About West Academic

Founded in 1908, West Academic has been a trusted partner in legal education for more than a century. Our mission has always been rooted in collaboration. We've worked hand in hand with law schools and faculty, building lasting partnerships that have helped shape the way law is taught and learned. We're proud to partner with renowned law faculty across the country to develop materials that support effective teaching and enhance student learning.

From trusted casebooks and helpful study aids to innovative digital learning tools, our products are designed to make legal education more engaging, accessible, and effective. Today, West Academic resources are used in every law school in the United States, supporting thousands of professors and students in classrooms nationwide. This broad reach reflects our ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and partnership with the legal education community.

In 2021, West Academic joined BARBRI, uniting two of the most trusted names in legal education. Together, we continue to listen to the needs of law schools and faculty, innovate in the ways we deliver learning resources, and advance our shared goal of supporting the next generation of legal professional

Our History

1908
West Publishing launches the first commercially available casebook, the American Casebook Series® under the West imprint
1940
West Publishing acquires Foundation Press®
1997
West Publishing acquired by Thomson Corporation
2000
Gilbert Law Summaries acquired by Thomson Corporation
2013
West Academic begins operating as a stand-alone business with three publishing imprints: West Academic Publishing, Foundation Press, and Gilbert
2021
West Academic acquired by BARBRI