So, you’ve been asked to “research the case law” on a topic and you don’t have LexisNexis, Westlaw, or a law library that smells like old paper and caffeine. Don’t panic. You can still do solid, reliable legal research without breaking the bank. It just takes a little creativity, and patience.

1. Start With the Law Itself (The Free Kind)

Believe it or not, the law is public information. We just tend to forget that because it’s usually behind a $300/month paywall.
Here’s where you can find actual statutes, rules, and cases for free:

• Google Scholar: It’s a free, easy-to-use legal research platform that’s ideal for many solo and small firm lawyers. Google Scholar’s coverage of caselaw includes court opinions from all 50 states and all federal courts.
• Google search: If you have the case information that you’ve been asked to read and/or summarize, you can Google it! 
• California Legislative Information (or your state’s site): Find current statutes, pending bills, and legislative history at https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/.
• Court Websites: Many courts post opinions and rulings online. For California, check the California Courts Opinions page. https://courts.ca.gov/opinions 
• Rules of Court: You can access the California Rules of Court directly from the Judicial Council’s website. https://courts.ca.gov/rules-forms/rules-court 

🕵️‍♀️ Pro tip: Always check the effective date on the statute or rule. Citing an outdated rule is the equivalent of showing up to court with your lunch still in your teeth.

2. Use Google — the Right Way

Yes, you can “Google” the law but you have to do it smartly. Try these advanced search tricks:

• Use quotation marks: "California Family Code 4320"
• Add site limits: site:ca.gov spousal support factors
• Combine terms: "child custody" AND "move-away"

Then, verify what you find. If your source has ads for miracle diet pills or promises to “beat your DUI for $49.99,” maybe double-check that one or avoid it.

3. Law Libraries: Your Hidden Treasure

Even in the digital age, county law libraries are pure gold. They often have:

• Free public access to databases like WestlawNext, CEB OnLAW, or Fastcase.
• Librarians who actually love helping you find what you need (and won’t judge your desperate questions).
• Workshops or research guides online.

Find yours through California County Law Libraries Directory. https://www.library.ca.gov/ 

Bonus: Most law libraries are quiet, air-conditioned, and smell faintly of old justice. Perfect for a focused research day.

4. Check Official Resources and Practice Guides

Some organizations share research for free:

• Judicial Council forms and instructions (yes, the ones that change every 20 minutes)
• California Courts Self-Help Center: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/   
• State Bar Sections or County Bar Associations: They often post articles, case updates, or sample pleadings.
• County Court Libraries: They often post sample pleadings, packages of forms, and tips for procedures.  

⚖️ Translation: You can learn how to do something procedurally even if you can’t pay to read why it’s done that way.

5. Keep a Legal Research Log

Because nothing is worse than finding the perfect case and losing it forever in a browser tab.
Keep a simple log with:

• Search terms used
• Websites or databases checked
• Cases/statutes you found
• Notes on relevance or citations

Your future self will thank you (and your attorney will think you’re a research genius).

6. Don’t Forget the Power of Networking

Ask other paralegals or legal professionals what sources they use. Many are happy to share tips, templates, or research shortcuts.
LinkedIn groups, Facebook legal support pages, and professional associations can be surprisingly generous communities and they won’t charge you per search.

Final Thought: Resourcefulness Is a Superpower

You don’t need fancy paid databases to be a great researcher. You need persistence, creativity, and a touch of caffeine-fueled stubbornness.

The next time someone says, “Can you pull case law on this?” or “Can you see what family code section xx/probate code xx says?” Take a sip of coffee (or in my case Coca Cola), crack your knuckles, and dive in like the resourceful legal warrior you are.

Because anyone can use Westlaw. But not everyone can conquer legal research and live to tell the tale.

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By: Mary Lou Floyd, CCLS, Sr. Paralegal