Why Usage Reports on Online Legal Resources Matter More Than You Think
In today’s digital-first legal world, law firms are spending big on online tools—think Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, Bloomberg Law, and a dozen niche research databases. But here’s the big question: Are those resources actually being used effectively?
Enter: usage reports. They might not sound glamorous, but they’re quietly becoming one of the most powerful tools for law firm management, IT teams, and legal ops leaders. Here’s why they deserve your attention.
See Who’s Actually Using What
With usage reports, you can finally answer questions like:
“How often are attorneys using our paid legal research tools?”
“Is anyone using that $15K/year AI contract review software?”
“Which paralegals are digging deep into case law, and who might need a nudge?”
It’s all about visibility. Instead of flying blind, firms get real data that leads to smarter decisions.
Justify (or Rethink) Your Subscriptions
Online legal tools are pricey. Some charge by the user, some by volume, some by the number of documents viewed. Without usage data, it’s hard to know if you’re getting your money’s worth.
Usage reports help:
Track ROI on expensive tools
Identify underused platforms
Support decisions like downgrading, upgrading, or switching providers
Basically, they give you the ammo you need when finance asks, “Do we really need this?”
Stay Compliant and Secure
The legal industry is all about managing risk, and that applies to how digital tools are used, too.
With proper usage tracking, you can:
Catch unauthorised access or potential data breaches early
Ensure compliance with client confidentiality rules
Show regulators or auditors that you’ve got your digital house in order
It’s a smart way to lock down risk in an increasingly cyber-vulnerable world.
Boost Productivity and Spot Training Gaps
Usage data doesn’t just show what’s being used—it also shows what isn’t.
Maybe your team is struggling with a platform but hasn’t raised their hand yet. Or maybe you’ve onboarded a new tool but no one’s had time to explore it. Usage reports help flag:
Tools that need better training or onboarding
Lawyers who could benefit from a refresher or walkthrough
Opportunities to streamline workflows with smarter tools
Build a Better Knowledge Strategy
Usage trends help firms fine-tune their knowledge management game. You’ll start to see:
Which tools are go-to favorites
Which practice areas need different types of content
Where your digital library might be missing key resources
Over time, usage reports help shape a smarter, more responsive knowledge ecosystem across the firm.