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The law librarian’s guide to legal research technology investments 

As the people responsible for curating the right research tools for their firms, law librarians have a strong voice in discussions concerning legal tech investments. Librarians are also often tasked with proving the return on investment (ROI) after firms implement new solutions.

The good news for librarians who get buy-in for advanced research technologies — like Westlaw Precision — is that the benefits tend to surface quickly. Westlaw Precision helps law firms work faster and smarter, benefiting individual users and the firm as a whole.

Thomson Reuters WestSearch Plus, a feature of Westlaw Precision and Westlaw Edge, provides answers on thousands of legal topics, quickly addressing user queries in plain, declarative sentences. Intelligent and intuitive, WestSearch Plus offers type-ahead suggestions and narrowing options that allow users to pinpoint their searches to a strictly defined set of parameters.

The result is a fast, intuitive search, a benefit that streamlines workflows within the firm and translates directly to increased productivity and enhanced client satisfaction. When your attorneys quickly obtain answers, they can get back to clients faster. When legal professionals perform key tasks faster, their clients get better service, making them happier while cutting down on costly write-offs and write-downs.

Thomson Reuters Westlaw Litigation Analytics is another powerful feature that harnesses the power of advanced AI to help attorneys build stronger cases. Litigation Analytics allows users to uncover relevant insights and trends on attorneys, law firms, judges, courts, damages, case types, and companies across thousands of legal topics.

With faster results and better case preparation, these features not only save time but also provide invaluable insight.

Law firms often task librarians with implementing their new technology. With its intuitive interface and search features, Westlaw Precision is easy to teach and learn. However, not everyone is comfortable with technological change. If you have any difficulty turning your colleagues onto the new features, here are a few tips you may find helpful:

  • Tell them how easy it is. New technology can be intimidating, but Westlaw Precision is intuitive and easy to use. There is no steep learning curve, and the user interface is not dramatically different from previous versions of Westlaw, making the change seamless for everyone involved.
  • Highlight quick wins. When the benefits of upgrading to an AI-powered research solution become apparent, don’t hesitate to share the news with coworkers and critical stakeholders. When word of a valuable new tool gets around, people are generally eager to learn more and start using it.
  • Explain what motivated the change. People are more willing to venture out of their comfort zones when they understand the rationale behind a change. Once you explain why the new solution is better than the old one and how it will benefit individual attorneys and the firm, you should find your colleagues more willing to get on board.
  • Tailor your approach. Some people are simply more comfortable with new technology than others. Ascertain the comfort level of the various users at your firm so you can frame the learning process in a unique and helpful light for each person. 

Learn more about Westlaw Precision and how you can help your firm harness the power of advanced AI.

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