Vol. 29, No. 1 #3 (February 2006). FROM THE PRESIDENT . . . Casemaker.

• Author: By Warren A. Lauer

Wyoming Bar Journal

2006.

Vol. 29, No. 1 #3 (February 2006).

FROM THE PRESIDENT . . . Casemaker

WYOMING LAWYERFebruary 2006/Vol. 29, No. 1FROM THE PRESIDENT . . . CasemakerBy Warren A. Lauer

The Wyoming State Bar recently conducted an online survey to determine whether Wyoming attorneys are interested in receiving Casemaker, an online law library. As of this writing, over 500 Wyoming attorneys have responded; an overwhelming majority of the respondents support the proposal. After the survey was distributed, I met an attorney friend at the post office. He told me that he was intrigued by the idea, but knew very little about the program. I had to admit to him that I had never heard of Casemaker until I attended a Western States Bar Conference meeting a couple of years ago. At that time, representatives from several Bar associations mentioned that they provided Casemaker as a benefit to their members.

Because many of you probably aren't familiar with Casemaker, I have decided to devote this column to providing details about Casemaker and what it could do for Wyoming attorneys.

What is Casemaker?

Casemaker is a web-based legal library. It was created by the Ohio State Bar Association in 1998. In 2000, Nebraska became the first State Bar to join what is now a consortium comprised of 23 states. It is my understanding that several other State Bars are seriously considering joining as well.

What kind of material would be made available?

Each State Bar decides what specific information would be most helpful to its members. At a minimum, we would select decisions from the Wyoming Supreme Court, the Wyoming Statutes, administrative agency rules and regulations, and Attorney General opinions. Other states have included session laws, administrative agency decisions, the city codes from major cities and law journals.

You would also have unlimited access to the libraries of other states that are members of the consortium. Most of the states that surround Wyoming, including Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Nebraska, are members. Finally, you would have access to federal cases, statutes and rules and a nationwide collection of ethics opinions.

How much will Casemaker cost a Wyoming attorney?

Members of the Wyoming Bar would pay an annual fee of $15-25. No other fees would be assessed for unlimited research.

What will the assessment...