Page 37 - Pierce County Lawyer - March April 2025

LAW LIBRARY NEWS B Y S T E P H E N S E E LY
Law Library Update
For legal professionals, students,
and anyone navigating the
complex world of law, efficient
legal research is crucial. Whether you’re
preparing for a case, seeking case law
precedents, or just trying to understand
a legal concept, accessing reliable
resources can make all the difference.
The Pierce County Law Library offers
a game-changing opportunity by
providing free access to Westlaw, one of
the most powerful legal research tools
available. This service not only enhances
the accessibility of legal information but
also empowers individuals to conduct
thorough, high-quality research without
the hefty price tag.
Comprehensive and
Up-to-Date Information
Westlaw is renowned for its extensive
database of legal information, which
includes case law, statutes, regulations,
legal commentary, and much more.
One of the most significant advantages
of using Westlaw is its up-to-date
content. Legal research is only valuable
if it includes the most recent cases,
amendments and analysis. The Pierce
County Law Library’s Westlaw access
ensures that users have the most current
and accurate information at their
fingertips.
Powerful Search Tools
Westlaw’s advanced search capabilities
are a game-changer for both beginners
and seasoned attorneys. Its intuitive
interface allows users to refine their
searches and locate relevant information
quickly. Whether you’re searching by
citation, jurisdiction or legal topic,
Westlaw’s filtering tools save time and
provide precise results. For law students
and those new to legal research, this
can be an invaluable educational tool,
helping them to learn effective research
strategies.
You can access many of our most
popular books from anywhere.
Cost-Effective Research
For many, paying for a Westlaw
subscription is not financially feasible.
The high cost of legal databases can be a
significant barrier for solo practitioners,
law students, and self-represented
litigants. By offering free access to
Westlaw, the Pierce County Law Library
bridges this gap, enabling users to access
top-tier legal resources without the need
to purchase an expensive subscription.
This is particularly beneficial for
those working on pro bono cases or
individuals who cannot afford the pricey
fees associated with professional legal
research tools.
Legal Research Options
from Home or the Office
Our Westlaw access is only available
in-person at the Law Library in Tacoma.
But you won’t need to travel all the way
to the Law Library to use our books; you
can access many of our most popular
books from anywhere! This includes
the Washington State Bar Association’s
deskbook series which offers in-depth
analysis on a wide range of topics
such as Family Law, Civil Procedure,
Real Property, Shareholder Litigation,
Construction Law, and more! You can
read those WSBA deskbooks and many
others in our digital library from the
comfort of your home or office. If you
have the Internet, then you have the Law
Library in your pocket!
In the meantime, if you’d like to learn
more about the Law Library, feel free
to pay us a visit or reach out to us. The
best way to contact the Law Library is
to send us an email at pclawlibrary@
piercecountywa.gov.
Stephen is the Pierce
County Law Librarian.
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