Category: Library Resources

New Washington and Lee Law Journal Rankings Now Online

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W&L Law Journal Rankings

The 2021 Washington and Lee Law Journal Rankings are now available at go.wlu.edu/lawjournals.

Maintained by the W&L Law Library, the Rankings are a world-recognized resource for identifying and comparing law journals by subject, country of publication, or rank across several categories relevant to scholars and publishers.

Data for 2021 includes the top 400 U.S.-published law journals and the top 100 law journals published outside the United States, based on citation counts and publication statistics for a 2017-2021 survey period.

New Rankings are released annually based on data up through the preceding calendar year. Historical data from the 1996-2003 to 2016-2020 survey periods remains accessible on the site for reference and comparison.

For more information about W&L Law Journal Rankings, please visit the the How to Use and Methodology pages of the site. Questions and comments are welcome at LawJournalRankings@wlu.edu.

Summer/Post-Graduation Access to Research Platforms & Databases, 2022

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Congrats to all W&L Law students on wrapping up the school year, and especially to our 3Ls on their momentous achievement of completing law school!

Westlaw, Lexis, and Bloomberg Law provide access of varying duration and scope during the summer to current law students and after graduation for alumni. Other online resources provided by the W&L Law Library also remain available.

Reminder: Always check with your supervisor before using your academic database accounts on work projects this summer. Although it may be permissible by the vendor’s rules, your employer may prefer that you use other resources.

  • Bloomberg Law
    Law students enjoy full and uninterrupted use of their BLaw accounts during the summer, without restrictions from Bloomberg. Account and log-in required. Graduating students automatically retain full access to their academic Bloomberg Law account for up to 6 months after graduation.
  • LexisNexis
    Law students enjoy full and uninterrupted use of their Lexis accounts during the summer, without restrictions from Lexis. Account and log-in required. Graduating students automatically retain full access to their academic Lexis account for up to 6 months after graduation. Graduates going into non-profit work may apply for LexisNexis ASPIRE access which lasts 12 months beyond graduation; details at http://lexisnexis.com/grad-access.
  • Westlaw
    Law students continue to have full access to their Westlaw accounts during the summer, however use is permitted only for non-profit purposes such as summer classes, law school research assistant/journal/clinic work, or unpaid public interest work. Account and log-in required. Graduating students may retain full access to their academic Westlaw account for up to 18 months after graduation (up to 60 hours of use per month) through the Grad Elite Practice Ready program; register at https://lawschool.thomsonreuters.com/grad-elite-status.
  • Other Databases via W&L Law Library
    The range of additional databases available to W&L students for legal research can be found on the Law Library’s Databases and Online Resources page. Frequently used resources include HeinOnline, ProQuest, Law360, and Law.com. W&L log-in and password are required off campus.
  • Graduate/Alumni Access to Online Resources
    W&L Law students graduating in May will lose remote access to all library subscription resources in early August, when their University computing accounts take on “alumni” status. However, all alums may access a selection of research databases through the University Library, including EBSCO Academic Search Complete, EBSCO Business Source Complete, JSTOR, and Project Muse (see https://library.wlu.edu/services/#alum). The Law Library is also happy provide research assistance for alumni. Please email us at LawRef@wlu.edu or call 540-458-8552.

W&L Law Library Newsletter – New Spring Issue

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Exams are here! Graduation, summer jobs, and the bar exam are almost here!

The W&L Law Library has your back. The April issue of our Newsletter points you toward info and resources to help you wrap up the school year with success—packed with info for students, faculty and the whole W&L Law community.

Read it here online or pick up a print copy at the Circulation Desk or Steinheimer Lobby area (near Level 1A entrance).

April Newsletter
April W&L Law Library Newsletter at the Circulation Desk

New Database: Westlaw Edge UK

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Westlaw Edge UK homepage

W&L Law Library is pleased to announce access to Westlaw Edge UK, a full-featured Thomson Reuters platform for legal materials and information in the United Kingdom.

