Subsearches let you use the results of one search as a filter in another search. Instead of copying names, case numbers, or other criteria from one place to the next by hand, you can connect searches directly so they build on each other.

When to use a subsearch

Reach for a subsearch any time you want to take a list of results you’ve already found and use them to narrow down another search. A few common examples:

• You found 49 attorneys at a specific firm and want to see every case those attorneys worked on.
• You found a set of patents from a particular determination type and want to find the cases they were involved in.
• You found a group of judges who handled certain motions and want to see documents they signed.

If you find yourself thinking “now I want to see what cases (or documents, or patents) are connected to these results,” a subsearch will save you the trouble of re-entering anything.

Choosing How Searches Connect

When you open a category in the subsearch modal, you might see more than one option underneath it. That’s because there can be different ways for two things to be related.

For example, under Judges, you might see:

• Judges finds cases assigned to those judges.
• Judges Signing Documents in Cases finds cases where those judges signed at least one document.

The short description under each option explains the specific relationship. Pick the one that matches what you’re trying to find. If you’re not sure, the first option is usually the most common choice.

Chaining Searches Together

You can use the results of a subsearch as the source for yet another subsearch. This lets you build longer research workflows like:

1. Find all attorneys at Firm X.
2. Use that list to find all cases those attorneys worked on.
3. Use those cases to find all documents filed in said cases.

Most users find that two or three connected searches handle the majority of their needs. There’s no hard limit, but very long chains can be harder to keep track of.

Ready to dive in to sub-searches? Check out this simple walk through to get you started.

Tips

• A subsearch always reflects the most recent results of the search it’s connected to. If you update the source search, the subsearch updates with it.
• Give your searches clear titles so they’re easy to recognize in the subsearch modal.
• If a category you expected isn’t showing up, check that the source search has run successfully and produced results.