Westlaw Review

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I use Fastcase?

Fastcase is an online legal research tool. It can be accessed through any modern browser with an internet connection.

What is the price of Fastcase?

Many lawyers will find they already have free access to Fastcase through their state bar association. However, plans start at $65/user/month.

Does Fastcase integrate with my Law Practice Management Software?

In a way, yes. Although Fastcase does not integrate directly with some of the more popular cloud based solutions, they boast practice management tools like NextChapter for Bankruptcy (and even Immigration).

Does Fastcase have a MS Word plugin?

No. But Fastcase goes a step further with its legal data API. This allows the enterprising law firm to connect much of the information in Fastcase directly into their own software.

Does Fastcase search caselaw?

Yes. Fastcase is a legal research platform and it has a vast database of case law.

What secondary sources does Fastcase have?

Through Full Court Press, its own legal publishing company, Fastcase offers access to loads of secondary sources and treatises.

Is Fastcase reliable?

Yes. Fastcase’s database of case law and its secondary sources are reliable publications for legal research.

Is Fastcase difficult to use?

Although Fastcase offers some advanced research tools, it is generally not difficult to use.

Can I get docket information from Fastcase?

Yes. Through Docket Alarm, Fastcase offers access to Federal Court, Bankruptcy, Patent, Trademark, and many State Court dockets.

Does Fastcase have reminders and alerts?

Yes. Fastcase has reminders and alerts for case law and even docket information.

Additional Details about Fastcase

Already free. Many local bar associations have subscription plans that allow their members to use Fastcase legal research platform for free. Check the website or with your bar association to see if you can take advantage!

AI Sandbox. The AI Sandbox lets lawyers use artificial intelligence in a secure environment to conduct that sort of work, then compare it with public legal data or Fastcase’s data. Lawyers can then have IBM’s Watson Analytics and Watson Developer Cloud analyze findings to get more profound insights into contracts, briefs, or other documents.

Secondary sources. The Fastcase library includes primary law (case law and statutes), legal blogs, law review articles, briefs, pleadings, expert witness databases, analytics, and secondary treatises. It includes 129 treatises from Aspen and CCH and over 100 titles from James Publishing, as well as 79 labor and employment treatises from Littler. Through Fastcase’s new imprint, Full Court Press, it has about 80 titles in production. They also provide access to law review articles through their partnership with HeinOnline.

Who Fastcase is For

Fastcase is an excellent research option for solos and small to medium sized firms who need access to comprehensive case law and some secondary sources. Tech driven firms who are looking to integrate tools into their existing software may find the platform especially appealing.

On the other hand, firms who need access to very specific secondary sources will want to be very deliberate in their choice and make sure they have access to the appropriate publications.

Not sure where to begin? Download our Field Guide

Take the guesswork out of researching, purchasing, and implementing the right legal tech products and services for your law firm. Our Field Guide answers your essential questions and breaks down the features most important to your business, so you can buy with confidence.

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