Content includes UK case law, dockets, and law reports; statutes and legislation, newspapers, secondary materials, and many treatises through Westlaw UK Books. Tools and enhancements include Case Analytics, Legislation Compare, UK-EU Divergence Tracker, and Legislation Alerts.

Access Westlaw Edge UK at lawschool.tr.com
Access Westlaw Edge UK at lawschool.tr.com

To access Westlaw Edge UK, select it from the main product drop-down menu, once logged in at lawschool.tr.com. As with regular Westlaw Edge and the full suite of Thomson Reuters products, access is limited to W&L Law School students, faculty and staff; a valid academic Westlaw account and password are required.

For additional information, see the official Westlaw Edge UK information page and introductory YouTube video from Thomson Reuters. For further guidance, feel free to reach out to a librarian at LawRef@wlu.edu.

Spring Training on Lexis, Westlaw, and Bloomberg Law

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Representatives from Bloomberg Law, Westlaw, and LexisNexis are offering training sessions for W&L Law students in the upcoming weeks. All 1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls are welcome to attend any of the sessions listed below.

Lexis sessions will be in-person at the Law School (lunch served), while Bloomberg Law and Westlaw sessions will be held via Zoom. Each is scheduled for 30 minutes. Multiple identical sessions may be offered on each topic; sessions with the same title at different times will cover the same information.

We in the Law Library urge you to take every opportunity to learn about these valuable research platforms and tools. Please contact us at LawRef@wlu.edu with any questions or concerns.

Bloomberg Law Trainings (on Zoom; email Warda Khan for links):

  • BLaw Basics Refresher – Tue. 3/1, 1:00–1:30pm
  • BLaw Basics Refresher – Wed. 3/2, 12:00–12:30pm
  • Advanced Resources – Tue. 3/15, 1:00–1:30pm
  • Advanced Resources – Wed. 3/16, 12:00–12:30pm
  • Advanced Resources – Tue. 3/22, 12:30–1:00pm
  • Advanced Resources – Wed. 3/23, 12:00–12:30pm

LexisNexis Trainings:

  • Judicial Analytics & Court Info – Fri. 2/4, 12:00-12:30pm; Classroom F
  • Administrative Law & Legislative Info – Fri. 2/11, 12:00-12:30pm; Classroom F
  • Shepard’s Citator & Ravel – Fri. 2/18, 12:00-12:30pm; Classroom F
  • Brief Analysis & Lexis for Microsoft Office – Fri. 3/11, 12:00-12:30pm; Classroom F

Westlaw Live Webinars (Sign-up/Zoom Links):

  • Thu. 2/10, 12:00 & 3:00pm – KeyCite for Cases
  • Wed. 2/16, 1:00 & 5:00pm – KeyCite for Statutes
  • Wed. 2/23, 11:00am & 2:00pm – Key Numbers
  • Wed. 3/2, 1:00 & 4:00pm – Briefs
  • Thu. 3/10, 12:00 & 3:00pm – Quick Check
  • Thu. 3/17, 12:30 & 3:30pm – Create a Table of Authorities
  • Wed. 3/23, 1:00 & 3:00pm – Prepare to Practice
  • Thu. 3/31, 12:00 & 3:00pm – Practical Law
  • Thu. 4/7, 12:00pm – Prepare to Practice

New at W&L Law: LexisNexis Digital Library Study Aids

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Just in time for your fall exam prep! The W&L Law Library is pleased to announce school-wide access to LexisNexis Digital Library Study Aids.

This new ebook collection offers easy online access to over 100 study guides published by LexisNexis. Our subscription includes popular and trusted study-aid titles, including the Understanding series, Questions & Answers series, and Skills & Values series. The OverDrive ebook platform allows you to create custom tags and annotations to help organize your studies. You may also print ebook content or download for offline use.

