Wisconsin
Lawyer
Vol. 81, No. 12, December
2008
A Few FAQs About Fastcase
How do I access Fastcase?
Members can access Fastcase and additional search functions through
WisBar.org. Click on the Legal Research tab at the top of any page and
choose “Fastcase” from the drop-down menu. Members then will
be directed to log in to My State Bar. You can gain access 24/7 from any
computer connected to the Internet. Using Fastcase is free to State Bar
members.
The first time a member logs in to My State Bar, your user name
is your email address or your State Bar membership number. Your password
is the first four letters of your last name and your date of birth
(smit07061955). If you need help logging in, please see “Login
FAQs” on WisBar.
What does the Fastcase database include?
The State Bar subscribes to Fastcase’s national premium plan,
which is the most comprehensive plan and usually sells for $995 a year
to individuals. State Bar members can access all federal cases going
back to 1 U.S. 1, 1 F.2d 1, 1 F. Supp. 1, and B.R. 1., as well as trial
court and appellate cases for all 50 states going back to at least 1950.
Other Wisconsin sources available are the state statutes, administrative
code, constitution, supreme court rules, attorney general opinions back
to 1982, and Wisconsin acts since 1989. The database also supplies other
resources from other states, such as statutes, codes, constitutions, and
so on.
How often is Fastcase updated?
Daily. New court opinions usually appear in Fastcase within 24 to 48
hours of their release.
How long will this member benefit be available?
The State Bar has entered into a multi-year contract with Fastcase
– long enough to assure members that once they get used to
Fastcase, they can count on continued access, and short enough so that
the Bar can change partners if a better option emerges.
How can I get help using Fastcase?
Many users will find Fastcase easy to search with little instruction,
but assistance is available. Fastcase provides a downloadable user guide
and several brief online tutorials, plus frequent training webinars.
Customer assistance is available weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., CST, at
(866) 773-2782. Calls go directly to someone who can help – no
phone-trees, no outsourced call centers. Online help also is available
via live-chat.
Does the State Bar offer other legal research benefits?
Yes. For State Bar members who need a top-tier legal service
provider, LexisNexis offers special packages and pricing. Call the
LexisNexis hotline at (866) 836-8116 to take advantage of the benefit.
More information about legal research and other member benefits is
available at WisBar.org. Click on the State Bar tab
at the top of any page and choose Membership & Benefits from the
drop-down menu.
Other questions? Call Nerino Petro of the State Bar’s
Practice411 at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6012, or email him at practicehelp@wisbar.org.
Wisconsin Lawyer
