Zotero is a great tool for organizing sources that you find on the open web or in library databases. It is "free, easy to use tool to help you collect, organize, cite and share research. Zotero allows you to easily save bibliographic details, comments, indexing terms, and direct links to webpages, word documents, and even articles that are in library subscription databases. It is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. You will also need a connector (like an add-on or extension) for your browser. All the major browsers are supported.
Juris-M is an adaptation of Zotero that improves how sources are saved for legal information, especially primary sources from platforms like Westlaw and Lexis.
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Lexis for Microsoft Word
Lexis offers a Word application called Lexis for Microsoft Office. After downloading Lexis for Microsoft Office, it will appear as a tab at the top of the application. You can cite-check a document for conformance to Bluebook style and the software will flag any citations which do not correspond to a citation in the Lexis database. In addition, you can run a Shepard’s citation check for all citations in your document in addition to the cite check process. After you’ve reviewed the Shepard’s flags, you can remove the flags from the document prior to submission. In addition, you can create a table of authorities for your document using Lexis for Microsoft Office. Download this add-on by using the link below, and then enter your Lexis+ username and password. From the next screen, select Windows or Mac versions.
Lexis Brief Analysis
Brief Analysis allows you to upload a document and check up to 600 citations and quotations in briefs, memoranda, pleadings, motions and more. Brief Analysis extracts the citations and quotations from your document and creates a report that contains not only the Shepard’s report for each citation, but also quotation validation reports. To access Brief Analysis simply enter Lexis+ and then select Brief Analysis.
Shepards BriefLink
Shepard's BriefLink changes citations in your document to live links to Lexis+ materials. Simply upload a document from your desktop or network drive. Next, choose the document type you want emailed, either a Word document or a PDF. Shepard's BriefLink creates a new version of the brief with active links to materials on Lexis. To access Brieflink simply enter Lexis+ and then select either Brief Check from the pull-down menu in the upper black toolbar.
Westlaw Quick Check
This service, located on the homepage of Westlaw Edge, allows users to upload a brief or memo and will then check the citations within the document to make sure they are still good authority. Additionally, the tool will suggest additional cases or key numbers that have not been included in the document. The report produced by Quick Check is organized according to the headings in the submitted document, thereby providing context for recommended new authority.