It feels like Narnia’s endless winter outside, but summer is almost here with its opportunities for externships, internships, summer jobs, and hopefully some outdoor fun!
If you are doing research over the summer for a professor, a firm, or other organization, the good news is that most of your access to research databases through the law library is the same as it is during the school year. But there are a few things you should know:
If you are doing paid work for a law firm: You can use Bloomberg Law and Lexis+ as much as you want, but Westlaw does not allow students to use their law school accounts for paid client research. You can use Westlaw to learn about an area of law though. But always check with the law firm you are working for first. They may want you to use their Lexis+ or Westlaw account to do research so they can track client time. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the firm’s policy before you start work on any projects.
If you are doing research for a law professor, externship, or non-profit: You can use Westlaw, Bloomberg Law, and Lexis+ as much as you need.
Quimbee and other law library databases: Law students continue to have access to other law library and BYU databases over the summer, including Quimbee, HeinOnline, ProQuest Legislative Insight, etc. Some of these databases are great for prepping for summer job interviews. You can use websites like Law360, Bloomberg Law news or analytics and Lex Machina to study up on law firms or American Bench and the Almanac of the Federal Judiciary to research judges.
Graduating students: Graduating law students have access to Lexis+, Westlaw, and Bloomberg Law for six months after graduation (usually until the end of the year). Graduating students have access to Quimbee and other law library databases until July 31, 2023. Students need to redeem their Lexis+ rewards points by June 30, 2023.
Email Iantha Haight with questions.