Opening hours

The library service will close at 1pm on Tuesday 24 December and reopen at 9am on Monday 6 January.

The library will be open remotely but closed to visitors on:

  • Monday 23 December (9am to 5pm)
  • Tuesday 24 December (9am to 1pm)

Our library, remote enquiry service and document delivery service are usually open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

If you have a disability or access requirements, email library@lawsociety.org.uk to let us know before you visit.

Read more about library access

Contact us

If you have any questions, contact our librarians:

You can contact us from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Our services

You can explore resources in person at our magnificent library on Chancery Lane, where you'll have full access to our suite of legal databases, comprehensive print collection and a comfortable workspace. 

Or, save time and get the legal documents you need delivered straight to your inbox with Lawdocs, our trusted document delivery service. 

Visiting the library

You can find us at the Law Society on Chancery Lane.

You can access our library and services if you’re:

  • a member of the Law Society
  • visiting on behalf of a solicitor (for example, a trainee, librarian or paralegal)
  • a Legal Practice Course (LPC) or a Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) student, or on an LPC ‘top up’ course (such as an LLM)

You’ll need to apply for a non-member pass if you're not eligible to visit for free.

When you arrive

You’ll need to show one of the following:

  • a business card from a law firm showing your name and job title
  • your Law Society membership card
  • your current practising certificate
  • an email from library staff agreeing to give you access
  • a letter from a solicitor on headed paper that authorises your visit
  • proof you're enrolled on an LPC, SQE or eligible LLM course

[Date]

Please give [full name] access to the Law Society library on [date] in order to use the facilities on our firm's behalf.

I confirm that I am a solicitor admitted to the Roll, SRA number [.........].

Contact me on [telephone number] if you require further information.

[Signature]

[Full name]

Accessibility

Our library is on the first floor of the Law Society.

You can access the library by lift from the entrance hall on 113 Chancery Lane.

We have specialist software and equipment that can help users with visual impairments to access our collections and online resources.

If you need us to make any adjustments, let us know before you arrive so we can make your visit as easy as possible.

Our facilities

Computers and internet access

You can use our computers to access:

  • our subscription databases (if eligible)
  • Microsoft Office applications
  • the internet

You can also work on your own devices using our wifi and power points around the library.

Self-service printing and photocopying costs 20p a side, and 50p for A3 or colour services a page.

You can pay by debit or credit card at the enquiry desk.

Subscription databases

If you’re a member, student on an approved course, or work for a law firm or legal department, you can use our subscription databases when in the library:

  • Westlaw – commentary, current and point in time legislation, case law, journals, legal dictionaries, current awareness
  • Lexis+ – precedents, encyclopaedias, commentary, case law, checklists and practical guidance
  • vLex justis – legislation as enacted, local acts, cases, case finding tools
  • PIO – parliamentary and official documents, bill tracking

Applying for a non-member pass

Complete our application form to let us know why you’d like to use our library. We’ll process your application and let you know if you can visit us.

Before you can visit
  • Applications and payment must be made before your visit
  • Bring photo ID such as a driving licence or passport with you when you visit
  • We have the right to refuse admission and we cannot give legal advice
Length of pass Cost
One day £30 +VAT
One week* £60 +VAT
One month* £120 +VAT

*Five consecutive days that our library is open
**One calendar month