How to Search

How Do I Use Smart Search, Generally?

To Use Smart Search, Follow These Steps

Smart Search - Basics - Watch Video



  1. Enter the keywords you want into the Smart Search search bar at the top of the Trellis homepage (such as your legal issue, motion type, judge, opposing counsel, etc.).



  2. Use Boolean operators with your keywords to focus your search, such as AND or OR.



  3. Select one or more states you want to search in (CA, NY, TX, etc.) using the dropdown menu to the right of the search bar.  When you have a particular state selected, you are searching across the state trial courts of that state.  




  4. Click on the Rulings, Dockets, Documents, or Verdicts tab to review the results of your search.  

🌎  Don’t forget to check our Coverage page to see which states and counties we cover, including which counties currently have documents on Trellis.  We acquire new data and jurisdictions daily.  If we currently do not have the county you need, please request it here.  We use these requests to prioritize new counties.