Dorsaneo Texas Library

[Texas JD]

This is a companion thread to my thread about O'Connor's legal guides. Several folks in that thread mentioned their frequent use of Dorsaneo's various guides. I am curious if anyone has made the plunge and purchased the entire Texas Library which comes in at a hefty $11,500? My plan is to open a general practice soon and the Texas Library (http://bookstore.lexis.com/bookstore/product/11176.html) seems to cover most of the common legal practice areas a general practicioner would encounter.

The question of how I would get the money to pay for this behemoth aside, is the benefit to owning this seemingly comprehensive all-in-one set of practice guides worth the considerable investment in the long run? I used it constantly when I clerked with firms in school and found it easy to use. I also like that it would allow me to take on client matters in practice areas I don't have extensive (or any) experience in. Also, the website indicates that the guides are updated several times a year. Does anyone know if these updates are included in the price of the guide and whether they continue indefinitely? Thanks for your input.

 

[TxStHorn]

What's your area of practice?

If, by chance, it is primarily Plaintiff's civil litigation, you would be far, far better off joining the Texas Trial Lawyer's Association. They have a means by which every other member assists in rapidly responding to legal questions and trading form documents.

It is a fantastic organization, and I cannot say enough about how much of a better lawyer I have become since becoming a member.

 

[cbs]

I'll second the recommendation for the TTLA if you're going to do plaintiff's work. Feel free to contact me with questions.

 

[Dr Fear]

You could probably get most, if not all of that, on Lexis for 4 bills a month.

 

[Texas JD]

I had thought of just getting a Lexis or Westlaw membership. But I figure spending 11 grand on a library once would be more cost effective than spending 5 grand a year on Lexis. Of course a Lexis account would obviously offer more resources than this library alone, so maybe it would be the better deal. What sucks about being new is that you don't really know what resources are the most useful and necessary.

 

[pasotex]

lexis is the best way to go for a solo imo

you also may be able to access some of Dorsaneo's stuff at the county law library depending on where you practice

the state bar also provides access to cases

I am not a huge fan of Dorsaneo's because I have seen too many instances where it was inaccurate or even wrong

this is far less dangerous with an experienced lawyer who makes sure to check everything and knows when something doesn't sound quite right

it can be a valuable resource and can save a bunch of time on relatively simpe tasks

 

[Mack Tripper]

I'm also a TTLA member, and it is well worth it. With Dorsaneo, you also have to keep paying to get the updates. They had a deal before where you essentially leased the books, by paying a monthly fee that included the books and updates, but it wasn't cheap -- about $500 per month or so. I'd go with Lexis or Westlaw. Get bids from both.