CoCounsel
"The Agentic Powerhouse. Best for litigators who need deep deposition and trial preparation tools."
- ✓ Grounded in Westlaw Precision
- ✓ Superior 'Ask a Database' skills
- ✓ Advanced Depo-Prep agents
Lexis+ AI
"The Drafting Specialist. Best for transactional attorneys and researchers who value LexisNexis's interface."
- ✓ Grounded in LexisNexis Data
- ✓ Fast Shepard's AI Integration
- ✓ Integrated drafting within Lexis environment
1. Source of Truth: Data Integrity
The primary difference between these tools is the "Source of Truth." AI is only as reliable as the data it is grounded in. In 2026, both platforms use Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to prevent hallucinations, but the underlying databases differ:
CoCounsel (Westlaw)
CoCounsel leverages the Thomson Reuters ecosystem. Its biggest advantage is the **KeyCite** integration. When CoCounsel generates a research memo, it cross-references the Westlaw taxonomy to ensure the law is still good.
Lexis+ AI (LexisNexis)
Lexis+ AI relies on the LexisNexis global database. Its strength lies in **Shepard’s Citations**. The AI provides real-time "Shepardizing" of cases within the chat interface, which many researchers find more intuitive.
Comparative Feature Matrix
| Feature | CoCounsel | Lexis+ AI |
|---|---|---|
| Research Speed | Fast (Memo format) | Fast (Conversational) |
| Deposition Prep | Industry Leading | Basic Summary |
| Internal DB Search | Excellent | Standard |
| Drafting Tools | Standard | Superior Integration |
| Best for: | Litigators | Transactional / Research |
The Final Verdict
If your firm is heavily focused on **litigation**, CoCounsel's deposition prep and database analysis skills make it the clear winner. However, if your practice is **research-heavy** or transactional, Lexis+ AI offers a smoother drafting experience and the familiarity of the Lexis ecosystem.