CiteMatch
Get your free CourtListener access key
No cost from CourtListener. This is the account code CiteMatch needs for real case-source checking when a public case is not already saved.
The short version
- It is free. CourtListener is run by a nonprofit; the access key costs nothing.
- It is just a code. Think of it like a password for your own CourtListener account.
- Stored locally, not logged. The key lives in the pane and is sent only to authenticate each lookup. CiteMatch does not store or log it.
Why a key?
CiteMatch can identify citations and local drafting issues without a key, but real case-source checking depends on CourtListener access for many cases. To check a case that is not already saved, CourtListener needs your own free access key. An access key is the account code that lets CiteMatch ask CourtListener for public case text on your behalf. The key stays in the pane and is sent only to authenticate each lookup; not stored or logged. See our privacy page.
Four steps, about two minutes
- 01
Create a free account
Go to courtlistener.com/register and create a free CourtListener account. CourtListener is run by the Free Law Project, a nonprofit; an account is free.
- 02
Open your access-key page
Once signed in, open the CourtListener key page. The code shown there is your access key.
- 03
Copy the whole code
Select and copy the entire code, with no leading or trailing spaces.
- 04
Paste it into CiteMatch
In the CiteMatch pane in Word, click Key (top bar), paste the code into the field, and click Save access key. CiteMatch checks the key and confirms “Access key verified.” You can now run case-source review against CourtListener-backed lookups.
Daily limits and automatic pacing
CourtListener applies lookup limits to access keys. CiteMatch is built to respect those limits: it groups citations, reuses saved public source results, pauses before sending too many CourtListener requests, and continues the review automatically when the next free window opens.
Memberships support the Free Law Project, the nonprofit that runs CourtListener. Sign up or upgrade at free.law/membership; the membership page lists the current tiers and limits. Most ordinary reviews should not require a paid CourtListener membership. If CourtListener changes your key, paste the new code into CiteMatch the same way.
Troubleshooting
- “That access key was rejected.”Re-copy the whole code from the CourtListener key page, making sure you didn't miss any characters or include a space.
- “CourtListener did not confirm this access key right now.” CiteMatch reached the source check, but CourtListener may be busy or rate-limited. If the pane says the key is still saved, source review will keep using it.
- Source review pauses. CourtListener may be rate-limiting requests. Leave Word open; CiteMatch will continue automatically when the pause ends. For very large or repeated reviews, see Daily limits and automatic pacing above.
- Removing your access key.Open the Key panel and click “Remove saved access key.” It is erased from the pane immediately.