When I first started using Westlaw in law school, it was a static tool—a digital library of cases and statutes. But with the advent of Westlaw Edge, everything changed. The platform’s AI-driven analytics don’t just retrieve information; they reveal patterns. For example, by tracking how courts cite precedent over time, Westlaw Edge can highlight which legal principles are gaining traction and which are fading into obsolescence. This isn’t just research—it’s a roadmap for the future.
Take contract law as an example. A few years ago, force majeure clauses were a niche concern. But when Westlaw Edge flagged a 300% increase in litigation involving these clauses during the pandemic, it became clear that their interpretation would evolve. Now, we’re seeing courts redefine what constitutes an “unforeseeable event.” This kind of insight allows attorneys to draft contracts that anticipate judicial trends, rather than react to them.
For law students, this is a game-changer. Instead of memorizing cases from TWEN Westlaw, you can use these tools to explore why certain doctrines are evolving. Are courts becoming more deferential to legislative intent? Is there a shift toward stricter interpretations of consumer protection laws? Westlaw Edge doesn’t just answer questions—it helps you ask the right ones.
The challenge, of course, is learning to read between the lines. Data is only as good as the analyst interpreting it. That’s why, at Norm Atlas, we don’t just rely on Westlaw’s algorithms—we combine them with qualitative research, expert interviews, and comparative analysis. The goal isn’t to predict the future with certainty, but to illuminate the paths it might take.