Selected Westlaw users from large, medium, small, and solo law firms recently received beta access to a long-awaited product called Westlaw WebPlus. Westlaw WebPlus is a law-based search engine that runs a focused search for relevant legal and company information on the World Wide Web.

Available only via Westlaw, Westlaw WebPlus first identifies authoritative Web sites that West editors have reviewed and selected. (For example, Web sites of governmental and major news organizations are typically prominent.) The search engine also categorizes results automatically and allows you to zero in on a subject, domain, or file format with a click of the mouse.

In addition, when you access Westlaw WebPlus after choosing the transactional pricing method, a new browser window opens and your Westlaw billing is suspended. Westlaw WebPlus is thus a convenient—and economical—complement to your Westlaw session.

How to use
To access Westlaw WebPlus, use the new Search the Web shortcut in the left frame of the tabbed Westlaw page, any tabbed state page, the tabbed Litigation page, and other selected tabbed pages. You can also access Westlaw WebPlus via the new tabbed Search the Web page. Only beta users will see the Search the Web shortcut and the Search the Web page.

To search the Web using Westlaw WebPlus, select a category. Then type a description of your issue in plain English in the text box provided. You can quickly filter your results by subject, domain, or file format by clicking the appropriate link.

For example, suppose you want governmental publications that discuss derivative asylum status. Select Legal Issue, then type derivative asylum status in the text box. You retrieve links to several Web pages from governmental bodies, educational institutions, news organizations, and other sources. To limit your result to governmental sources, click Domain. Then click gov.

Note: The initial beta release of Westlaw WebPlus is underway for law firm users randomly selected to participate. If you would like to be added to the beta test later this year, please contact Heather Walker, director of product management, Thomson Web, at 651-687-6342.