Study aids for many fall semester subjects are available, including:

To access the Digital Library homepage, go to https://lexisdl.com/library/wlu (log in with your WLU credentials when prompted). For guidance on using the Digital Library, view this short YouTube video from LexisNexis.

If you have questions about using or finding any of the Library’s resources, please contact us at lawref@wlu.edu and a librarian will respond to you promptly.

Fall Training on Lexis, Westlaw, and Bloomberg Law

Andrew ChristensenLeave a comment

Representatives from Bloomberg Law, Westlaw, and LexisNexis are offering training sessions for W&L Law students in the upcoming weeks. All 1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls are welcome to attend any of the sessions listed below.

Lexis sessions will be in-person at the Law School (lunch served), while Bloomberg Law and Westlaw sessions will be held via Zoom. Each is scheduled for 30 minutes. Multiple identical sessions may be offered on each topic; sessions with the same title at different times will cover the same information.

We in the Law Library urge you to take every opportunity to learn about these valuable research platforms and tools. Please contact us at LawRef@wlu.edu with any questions or concerns.

Bloomberg Law Trainings (on Zoom; email Vrenda Cain for links):

  • Secondary Sources – Tue. 9/14, 2:00-2:30pm
  • Secondary Sources – Fri. 9/17, 2:00-2:30pm
  • Statutory Research – Tue. 9/21, 2:00-2:30pm
  • Statutory Research – Fri. 9/24, 2:00-2:30pm
  • Case Law Research – Tue. 9/28, 2:00-2:30pm
  • Case Law Research – Fri. 10/1, 1:00-1:30pm
  • Citator Tools (BCite) – Tue. 10/12, 2:00-2:30pm
  • Citator Tools (BCite) – Thu. 10/14, 3:00-3:30pm
  • Memo and Brief Research – Wed. 10/20, 4:00-4:30pm
  • Memo and Brief Research – Tue. 10/26, 2:00-2:30pm

LexisNexis Trainings:

  • Secondary Sources & Search Techniques – Tue. 9/21, 12:30-1:00pm; Classroom D
  • Secondary Sources & Search Techniques – Thu. 9/23, 12:30-1:00pm; Classroom B
  • Statutes & Judicial Opinions – Tue. 9/21, 12:30-1:00pm; Classroom D
  • Statutes & Judicial Opinions – Thu. 9/23, 12:30-1:00pm; Classroom B
  • Shepard’s Citator & Research for Memo Writing – Thu. 10/21, 12:30-1:00 and 2:00-2:30; Classroom B)

Westlaw Trainings:

  • Start in a Secondary Source: Thursday, September 16, 4pm EST – RSVP/Zoom Link
  • The Power of Key Numbers: Monday, Sept 20, 12pm EST – RSVP/Zoom Link
  • The Power of Key Numbers: Tuesday, Sept 21, 8pm EST – RSVP/Zoom Link
  • Getting Started with Westlaw: Monday, September 27, 12pm EST – RSVP/Zoom Link
  • Getting Started with Westlaw: Tuesday, September 28, 8pm EST – RSVP/Zoom Link
  • Secondary Sources: Monday, October 4, 12pm EST – RSVP/Zoom Link
  • Secondary Sources: Tuesday, October 5, 8pm EST – RSVP/Zoom Link
  • Is My Case Good Law? KeyCite: Wednesday, October 13, 12:30pm EST – RSVP/Zoom Link
  • Is My Case Good Law? KeyCite: Thursday, October 14, 12pm EST – RSVP/Zoom Link
  • Expanding Your Research with Key Numbers: Tuesday, October 19, 12:30pm EST – RSVP/Zoom Link
  • Expanding Your Research with Key Numbers: Wednesday, October 20, 12pm EST – RSVP/Zoom Link
  • Practical Law: Tuesday, October 26, 12:30pm EST – RSVP/Zoom Link
  • Practical Law: Wednesday, October 27, 12pm EST – RSVP/Zoom Link

Summer Access to Research Platforms & Databases, 2021

Andrew ChristensenLeave a comment

Westlaw, Lexis, and Bloomberg Law provide access of varying duration and scope during the summer to current law students and after graduation for alumni. Other online resources provided by the W&L Law Library also remain available.

