Working from Home — Remote Access to Legal Research
While the Washington State Law Library is not open to the public, members of the library staff are working remotely and on-site to provide continuing services to library patrons. We have been busy scanning from our print collection and downloading from our online databases in response to reference questions. Please continue to submit your legal research requests by email or call us at 360–357–2136.
In addition to answering your legal research questions, we also want to help you locate materials that you can use from home. Keep reading for legal resources that you can access from your own computer.
General COVID-19 Resources in Washington
We have posted COVID-19 information organized by subject on our blog. For pending issues with the courts, we suggest that you visit the Washington Courts COVID-19 Response page for court orders, court closures, a court directory and more. We also recommend the Washington State Coronavirus Resources page where you can locate answers to many COVID-19 related questions.
Free Access to Online Research Databases
Some commercial legal research vendors are offering free temporary access to online research databases. You will need to register for these services and there are time limits for the trials:
· Trial access to Casetext
· Free 30 day trial to Bloomberg Law for those offering pro bono services related to COVID-19
Members of the Washington State Bar Association have access to both Fastcase and Casemaker as part of their membership. In addition, subscribers to print materials from Wolters Kluwer are being offered free remote access to materials. Contact your sales representative for details.
COVID-19 Legal Links
Government documents related to COVID-19 can be found at the Law Library of Congress Coronavirus Resource Guide. This guide links directly to both federal and state laws, regulations, and executive actions.
Additional resources for attorneys and law firms are located at the American Bar Association Pandemic Resources and Practice Forward pages. The ABA provides access to their Zoom 101 webinar and handouts here.
Commercial legal research vendors have also posted COVID-19 resources. Some may require registration or require an account:
· Westlaw Covid-19 Resource Center plus free CLE credit for COVID-19 related programs (registration required along with promo codes)
· Lexis Practical Guidance Coronavirus Resource Kit (registration required)
· Bloomberg — In Focus: Coronavirus
· Law360 Coronavirus coverage
· Wolters Kluwer free access to their COVID-19 Smart Chart
· PLI (Practicing Law Institute) — Free CLE programs related to Coronavirus
Free Legal Resources on the Web
Many primary law materials are available through state and federal government websites at no cost. Published court opinions can be searched online through Google Scholar. Be sure to click the circle below the search box to select Case Law. Many state appellate opinions and some federal court opinions that are available for a fee at the federal court records database Pacer are available at no charge through the Court Listener website. See below for a list of Washington state primary law and forms websites and visit our Legal Resources page for an extensive list of legal links:
· Bills
· Washington Administrative Code
Free Access to Non-Legal Research Sources
Your local public library is an excellent resource for access to online resources including academic journals, newspapers, magazines and other media. Most libraries offer remote online access to some of their databases for any registered patron and during this public health crisis, many public libraries are allowing new patrons to register online. You can search the Washington State Library’s directory of libraries database for your local public library.
Remote Assistance for Your Legal Problem
Many free and low-cost legal service providers are offering virtual and telephone legal consultations and clinics. Here are some resources for several local counties:
· King County Neighborhood Legal Clinics
· Pierce County’s Tacomaprobono
· The Columbian article on Clark County legal assistance
Check for Legal Service Providers in your county or contact these statewide resources:
· Northwest Consumer Law Center statewide virtual clinics and videos
Additional sources may be found through Washington State Bar Association’s COVID-19 Legal Resources & Information for the Public page.
Remote Legal Research Assistance
If you need a refresher or introduction to researching in Westlaw, please contact the library for assistance from a reference librarian. We can help get you up to speed! (WB)
