Comprehensive Tutorial for Lexis+AI Searching

Mastering Lexis+AI for Efficient Legal Research and Document Management

Key Takeaways

Intuitive Search Methods: Utilize natural language, Boolean logic, and advanced filters to streamline your legal research.
AI-Powered Features: Leverage tools like case summarization, document drafting, and analysis to enhance productivity.
Best Practices: Implement specific querying, effective filter usage, and review of AI-generated content for optimal results.

Introduction to Lexis+AI

Lexis+AI is a cutting-edge legal research and drafting platform developed by LexisNexis. It harnesses the power of generative artificial intelligence to assist legal professionals in efficiently locating relevant case law, legislation, and other legal materials. By integrating advanced AI capabilities, Lexis+AI revolutionizes the way lawyers, researchers, and students approach legal research and document management.

Getting Started with Lexis+AI

Accessing Lexis+AI

To begin using Lexis+AI, follow these initial steps:

Log In to Your LexisNexis Account: Visit the LexisNexis website and enter your credentials to access your account.
Navigate to Lexis+AI Platform: Once logged in, locate the Lexis+AI platform from your dashboard. If you do not have access, contact your institution or LexisNexis support to obtain the necessary subscription.
System Requirements: Ensure your device meets the necessary system requirements for optimal performance, including a stable internet connection and compatible web browser.

Understanding the Interface

The Lexis+AI interface is designed for ease of use, featuring several key components:

Search Bar: Located prominently at the top, this is your primary tool for inputting queries.
Filters: Positioned alongside the search results, filters allow you to narrow down results by jurisdiction, practice area, or source type.
AI Assistant: An interactive tool that helps refine your searches, provides suggestions, and assists with document drafting and analysis.
Dashboard Widgets: Quick access to frequently used features such as case summarization, document drafting, and analysis tools.

Crafting Effective Searches

1. Natural Language Search

Lexis+AI supports natural language processing, allowing users to input queries as they would ask a colleague. This method is particularly useful for general inquiries and explorations.

Example Query: "What are the elements of negligence in tort law?"
The AI interprets the query and returns relevant case law, statutes, and secondary sources.

2. Boolean Search

For more precise and targeted searches, Lexis+AI allows the use of Boolean operators and connectors.

Operators: AND, OR, NOT
Example: negligence AND "duty of care" AND "breach of duty"
This method is ideal for advanced users who require specific search results.

3. Utilizing Filters and Advanced Search

Filters enhance search efficiency by allowing users to narrow down results based on specific criteria.

Jurisdiction: Select particular states, countries, or federal systems to focus your search.
Practice Area: Filter results by areas such as corporate law, criminal law, or intellectual property.
Source Type: Choose between cases, statutes, regulations, or secondary sources.

Reviewing and Managing Search Results

Understanding Your Results

After executing a search, Lexis+AI presents a list of results ranked by relevance.

AI-Generated Summaries: Quick overviews highlighting key points of each result.
Detailed Information: Includes jurisdiction, date, citation, and other pertinent details.
Accessing Full Documents: Click on any result to view the complete text or document.

Saving and Exporting Results

Efficient management of research materials is crucial. Lexis+AI offers several options:

Saving Documents: Add relevant documents to your Lexis+AI workspace for easy future access.
Exporting Documents: Download results in various formats such as PDF or Word for offline use or further analysis.
Search History: Automatically saves your queries and results for 30 days, allowing you to revisit previous searches.

Search History and Workspaces

Organizing your research is streamlined through the use of workspaces:

Saved Workspaces: Create and manage different workspaces for various cases or research topics.
Collaboration: Share workspaces and documents with colleagues directly through the platform.

AI-Powered Features in Lexis+AI

1. Case Summarization

Lexis+AI can generate concise summaries of legal cases, saving valuable time during research.

Select the "Summarize a Case" task from the dashboard.
Enter the case name or citation (e.g., Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113).
Click the “Generate” button to receive a summary highlighting key legal points and arguments.

2. Conversational Search

Engage in interactive, chat-like conversations with the AI to refine your searches and explore legal topics.

Select the "Search" task or open the conversation/chat tab.
Type your query in plain language, such as:

"Explain the concept of stare decisis in U.S. law."
"What are recent cases interpreting the Clean Air Act?"

The AI provides contextually relevant responses with references to primary and secondary legal materials.

3. Drafting Legal Documents

Automate the creation of legal documents with Lexis+AI’s drafting feature.