Reminder: Always check with your supervisor before using your academic database accounts on work projects this summer. Although it may be permissible by the vendor’s rules, your employer may prefer that you use other resources.

  • Bloomberg Law
    Law students enjoy full and uninterrupted use of their BLaw accounts during the summer, without restrictions from the vendor. Account and log-in required. Graduating students automatically retain full access to their academic Bloomberg Law account for up to 6 months after graduation.
  • LexisNexis
    Law students enjoy full and uninterrupted use of their Lexis accounts during the summer, without restrictions from the vendor. Account and log-in required. Graduating students automatically retain full access to their academic Lexis account for up to 6 months after graduation. Graduates going into non-profit work may apply for LexisNexis ASPIRE access which lasts 12 months beyond graduation; details at http://lexisnexis.com/grad-access.
  • Westlaw
    Law students continue to have full access to their Westlaw accounts during the summer, however use is permitted only for non-profit purposes such as summer classes, law school research assistant/journal/clinic work, or unpaid public interest work. Account and log-in required. Graduating students may retain full access to their academic Westlaw account for up to 6 months after graduation (up to 60 hours of use per month) through the Grad Elite program; register at https://lawschool.westlaw.com/authentication/gradelite.
  • Other Databases via W&L Law Library
    The range of additional databases available to W&L students for legal research can be found on the Law Library’s Databases and Online Resources page. Frequently used resources include HeinOnline, ProQuest, Law360, and Law.com. W&L log-in and password are required off campus. Students graduating in May will lose remote access to these resources by August, however the Law Library can provide research assistance for alumni by email at LawRef@wlu.edu. Alumni may also access a selection of research databases through the University Library; see https://library.wlu.edu/services/#alum.

New Washington and Lee Law Journal Rankings Now Online

Andrew ChristensenLeave a comment

W&L Law Journal Rankings Homepage

The 2020 Washington and Lee Law Journal Rankings are now available at go.wlu.edu/lawjournals.

Maintained by the W&L Law Library, the Rankings are a world-recognized resource for identifying and comparing law journals by subject, country of publication, or rank across several categories relevant to scholars and publishers.

Data for 2020 includes the top 400 U.S.-published law journals and the top 100 law journals published outside the United States, based on citation counts and publication statistics for a 2016-2020 survey period.

New Rankings are released annually based on data up through the preceding calendar year. Historical data from the 1996-2003 to 2015-2019 survey periods remains accessible on the site for reference and comparison.

For more information about W&L Law Journal Rankings, please visit the the How to Use and Methodology pages of the site. Questions and comments are welcome at LawJournalRankings@wlu.edu.

Spring into Summer Success with Legal Research Certification

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Legal Resesarch Certification

Exams may in the rear-view, but your summer job is still ahead!

All W&L Law students are invited to spring into a successful summer with the Law Library’s Legal Research Certification program, now open on Canvas.

You’ll learn real-world legal research tips and tools at your own pace (and at your own place!) and get prepared for your summer experience. Get information helpful for research projects in private practice, judicial internships, government agencies, in-house legal departments, and more.

Choose your own course of short instructional videos on topics, including legal practice materials, news and current awareness, legislative and agency materials, and useful tips from Bloomberg Law, LexisNexis, and Westlaw.

At the end, you’ll receive a Legal Research Certificate from the W&L Law Library that you can add to your resume and demonstrate your mastery of important research skills and resources that lawyers use every day.

Importantly, there is no time or date limit for completing the program this spring or summer—start and finish whenever is most convenient for you.

Visit go.wlu.edu/summersuccess and get started with Legal Research Certification today!