Lexis+AI by Zac Shaffer

As technology continues to expand and develop, the driving factor that an attorney attempting to utilize AI in their workplace must consider is the accuracy and efficiency of the software. Whether you prefer Westlaw, Lexis Nexis, Decisis, or another case law research software, deciding what software to use comes down to one specific question: What is the most cost-efficient and time efficient software to use? In previous years, this question would come down to cost and preference. However, as technology continues to advance, attorneys must also consider what other features this software can provide. After testing both Westlaw and Lexis’ version of AI, it is this author’s opinion that Lexis AI is the superior research software available for numerous reasons.

First, Lexis+AI truly saves hours on any research assignment or project you may have. The software uses Protégé as its AI assistant. Protégé to Lexis+AI is the technological equivalent of Siri to Apple or Google to Android. In my experience, legal researchers take one of two stances on beginning a research project (and much like Coca-Cola v. Pepsi, there is no in-between…don’t get me started on RC Cola fans). Either you start with the case law and work your way back, or you start with Google and then narrow your research from there. While both methods of research have their clear advantages, both waste a fair amount of time as you delve through the catacombs of precedent. Using Lexis+AI, however, is the best of both worlds. Protégé’s search engine combines the intuition and broadness of internet database searching with legal research. Having been a Lexis+AI member for nearly two months now, I can honestly say that I have saved hours of research time. In an industry where the phrase “time is money” is more than just a famous quote, this type of advantage cannot be overlooked.

Second, Lexis+AI’s interface and adaptability are extremely user-friendly. As the tech-savvy attorney in the office, I get the pleasure of looking into and testing out new technology and software invented to make law firms more efficient. While enjoyable, it does come with its own hurdles. The biggest challenge, however, is training and ensuring that everyone in the office knows the full
advantages of new technology and, more importantly, that everyone knows how to use it. As you can imagine, the more complicated a tool is to use, the harder it is to learn how to use it. That is not a problem with Lexis+AI. Its interface is easy to use regardless of your tech-savviness or level of expertise; you can learn how to use the basic necessities of Lexis+AI easily. Even some of the more intricate tools will take an amateur researcher seconds to learn compared to other options. To me, if you can navigate Google with its numerous “sponsored” sites and advertisements, you will be able to learn the full benefits of Lexis+AI without breaking a sweat.

Finally, one of my favorite tools that Lexis+AI offers is its ability to draft documents. Lexis+AI offers the ability to draft documents such as demand letters, medical summaries, complaints, interrogatories and other legal documents. In addition to drafting documents, it can also review documents like motions or other pleadings that have been drafted or filed. The application of this
tool is endless and Lexis’s software is constantly growing, adapting, and improving. Like all other AI sources, it is still important that you maintain accountability and responsibility for any output. There may be mistakes, typographical or otherwise, but just like using an assistant to work on your cases, you need to review the work. But, just like saving hours on research, by having Lexis+AI start the drafting process, you will be freed up to spend more time on your clients and your practice.

While everyone’s opinion is different on which legal research system is better, it is my opinion that Lexis+AI is the best option available. Like Westlaw and other big name legal software, Lexis+AI isn’t the cheapest option compared to other AI tools. But, when you consider the reliability of the research and the features that it offers, Lexis+AI is the best tool for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability that I have had the pleasure of using.