Open the "Draft" module.
Enter parameters or context for the document, such as "Draft a non-disclosure agreement" or "Generate a motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction."
Review and edit the AI-generated draft to finalize the document.

4. Analyzing Legal Documents

Upload and analyze legal documents to identify key information and potential issues.

Locate the "Analyze" option in the platform.
Upload or paste the document you wish to analyze (e.g., a contract or court filing).
The AI highlights areas of concern, legal gaps, and potential inconsistencies with cited case law.

5. Advanced Document Analysis

For in-depth analysis, Lexis+AI offers advanced tools to extract and evaluate specific information from documents.

Key Information Extraction: Automatically identify and extract critical data points.
Legal Gap Analysis: Detect missing elements or potential issues within legal documents.

Best Practices for Effective Searching

1. Be Specific in Your Queries

Formulate precise and detailed queries to obtain targeted search results.

Instead of asking "Find cases," specify "Find cases related to trademark infringement decided after 2020."
Include relevant legal terminology to enhance the accuracy of results.

2. Leverage Filters Effectively

Use the available filters to narrow down search results by jurisdiction, date, practice area, and source type.

Select specific states, countries, or federal systems to focus your research geographically.
Choose relevant practice areas such as corporate law, criminal law, or intellectual property to streamline results.

3. Engage with the AI Assistant

Utilize the AI assistant to refine your queries, seek suggestions, and enhance your research process.

Ask clarifying questions or request narrower search parameters.
Example: "Can you narrow this to cases from the last 5 years?"

4. Review AI-Generated Summaries

Quickly assess the relevance of search results by reading the summaries provided by the AI.

Determine which documents warrant a deeper review based on their summaries.
Use summaries to gain a preliminary understanding of legal issues without reading entire documents.

5. Organize Your Research

Maintain an organized workflow by saving important documents and utilizing workspaces.

Create separate workspaces for different cases or research topics.
Share and collaborate on documents with colleagues directly within the platform.

Advanced Features and Functionalities

1. Collaboration Tools

Enhance team productivity by sharing documents and research insights with colleagues directly through Lexis+AI.

Share workspaces and documents seamlessly without leaving the platform.
Collaborate in real-time, allowing for efficient teamwork and information dissemination.

2. Saved Workspaces

Organize your research by creating and managing multiple workspaces tailored to different projects or cases.

Save and categorize your searches, drafts, and summaries for easy access.
Revisit and update saved workspaces as your research progresses.

3. Complex Query Support

Handle multifaceted legal questions with ease using Lexis+AI’s advanced query support.

Formulate complex queries that address multiple legal issues or intersecting areas of law.
Receive comprehensive answers that consider various legal perspectives and precedents.

4. Compliance and Privacy

Lexis+AI prioritizes the security and confidentiality of your research data.

All interactions and data are securely stored and are not shared with external third parties.
Ensure compliance with legal standards and institutional privacy policies while using the platform.

Troubleshooting and Support

1. Refining Unsuccessful Searches

If your search results are not meeting your expectations, consider the following adjustments:

Rephrase Your Query: Use different wording or terminology to clarify your intent.
Add More Details: Incorporate additional parameters such as jurisdiction, date range, or specific legal concepts.
Utilize Advanced Filters: Apply more stringent filters to narrow down the search scope.

2. Ensuring Stable Internet Connection

Lexis+AI is a web-based tool that requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance.

Verify your internet connection is active and stable before initiating searches.
Consider using a wired connection or being in proximity to your Wi-Fi router to improve connectivity.

3. Accessing Support Resources

In case of persistent issues, utilize the following support avenues:

Help Menu: Access the built-in help resources and FAQs within the platform.
Customer Support: Contact LexisNexis support for personalized assistance and troubleshooting.
Official Guides: Refer to the official user guides and tutorials for in-depth understanding and guidance.

4. Managing Content

Efficiently manage your research content through organization and control features.

Delete Saved Queries: Remove outdated or irrelevant queries from your search history as needed.
Download or Export Responses: Save important responses for offline reference or further analysis.
Organize by Topic or Matter: Categorize your research materials to maintain a structured workflow.

Conclusion

Lexis+AI is a powerful tool that transforms legal research and document management through its advanced AI capabilities. By mastering its search methods, leveraging AI-powered features, and adhering to best practices, legal professionals can significantly enhance their efficiency and accuracy. Whether you are drafting complex legal documents, summarizing cases, or conducting in-depth legal analysis, Lexis+AI provides the necessary tools to support your endeavors.