Frequently Asked Questions about the NYSBA/Loislaw LawWatch
CaseAlert Service
Q. How do I set up my own LawWatch
searches?
A. In order to set up your own LawWatch search, you need to have a
subscription to Loislaw. However, your comments regarding possible
searches can be sent to publications@nysba.org.
Q. Can I subscribe to more than one LawWatch CaseAlert
topic?
A. No. Members are invited to choose one area of practice for the
CaseAlert service. If you subscribe to a topic and find you would prefer
something else, you may unsubscribe and choose a different topic. You
may only subscribe to one CaseAlert at a time.
Q. Sometimes I receive a case more than once—why is
that?
A. Although we combine search terms when possible, there are times
when the same case will fit the search terms used for more than one
search. For example, in the matrimonial area, searches may be set up to
retrieve cases dealing with custody and another search may deal with
maintenance. If a decision covers both custody and maintenance, you will
be sent the same case twice.
Q. I just received a case that was published a while ago.
What happened?
A. The NYSBA/LawWatch CaseAlert Service is designed to send you
notification of newly published cases in the practice area you
designate. The only time you should receive a case that is not a recent
decision is when a case, which was not officially published, is added to
the Loislaw library.
Q. Can I make suggestions for LawWatch searches?
A. Yes, you can make suggestions for LawWatch searches by e-mailing
publications@nysba.org.
However, please remember that the LawWatch searches were set up to
result in cases that are of general interest to attorneys whose practice
is in a particular area. For example, we would not include a search for
"ABC Corporation" in the Business Law area.
Q. Sometimes the cases are not on the topic I selected. Why
is that?
A. As with any legal research, the search terms you use may result in
cases you do not want. For example, in the matrimonial area, a search
term may be set up using the terms "maintenance and divorce." It is
possible that a decision may involve a divorced maintenance worker who
robs a bank or is injured on the job.
Q. Can I switch the LawWatch subject area I
selected?
A. Yes. From the subject selection page, click Unsubscribe. When you
return to the MyNYSBA page click CaseAlerts from the navigation menu and
then opt-in to the new subject area you choose from the list.
Q. Can I do legal research using NYSBA?
A. The NYSBA LawWatch CaseAlert Service is designed as a useful tool
to provide NYSBA members with notice of new cases that are published in
their area of practice. It is not a substitute for legal research.
However, as another member benefit, the NYSBA and Loislaw provide the
ability to search recent cases in several different libraries. There is
a link on the NYSBA home page. Our Agreement with Loislaw also includes
exclusive NYSBA member discounts on subscriptions to the Loislaw
libraries, which will allow you to do thorough legal research. See LoisLaw-NYSBA
Partnership for more information.
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