Is the Tide Turning in Summer Associate Vendor Preference? Our Survey Results Are In!

By Michael Feit | Feit Consulting

Aug 05

One of the key indicators for predicting vendor success year after year has been the preference of incoming summer associates for Westlaw or Lexis.  For the last 5+ years, Westlaw has overwhelmingly been preferred by incoming Summer Associates.

Feit’s 2019 Summer Associate Vendor Preference Mini-Survey results show that the tide may be turning. 

We asked U.S. law firm research departments to participate in a survey of their perception of Summer Associate legal information provider  preference/awareness. 

Our survey results show that, although Westlaw has maintained its dominance in regards to the awareness and preferences of incoming associates, Lexis is moving the needle.  According to the survey, Summer Associate preference for Lexis doubled – from 15% last year to 30% this year.

Check out a sneak peek of some of the data collected: 

Lexis’ strategic push to concentrate on law schools is critical for them to successfully compete with Westlaw.  While 30% is an improvement, their academic program has a long way to go before Westlaw is dethroned.

Get the full details from Summer Associate Vendor Preference Mini-Survey – you can purchase here.

About the Author

Michael Feit earned his J.D. from the Loyola University School of Law in Chicago and was an executive at Westlaw before founding Feit Consulting 16 years ago. Feit Consulting partners with law firm administrators and legal information professionals to optimize vendor contracts and the management and delivery of legal information resources by providing leading-edge, customized solutions. Contact Michael at mike@feitconsulting.com