Bloomberg Law hit a milestone this week when U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas Arpert (U.S. Dist.Ct., D. New Jersey) used the “Bloomberg Law” citation when it cited to a number of unreported cases. In the case Homa v. American Express Co. [PDF], Civil Action No.: 06-2985 (JAP)., 2010 BL 245394, [*12] (D.N.J. Oct. 18, 2010), Judge Arpert lists a number of cases cited by the Plaintiff, and left in the Bloomberg Law citations:
United States v. Stuler, Civil Action No. 08-273, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 43338, 2010 BL 99422 (W.D. Pa. May 4, 2010); Bell v. Alltel Communications, Inc., Civil Action No. 08-648, 2008 WL 4646146, 2008 BL 235539 (W.D. Pa. Oct. 17, 2008); S. Freedman & Co. Inc. v. Raab, Civil No. 06-3723, 2008 WL 4534069 at *2, 2008 BL 223083 (D.N.J. Oct. 6, 2008); and Kirleis v. Dickie, McCamey & Chicolte, PC, Civil Action No. 06-1495, 2007 WL 3023950, 2007 BL 124745 (W.D. Pa. Oct. 12, 2007) Id. at 9-10.
Although the cites all either have the alternative Westlaw or Lexis cite, it does seem to be the first time that the “___ BL ___” has made the cut. The corks are being popped at Bloomberg Law to mark this occasion, and they are hoping that this is the first of many “___ BL ___” cases being cited. For attorneys, paralegals, librarians and judges all over the country, there is more of a “oh, great… one more Blue Book rule I have to learn!”
Does that mean that the 20th Edition of the Blue Book will be coming out soon?
Congratulations to Bloomberg Law. It is a big day for them, and perhaps a day that the duopoly of “___ WL ___” and “___ Lexis ___” have a new partner.