Advanced Queries
Build complex CQL expressions with grouping, exclusions, and professional search patterns.
Why Advanced CQL?
Advanced CQL lets you combine multiple legal concepts in one query with precise control.
Pattern 1: Mandatory + Alternative Terms
(contract;termination);(notice|warning)
This means:
contractandterminationmust both exist.- At least one of
noticeorwarningmust exist.
Pattern 2: Excluding Noise
compensation;(workplace|overtime)!insurance
Use ! to remove broad terms that produce noisy results.
Pattern 3: Exact Phrase + Context
"breach of contract";(damages|penalty)
Quotes enforce exact phrase matching.
Pattern 4: Deep Grouping
((fraud|forgery);evidence)!"insufficient evidence"
Group with parentheses to avoid precedence mistakes.
Query Design Checklist
- Define required terms first.
- Add alternatives with
|. - Remove false positives with
!. - Test incrementally.
Next Steps
See ready-made examples in Query Examples.