Performing General Research with Alexi

Alexi can search the open internet to surface the most relevant, authoritative sources to answer your question. To trigger Alexi’s general research function, simply ask any question that is not legal in nature (IE it doesn’t require caselaw or statute to answer it).
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What does an Ideal Input Include?

An ideal research input consists of 3 basic elements:

1. Context - Tell Alexi about the file you’re working on, or the work you’re trying to perform. 
2. Goal - Describe what your ideal outcome would look like.
3. Instructions - Provide a task for Alexi to complete (such as finding information, answering a question, researching an expert etc.)
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Here’s an example:

I’m preparing for a personal injury trial in Ontario involving Dr. Brett Thornton, an orthopedic expert. I want to know everything about him, including where he studied and how long he’s been in the field. Please tell me everything you can about Dr. Thornton.
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How can I ask Follow-Up Questions and Iterate?

Think of your interaction with Alexi as a conversation, not a one-time search. The best way to get useful answers is to:

1. Start broad – Begin with a general question to get an overview.
2. Narrow down – Use Alexi’s first answer to identify areas you want more detail on.
3. Ask follow-ups – Build on the previous answers by asking more specific questions.
4. Refine further – Continue until you have the clarity, level of detail, or format you need.

This step-by-step approach mirrors how you would research a topic with a colleague: start wide, then zoom in until you have the precise answer.

Here’s an example:

Step 1 – Start Broad

What are the key elements of the Government of Ontario’s proposal to overhaul the Rules of Civil Procedure?

Step 2 – Narrow Down

Can you explain how the proposed reforms address the cost and delay of civil litigation, particularly changes to discovery and pre-trial procedures?

Step 3 – Follow Up

What feedback have Ontario lawyers and advocacy groups provided on these proposed changes, and what aspects of the reforms have been most controversial so far?

Step 4 – Refine Further

How might these proposed civil procedure reforms affect commercial litigation in Ontario, especially for mid-size firms handling complex contract disputes?
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FAQ

Are all answers supported by web sources?

Not always. Web sources are included when Alexi identifies publicly available information for questions that are not strictly answerable by caselaw. Other answers may rely solely on uploaded documents or case law.

Can I click directly on the links?

Yes. Each referenced web source is hyperlinked so you can view it instantly.

Can I see how each source was used in the answer?

Yes. Alexi often provides context notes explaining why a particular source was cited and how it supports the response.

Can I ask follow-up questions about the sources?

Yes. For example:

• “Explain how the guidance from the referenced OPC document affects small business compliance obligations.”
• “Summarize the key points from the cited web source regarding ESG reporting standards in Canada.”
• “Summarize recent trends in the oil & gas industry that might be relevant to the class action you identified.

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FAQ

Are all answers supported by web sources?

Not always. Web sources are included when Alexi identifies publicly available information for questions that are not strictly answerable by caselaw. Other answers may rely solely on uploaded documents or case law.‍

Can I click directly on the links?

Yes. Each referenced web source is hyperlinked so you can view it instantly.

Can I see how each source was used in the answer?

Yes. Alexi often provides context notes explaining why a particular source was cited and how it supports the response.

Can I ask follow-up questions about the sources?

Yes. For example:

• “Explain how the guidance from the referenced OPC document affects small business compliance obligations.”
• “Summarize the key points from the cited web source regarding ESG reporting standards in Canada.”
• “Summarize recent trends in the oil & gas industry that might be relevant to the class action you identified”