Using the Query Builder

Master the Query Builder to refine searches by judge, firm, case type, and use Boolean logic for precise results.

Summary

Learn how to use the Query Builder to construct complex, precise searches by filtering for specific judges, law firms, case types, and date ranges without needing to memorize Boolean codes.

Why This is Important

While the standard search bar is great for quick lookups, legal research often requires more granularity. You might need to find "all Patent cases filed in Texas in 2023 where your opposing counsel represents the defendant." The Query Builder allows you to "plug and play" these criteria to generate highly specific results instantly.

Accessing the Query Builder

  1. Click into the main Search Bar on the Dashboard.

  2. Select the Query Builder tab (located between "Cheat Sheet" and "Jurisdiction Selector").

The Query Builder organizes advanced filters into easy-to-use fields.

How to Build Your Query

The Query Builder is organized into logical sections (quadrants) to help you refine your search:

1. Party & Representation (Top Right)

This is the most commonly used section. You can filter by:

  • Party Name: (e.g., Google, Pfizer)

  • Firm: Find cases where a specific law firm is listed as counsel.

  • Attorney: Search for individual lawyers.

  • Role: Specify if the party is a Plaintiff, Defendant, Debtor, etc.

2. Case Details (Bottom Right)

Refine by the characteristics of the lawsuit itself:

  • Docket No: If you have a partial or full case number.

  • Case Type / Nature of Suit: Select from a dropdown list (e.g., "830 Patent," "440 Civil Rights").

  • Judge: Enter a judge's name to see their specific docket.

3. Text & Keywords (Top Left)

  • This word: Search for exact phrases or keywords within the docket text.

  • Boolean Logic: The fields support connectors like AND, OR, and NOT.

    • Example: Entering Apple OR Samsung in the Party field will find cases involving either company.

4. Date Ranges (Bottom Left)

Filter by critical timelines:

  • Filed Date: When the case started.

  • Terminated Date: When the case closed.

  • Last Updated: When Docket Alarm last pulled fresh data for the case.

Step-by-Step Example: Finding Competitor Litigation

Let's say you want to find all Contract disputes involving Company A filed since 2024.

  1. Open Query Builder.

  2. In the Party Name field, type Company A.

  3. In the Case Type dropdown, type contract.

  4. In the Filed Date section, set the range to 01/01/2024 to Present.

  5. Click Search.

Pro Tip: Each field in the Query Builder acts as a "mini search bar." You can use Boolean operators inside them. For example, in the Case Type field, you could type (patent) OR (trademark) to see cases involving either case type.

Related Articles

Need more help?

If your query returns too many results, try adding a Jurisdiction filter using the "All Courts" button next to the search bar.

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