Save time on legal research

AI for barristers:
Find what you need, faster

Enhance your practice with expert AI solutions for Australian barristers

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I have no doubt that this product will be indispensable for any serious barrister.

Victor Kline (on Westlaw Precision Australia)
Barrister, Editor of the Federal Court Reports and the Federal Law Reports

What’s new 

Litigation Document Analyser: Now on Westlaw Precision Australia

This new AI-powered feature allows you to quickly and thoroughly check legal documents, cross-referencing your work against Westlaw's comprehensive content to spot inaccuracies like mistaken citations, missing references, and to highlight pertinent cases you may have overlooked. 

Take your research to the next level with Westlaw Precision

Westlaw Precision Australia offers barristers a modern legal research platform that combines a century-long legacy of comprehensive and authoritative content with AI-Assisted Research for significant time savings and up-to-date, verifiable information to give confidence and drive success in court.

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Trusted by industry leaders, built by legal experts

Make swift, accurate and well-informed decisions using advanced AI-powered search, grounded in trusted Australian primary law sources including all the Authorised Law Reports.

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Achieve in minutes what used to take hours

When you ask a legal question AI-Assisted Research kick-starts your research and a comprehensive answer is generated stating all the references to the relevant authorities. Starting your research in this way allows you to reclaim your valuable time.

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Complete, current and correct

Stay current with the latest legal developments and interpretations. Develop compelling arguments from your legal queries that uncover cases even when they do not directly cite each other.

Authorised Law Reports

Australia’s most comprehensive case law database

On Westlaw Precision you’ll have access to all the authorised law reports – the definitive version of key decisions. Key titles like titles like Commonwealth Law Reports, Federal Law Reports, and more, feature detailed headnotes and deep online links to related primary law and secondary sources, providing the trusted database that AI-assisted research draws on to get you answers fast.

 

Find exactly what you need, fast

Imagine having a research assistant that delivers precisely what you're looking for. One that connects you directly to the trusted legal sources you rely on for validation.

Now imagine this tool works wherever you do - whether you're reviewing briefs, comparing contracts, or drafting correspondence to instructing solicitors.

CoCounsel Research pulls Westlaw Precision's AI-Assisted Research directly into your workflow. Cut through the clutter with  to quickly summarise key points and verify you're on the right track fast so you can focus on the substantive legal analysis and advocacy that your clients value most.

I anticipate that Precision will save me 30% of the time I normally spend researching a case for advice or appearance in court.

Victor Kline, Barrister, Editor of the Federal Court Reports and the Federal Law Reports

Having Westlaw Precision Australia and CoCounsel work together means we can find answers and solve client’s problems faster than we ever have.

John Nash, Partner, Henry William Lawyers

CoCounsel and Westlaw Precision Australia help us delve deeper into legal materials more quickly, which has sped up client response times.

Dominic Tayco, Principal Consultant, Thaddeus Martin

How can Westlaw and CoCounsel help my practice at the Bar?

These tools can significantly enhance your independent practice by providing efficient research capabilities and analytical support. As a barrister preparing complex opinions or court submissions, you'll benefit from AI-powered research that quickly identifies relevant authorities and precedents. These platforms help you deliver high-quality work promptly, whether you're a new barrister establishing your practice or a senior counsel managing a demanding caseload.

What specific features will save me time in chambers?

Westlaw Precision Australia provides immediate access to current legislation and authoritative legal content, helping you quickly locate relevant authorities

CoCounsel can extract and chronologically arrange key events from lengthy briefs or documents, saving hours of manual review. CoCounsel chat functions like a capable research assistant, reading and analysing materials at exceptional speed, particularly valuable when working independently without a junior

How can Litigation Document Analyser help barristers ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of legal documents?

The Litigation Document Analyser uses advanced AI to meticulously review your legal documents, helping you prepare strong, reliable submissions. It performs several key functions: 

  • Validates Citations: It automatically cross-references all cited authorities against Westlaw's trusted content, instantly identifying incorrect citations, and those from unauthorised reports and recommends the authorised versions. 
  • Verifies Quotations: It quickly checks if case quotations contain omissions or are miscited, ensuring accuracy. 
  • Finds Overlooked Authorities: Beyond checking what you've cited, it proactively identifies and suggests additional relevant case law from Westlaw Precision Australia that you might have missed in your research, strengthening your arguments. 

By performing these checks, the Analyser saves you significant time on manual review, reduces the risk of errors in your work, and provides greater confidence that your documents are accurate, complete, and thoroughly researched. 

How do these platforms ensure the accuracy of legal information for my submissions?

These tools draw exclusively from authoritative Australian legal sources, including primary law and respected secondary materials. The AI capabilities help identify connections between cases that might otherwise be overlooked, particularly useful when preparing submissions in novel or complex areas of law. All information is sourced from Thomson Reuters' trusted Westlaw and Practical Law content, reducing the risk of relying on outdated or incorrect authorities.

How do these tools work together in a typical barrister's workflow?

The integrated approach allows you to move seamlessly between research and drafting. 

For example, you might begin research in Westlaw, use CoCounsel to analyse and extract key information from lengthy judgments or briefs, then incorporate those insights directly into your submissions or advice. This integration is particularly valuable for barristers who often work across multiple matters simultaneously with limited administrative support.

What security measures protect my clients' confidential information?

Thomson Reuters maintains strict security protocols to protect confidential information. The platforms do not require you to input personal client information for effective research. When using document analysis features, you maintain control over what material is uploaded. It's recommended to redact sensitive client identifiers where appropriate, in line with your professional confidentiality obligations.

How can these tools assist with specific barrister tasks?

These platforms excel at supporting core barrister work, including:

  • Quickly identifying relevant authorities when preparing urgent applications

  • Analysing lengthy contracts or commercial documents for opinion work

  • Summarising complex case law for written submissions

  • Identifying potential weaknesses in legal arguments

  • Drafting research memoranda on novel legal questions

How steep is the learning curve for barristers unfamiliar with legal tech?

The platforms are designed with intuitive interfaces that require minimal training. Many barristers find they can begin using basic functions immediately, while gradually exploring more advanced features.

Can these tools help me manage the increasing complexity of case law and legislation?

Absolutely. These platforms excel at tracking legislative changes and judicial developments across multiple jurisdictions, particularly valuable for barristers who practice in specialised areas or across different Australian jurisdictions. The AI capabilities can quickly identify relevant changes that might impact your current matters or opinions.

How do I get started with using these tools, and what support is available?

We provide comprehensive training and support to help you get started with using our tools. Our team is available to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you get the most out of our products.

Take the first step towards more efficient research

Book a demo to see for yourself just how much time you can save.

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