What to know about the changes to Fastcase

FastCase — offered as a free benefit to all members of the State Bar of Michigan — has transitioned to a new platform called vLex FastCase.

The interface includes a new look and offers additional benefits, such as the ability to search by content type across jurisdictions and tables of contents in documents linked directly to statutes, regulations, books, and journal articles. Michigan attorneys will automatically see the new vLex Fastcase system when they log in.

A few immediate things to note:

• vLex Fastcase is still free to all SBM Members. Some users are experiencing various pop-up ads offering upgrades for a fee. These are optional additional services; Access to vLex Fastcase remains free to all State Bar of Michigan members.
• New terms and conditions. When accessing vLex Fastcase for the first time, users will note that the upgraded platform will ask for agreement to updated terms and conditions, which must be accepted to use it.
• No additional IT requirements. Members of the State Bar of Michigan can continue to access this legal research service through their SBM login.

You can access a tutorial covering the updates here, and an explanation of the changes here.

Webinars also are planned to help attorneys understand the changes and how to use vLex Fastcase. Each webinar will be offered on multiple dates. All webinars are free and open to all attorneys.

• A one-hour General Overview Webinar will be offered at 2 p.m. January 14, February 11, and March 11, 2025. Register here.
• A 30-minute Advanced Searching in vLex Fastcase Webinar will be offered at 2 p.m. January 29, February 26, and March 26, 2025. Register here.
• A one-hour Enhancing Your vLex Fastcase Benefit Webinar, which will focus on tools available for an additional fee, will be offered January 8, January 23, February 7, February 19, March 5, and March 20, 2025. Register here.

Another free webinar specifically for Michigan attorneys will be held Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at 12 p.m. You can register for the webinar here.

Posted: December 20, 2024