Robert Ambrogi Blog
Westlaw has had an iPad app since 2010. Surprisingly, however, it has not had its own iPhone app. iPhone users could access Westlaw through a mobile-optimized site. But there was no app.
Well, now there is. Last Wednesday, Thomson Reuters introduced a Westlaw app built specifically for use on the iPhone.
This is not an app for heavy-duty research on the road. The primary thrust of the app is current awareness. It is designed for users to keep up with Westlaw alerts and docket updates, to track company news, and to follow practice area developments.
That said, the app can be used to search Westlaw content and to access and save documents. Just as with Westlaw, you can select the jurisdictions to search and then enter your query. (Tip: Pick the jurisdictions before entering the query, because if you do it the other way around, the query disappears.)
Search results are displayed as a global overview across all content types — cases, statutes, regulations, Practical Law, etc. — and can be filtered by content type, so you can view just cases or just statutes. When you view a document, your search terms are highlighted in yellow.
Documents that you find using the app can be saved to your research folders, where they will be synchronized with and accessible from the desktop and iPad versions. You can also print and email documents from the app. (You will need an AirPrint-enabled printer.)
The app does not show full KeyCite treatment for cases. However, it does flag cases for which there is negative treatment and allows you to view the negative treatment.
For current awareness, the app lets you track companies and practice areas and receive Westlaw alerts. News stories and other updates can also be saved to your folders, emailed or printed.
Of course, you will need a Westlaw account to use the app. Once you install the app, you can sign in using your OnePass login.