Westlaw UK and Practical Law is an online service including legislation, legal information and research resources including journals, books and case law. This is essential to ensure that solicitors, lawyers and legal staff have access to the most up to date information to provide Council Directorates with high quality advice and support. Legal Services need access to this information to carry out their duties.

Herefordshire Council is a member of EM Lawshare (a consortium of Local Authorities and public bodies) which provides access to legal services for Local Authorities at enhanced rates. One of the benefits of this membership is preferential rates on the normal fees charged by Thomson Reuter for the core Westlaw UK and Practice Law service, representing a saving of 40%. In addition there is a 25% discount on additional books and packages that can be purchased on an ad-hoc basis. Elements of the service (some research resources, tracking Bills and new legislation and daily updates) are only provided by Thomson Reuters, there being no other provider.