Websites That Can Save Your Practice

As promised, here are some websites that offer free, or, in some cases paid, access to useful public information that allow lawyers to check out the true state of affairs in a transaction. These sites are particularly useful to real estate lawyers who need to check out the parties to a prospective transaction; but, are also useful to litigators.
Google - This goes without saying, doesn't it? The first place to check out anything or anyone.
National Information Center - Check out, and follow the history of, banks and their progeny.
Social Security Death Index  - Great place to check out dead people. Fraudsters love to use dead persons' identities.
Attorney's Title Insurance Fund  - For Florida lawyers, the place to go for title information and real estate resources.
Zillow - It has its flaws; but, this is a great place to go for preliminary information about a residential property.
Accurint - Fee based person searches, asset searches, and background searches. A little pricey since purchased by Lexis-Nexis, but useful nonetheless.
KnowX - Full searches for less money. You can get a flat-rate subscription that won't cost an arm and a leg.
Secretaries of State - Links to corporate searches in every State. Very handy.

There are many information websites out there now. Find the ones that are helpful to you and use them. What you find out can save you from a big mistake, and huge embarrassment.