Introduction to U.S. Legal Research

This guide collects research resources of particular use to new researchers of U.S. law.

Contents

Key to Icons

  • Georgetown only
  • On Westlaw
  • On Lexis
  • On Bloomberg
  • PDF
  • More Info (hover)
  • Preeminent Treatise
  • Study Aid

Welcome!

This guide includes resources to help new legal researchers get started with U.S. legal research and learn more about the U.S. legal system. 

New students at Georgetown Law, including 1L, LLM, and transfer students, may also find our Guide for New Students to be helpful.

Westlaw, Lexis & Bloomberg Law Access

New students will receive an email from the Law Library during Orientation with registration information for legal research platforms Westlaw, Lexis, and Bloomberg Law

Please register immediately for all three services and always use your Georgetown email as the contact email. First year J.D. students will need these before the first Legal Practice: Writing & Analysis class. The email from the Law Library will be sent to your Georgetown email address. If you do not see the email in your inbox or spam folder, please contact the Law Library's Reference Desk in-person, or by Chatting with a Librarianemailing the Reference Desk, or calling the Reference Desk (202.662.9140).

For more information about use policies for the platforms during the school year or over the summer, please see our Lexis, Westlaw & Bloomberg Law webpage.

CALI Lessons

You might find CALI lessons (interactive legal instructional lessons) on legal research and legal writing helpful for review or additional guidance. New students will receive an email from the Library during Orientation with a registration code. Students who do not receive a code or need a new one should go to CALI Lessons for Students.

Law Library Reference

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Reference Desk:
Atrium, 2nd (Main) Floor
(202) 662-9140

Request a Research Consultation

Help with Database Troubleshooting

Student Testimonial: Working with Librarians

Get more advice from fellow students and recent grads here!

Update History

Updated 7/22 (CMC)
Links 7/23 (CMC)
Updated 3/24 (DGD)