The Wolters Kluwer Cheetah Legal Database is now VitalLaw

The Law Department of the NJ State Library (NJSL) has a number of powerful digital reference sources to make your legal research easier, faster, and accessible from a variety of locations.

One of these resources—Wolters Kluwer Cheetah—recently changed its name to VitalLaw.  With the launch of VitalLaw, the database has expanded its primary source content by more than 40%.  If you are not familiar with this resource, now is a terrific time to explore the database!

Our VitalLaw subscription focuses on four practice areas:  Healthcare; Human Resources; Labor & Employment; and Sexual Harassment & Workplace Compliance.  Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the database has also been providing in-depth coverage of the fast-changing laws and legal issues that emerged, especially in relation to how they impact the four primary areas of coverage.  Federal laws and regulations are covered, as well as New Jersey specific information.  The Covid-19 notices cover the laws of all 50 states.

In addition to the specific laws, regulations, and case information in each subject area, VitalLaw provides interpretive information including news, commentary, white papers, treatises, settlement agreements, and a compliance library.  Each subject area has a dedicated Dashboard that makes accessing the information relating to your area of interest easy and quick.

Accessing VitalLaw

State employees can access VitalLaw from anywhere using their NJSL library card.  Don’t have a card?  You can apply for a card here.  Not sure if you already have a card or if it is still valid?  Our circulation department can help you via email (circulation@njstatelib.org), or you can call (609) 278-2640, ext. 104 for assistance.  Once you have a valid NJSL library card, you can access this powerful tool from any device with an internet connection.

Using the VitalLaw Database

When you log into VitalLaw, the homepage Is laid out so you can easily find the practice area you want to research at the top left of the page (see below).  In the center of the home page, you will find links to the latest White Papers and Special Reports.  On the far right, you will find items that VitalLaw is featuring—right now, a recap of 2021 and look ahead to 2022.

Clicking on the links moves you through the database, and the HOME button located at the top left will bring you back to this screen.

The practice area specific dashboards contain the in-depth research resources.  These work like the main dashboard, but provide a number of resources including newsletters, law trackers, arbitration awards, highlighted recent court decisions, agency manuals, and state specific summaries of the laws relating to that practice area.  For example, the Labor & Employment Dashboard (see below) provides EEOC, NLRB, and OSHA manuals, and newsletters on topics like accommodating disabilities, and a guide to Family and Medical leave.

These practice area specific resources include interpretation and analysis of these topics written by attorney and curated by the Wolters Kluwer analytics teams.

While the new name VitalLaw may make you think of the classic “I Love Lucy” Vitameatavegamin episode, the database remains a powerful legal research tool.

If you have any legal reference questions, or would like assistance in using VitalLaw, contact the Legal Reference team at reflaw@njstatelib.org.