How to Use Westlaw

A beginner-friendly guide to getting started with Westlaw in 2026.

Price Paid only

Best For law firms, corporate legal, judges

Rating ★★★★ 4.4/5

Try Westlaw →

Getting Started: Step by Step

Create your Westlaw account

Visit Westlaw's website and sign up for a trial. You'll need an email address to get started.

Set up your workspace

Once signed in, configure your Westlaw workspace. Set your preferences, invite team members if needed, and customize the interface to match your workflow.

Explore case-law

One of Westlaw's key features is case-law. Navigate to this feature and experiment with it to understand how it fits into your workflow.

Explore statutes

One of Westlaw's key features is statutes. Navigate to this feature and experiment with it to understand how it fits into your workflow.

Explore keycite

One of Westlaw's key features is keycite. Navigate to this feature and experiment with it to understand how it fits into your workflow.

Integrate with your existing tools

Connect Westlaw with the other tools you use daily. Most integrations can be set up in the settings or integrations panel.

Start using it for real work

Now that you're set up, start using Westlaw for actual tasks. The best way to learn is by doing — don't worry about getting everything perfect right away.

Pro Tips

Start with the free plan or trial to explore Westlaw's capabilities before committing to a paid subscription.
Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow — most tools have extensive shortcut systems.
Check Westlaw's official documentation and community forums for advanced tips and best practices.
Review your workflow after 2 weeks of use and adjust your setup based on what's working and what isn't.