How to Use CoCounsel

Getting started with CoCounsel

In this guide, you'll learn how to set up CoCounsel, perform your first legal research task, and optimise your use of this AI legal assistant integrated with Westlaw. By the end, you'll be able to streamline your legal research and drafting processes efficiently.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to the CoCounsel website.
2. Click on the “Get Started” button, usually found on the homepage.
3. If you already have a Westlaw account, log in. If not, follow the prompts to create a new account.
4. Once logged in, navigate to the CoCounsel section in your Westlaw dashboard. Look for the "CoCounsel" tab on the left sidebar.

Step 2: Your first legal research task

1. In the CoCounsel interface, locate the search bar at the top of the page.
2. Type in a legal question or topic you want to research. For example, “What are the elements of negligence?”
3. Click the “Search” button (usually a magnifying glass icon).
4. Review the AI-generated summaries and case law references that appear in the results.
5. Click on any relevant case or statute to view more details, including citations and legal principles.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Use specific keywords or phrases in your search to narrow down results. For instance, instead of “negligence”, try “negligence in medical malpractice”.
2. Explore the “Filters” option on the left side of the results page to refine your search by jurisdiction, date, or court level.
3. Check out the “Related Cases” section for additional insights or similar cases that might be relevant to your research.
4. Save important documents or cases by clicking the “Save” button to keep them easily accessible later.

Pro tip

Use the “Ask CoCounsel” feature for more complex queries. This AI-driven assistant can provide tailored insights based on your specific question, often generating a more comprehensive response than a standard search.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid using overly broad or vague queries. This can lead to an overwhelming number of results. Be as specific as possible to get the most relevant information quickly.