> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.vlex.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.vlex.com/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/workflows-and-productivity-tools/how-to-stay-updated-on-legal-developments.md).

# How to Stay Updated on Legal Developments

### Summary

Stay current on the legal topics that matter to you by using vLex Library's proactive tools. Use **Alerts** to monitor new documents, **Follow** specific documents for updates, and track broad areas of law with **SmartTopics**.

### Why This is Important

The law is constantly changing. These tools transform vLex Library into a personalized monitoring service, ensuring you never miss a critical new judgment, legislative amendment, or development in your practice area, saving you from manual daily searches.

### How to Stay Updated

#### Use Alerts for New Documents

**Alerts** notify you via email when *new documents* matching your search criteria are added to vLex.

1. Run a search for a topic, party name, or keyword phrase.
2. On the results page, click the **Create alert** (bell) icon.
3. To manage your alerts, click the person icon in the top-right and select **Manage your alerts**.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="English Interface" %}

<figure><img src="/files/XdmEVAETAon8AQ1x9k99" alt=""><figcaption><p>Set up Alerts to get notified by email when new documents match your search.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Interfaz en Español" %}

<figure><img src="/files/2ra1uoaVd7m2akUTcdA9" alt=""><figcaption><p>Configure alertas para recibir notificaciones por correo electrónico cuando nuevos documentos coincidan con su búsqueda.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

#### Follow Documents for Specific Updates

**Following** notifies you of *changes to an existing document*, like a new journal issue or a filing in a docket.

1. Open any document, journal, or docket you want to monitor.
2. Click the **Follow** toggle at the top of the page.
3. Updates will appear in your **Personalised news** tab on the Homepage.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="English Interface" %}

<figure><img src="/files/OgAw3QGcLDlZl9CAT1B7" alt=""><figcaption><p>Follow documents to stay updated on changes or new issues.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Interfaz en Español" %}

<figure><img src="/files/LepimaSBaaURGGm96nXU" alt=""><figcaption><p>Siga documentos para mantenerse al tanto de cambios o nuevas ediciones.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

#### Use SmartTopics for Broad Areas of Law

**SmartTopics** are AI-curated collections of relevant content on a specific legal topic.

1. Follow a SmartTopic by using the toggle on its results page or by selecting it in the **Edit your vLex** menu on your Homepage.
2. New content related to that topic will appear in your **Personalised news**.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="English Interface" %}

<figure><img src="/files/gVSP16ZZK61mSoV3LioQ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Use a combination of Alerts, Following, and SmartTopics to stay fully informed.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Interfaz en Español" %}

<figure><img src="/files/3YiWSoiIM9MzZkAyX7FF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**Control Your Notifications:** In the **Edit your vLex** menu, you can opt-in to a daily or weekly email digest of all your followed content, giving you a single summary of all updates.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Best Practices & Pro Tips

* **Alerts vs. Following:** Use **Alerts** for a *search query* (e.g., any new case mentioning "force majeure"). Use **Follow** for a *specific document* (e.g., updates to the "International Arbitration Journal").

### Relevant Video Content

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/917899559?share=copy>" %}

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/917899734?share=copy>" %}

### Related Articles

* [What is vLex Cloud?](/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/workflows-and-productivity-tools/what-is-vlex-cloud.md)
* [Workflow: How to Incorporate Your Documents into vLex](/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/workflows-and-productivity-tools/workflow-how-to-incorporate-your-documents-into-vlex.md)
* [How to Research Case Law in vLex Library](/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/content-and-document-types/how-to-research-case-law-in-vlex-library.md)

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