In our search for Class Action resources on the Internet, we have observed various categories of sites. These include:

• "Front" sites for law firms providing extensive information with the goal of seeking potential class members. Some of these sites are maintained by a group of law firm consortium, while others are specific to a single law firm. These sites generally have a broad listing of class action topics and even listings of current lawsuits. These sites universally invite visitors to get more information about their own claim.
• Class Action Administrator Sites, providing notice information for claims and settlements.
• Niche information sites by legal experts, consumer action groups, and concerned laypersons. These sites range from the most basic information to detailed legal treatises.
• Class action pages that are part of general legal resource sites.
• Databases of class actions. Currently the only reasonably comprehensive databases are for securities claims, but there are some other sites that make a good effort.
• Law firms briefly describing class actions as a practice area.

We’ve noticed that most of the searches on ClassActionLinks.com request information specific to a particular company or product. Because thousands of class action lawsuits are filed each year, this type of information is tremendously difficult to compile and, frankly, there is no single database to which consumers can turn to get unbiased, credible information. The Internet is ideally suited to being able to disseminate this information, but to date there is no comprehensive, unbiased and free source of information relating to class action litigation in general.

Another obstacle to finding class action information on the web, is that most of the top spots for common search engine terms are dominated by law firms. This has happened as many firms boost their Web sites' spot on search engines by tweaking the content and links to get a higher ranking. For example, some firms use desired keywords (like "mesothelioma") frequently and near the top of their home page and include them in the Web address. As a result, web surfers must dig deeper into search engine results, to locate sites that provide the information they are seeking.

With this in mind, here is our own, list of Class Action web sites that we have found most enlightening. This is a work in progress, and we already know of some more sites that we want to add when time allows. You probably have other suggestions and if so, please feel free submit the site, or you can send us an email with your comments to webmaster [at] classactionlinks.com. We'll look forward to hearing from you!

The Securities Class Action Clearinghouse
http://securities.stanford.edu
From Stanford Law School this site gives a comprehensive view of securities class actions and serves as a Designated Internet Site, created in response to USDC Local Rule of the Northern District of California. If only there were another encyclopedic clearinghouse like this available for class actions in general. The site contains an index of hundreds of filings (with links to the complaints), news articles and scholarly papers, decisions, settlements, charts and more, all relating to securities class actions.

Securities Class Actions from Milberg Weiss and Lerach Coughlin
http://www.milbergweiss.com and http://www.lerachlaw.com

The two best law firm sites for securities class actions are by Lerach Coughlin and Milberg Weiss. This isn’t surprising because the Lerach Coughlin firm split off from Milberg Weiss in 2004. While both sites contain a wealth of information about current and high profile securities class actions, Milberg Weiss gets the nod for being more user friendly with its “Quick Action” section. Using this feature, visitors can join a class action or report fraud in just a few clicks of the mouse. In fairness, it should be noted that Lerach Coughlin maintains the only other Designated Internet Site (http://securities.lerachlaw.com), which is similar but not as comprehensive as the Stanford site mentioned above.

Class Action Litigation Information
http://www.classactionlitigation.com
One of the shining examples of a class action website maintained by a law firm is lawyer Timothy Eble’s site, Class Action Litigation. Unlike most other lawyer sponsored sites, this site provides a broad range of class action information, from “Class Action FAQ” to a lengthy list of articles. Mr. Eble even provides for free an Internet version of his Federal Class Action Practice Manual (http://www.classactionlitigation.com/fcapmanual) (last updated in 1999 but still useful). Since its start in 1999, this site has set the standard for class action information sites providing general information.

Class Actions on FindLaw
http://classaction.findlaw.com
Findlaw is one of the best legal research sites based on its breadth and depth of coverage of specific legal topics. Not surprisingly, there is space specifically devoted to class actions. The site lets visitors drill down into various topics, such as asbestos litigation, drug injures (e.g., Vioxx, Baycol, Fen-Phen) and medical devices. In addition, there are links to recall notices from governmental agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Recall, and others.

Free Advice Class Action Page
http://law.freeadvice.com/litigation/class_actions/
Aimed at consumers, Freeadvice.com offers one of the best FAQ to give newcomers basic information about the nature of class actions and how they work. In addition, the site offers a civil litigation law forum, where visitors can post questions about all types of civil litigation, including class actions.

Securities Sleuth
http://www.securitiessleuth.com
A securities claim website that is notable because of its zany approach, Securities Sleuth, offers basic fraud information for investors. With a great name to fit its slightly offbeat concept, this is a fun website to snoop around. You’ll find a lot of timely articles. This is written from an investor’s viewpoint and doesn’t hesitate to make strong statements about corporate fraud. One of the best features is the weekly newsletter on timely topics, that is easy to understand, informative and…well at least for some of us…entertaining!

Securities Lawyer Deskbook
http://www.law.uc.edu/ccl/
For primary research and on securities law, this is the site to visit. No commentary or litigation information, just the legal research materials in a searchable format.

Madison County Record
http://www.madisonrecord.com
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, and this site can prove it. This site reports on the current happenings in the country’s class action hotbed, the Madison County, Illinois courts. Plenty of current news, plus a subscription service to obtain documents filed for particular cases.

Leflaw
http://www.leflaw.com
The website of Lawrence E. Feldman stands out among law firm sites promoting their class action practice while providing useful plaintiff-oriented information. The site is particularly strong in listing defective drug topics, giving an overview of the potential claims and describing risks and pending or proposed litigation and claims.

Lawyers and Settlements
http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com
One of the best databases of class action topics is at this site, which is provided by Online Legal Services (OLS). On the “Cases” page you can select a topic and then to drill down in each area to learn more about Hot Issues, Possible Cases, Law Suits Filed, and Settlements. OLS is a paid, joint advertising campaign for lawyers, and so is seeking potential plaintiffs for sponsoring attorneys.

Class Action Links.com
http://www.ClassActionLinks.com
What, not include our own web site? We have built a comprehensive and categorized list of web pages devoted to class action topics. We don't know of another set of links to class action and related web sites that is more comprehensive or that is a better starting place, either for the beginner or for someone looking for a focused topic. The site offers plenty for both consumers and legal professionals. Class Action Links.com provides a complete reviewed selection of class action websites, carefully organized and individually reviewed. If you are looking for class action information, we have sorted through the best websites about class actions available on the web. Each site is reviewed by a human, and with our visitors’ help we will keep getting better.

That's all for now. Hope you find this helpful. Feel free to submit new links using the icons at the top of this page!