Casetext

Casetext is a cloud-based legal research platform that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to assist legal professionals in finding relevant legal information and streamline their research process. Founded in 2013 by a team of legal and technology experts, Casetext has become a popular tool for lawyers, paralegals, and legal researchers, especially within solo and small practices.

Here’s a deep dive into what Casetext offers:

Core Features:

• AI-powered search: Casetext’s key differentiator is its CARA (Casetext Advanced Research Assistant), an AI tool that goes beyond traditional keyword searches. CARA analyzes the context of your queries and legal concepts to surface relevant cases you might miss using simple keywords. This can significantly improve research efficiency and help you discover crucial case law that strengthens your arguments.
• Comprehensive legal database: Casetext provides access to a vast database of legal materials, including:
  • Federal and state case law: Search through court decisions from all 50 states and federal courts.
  • Statutes and regulations: Find relevant laws and regulations at both the federal and state levels.
  • Secondary sources: Access legal treatises, law review articles, and other legal resources.
• Smart research tools: Casetext offers various tools to enhance your research process, such as:
  • Parallel search: Simultaneously search across multiple legal sources based on a single query.
  • Shepardizing: Verify the legal status of cases using Casetext’s built-in citator, SmartCite.
  • Case summaries: Access concise summaries of key cases to quickly grasp their essence.
  • Annotation and case organization: Organize your research by highlighting sections of cases, adding notes, and creating folders.

Benefits of using Casetext:

• Increased efficiency: AI-powered search and research tools can significantly reduce research time and effort.
• Improved accuracy: CARA’s contextual analysis helps you uncover relevant cases you might miss with traditional methods, leading to more accurate legal research.
• Cost-effective: Compared to traditional legal research tools, Casetext offers competitive pricing plans, making it accessible to a wider range of legal professionals.
• Accessibility: The cloud-based platform allows you to access your research from anywhere with an internet connection.

Things to Consider:

• Learning curve: As with any new tool, there’s a learning curve associated with mastering Casetext’s functionalities.
• Focus on legal research: While Casetext excels in legal research, it may not be suitable for specific tasks like legal document automation or practice management.
• Pricing structure: Depending on your usage needs, different pricing tiers might be available. Consider your research volume and budget when choosing a plan.

Overall, Casetext is a valuable tool for legal professionals seeking to:

• Enhance the efficiency and accuracy of their legal research.
• Leverage AI to uncover relevant case law and legal information.
• Access a comprehensive legal database at a competitive price.

It’s important to note that Casetext is not a substitute for legal expertise or professional judgment. Legal professionals should always exercise their own judgment and consult with relevant authorities when making legal decisions.