Law Society library
Opening hours
Our library and 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, let us know before you visit by emailing library@lawsociety.org.uk.
Read more about library access
Contact us
If you have any questions, get in touch with our librarians.
Email: library@lawsociety.org.uk
Call: 020 7320 5946
You can contact us from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Follow us on Twitter @LSlawlibrary
Our services
Search our library catalogue and find out more about our collection of legal textbooks, legislation, law reports, journals and subscription databases.
Our team of librarians carry out tailored research to help you find the information you need.
We can send you precedents, cases, journal articles, legislation and commentary.
Our practical guides and database of enquiries can help you with your legal research.
Our facilities
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 page. Please pay by debit or credit card at the enquiry desk
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:
- Justis vLex – original legislation, case transcripts, case citator and precedent map
- LexisLibrary – textbook commentary, forms and precedents, current legislation, cases and journals
- LexisPSL – practice notes, forms and precedents, checklists and practical guidance
- Public Information Online – parliamentary and official documents
- WestlawUK – current legislation, cases, journal articles, legal journals index and news
Visiting the library
You can find us at the Law Society's offices at 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.
Accessibility
Our library is on the first floor of the Law Society. You can access it 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.
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 our library staff agreeing to give you access
- a letter from a solicitor on headed paper which authorises your visit – you can use the template below
- proof that you're enrolled on an LPC, SQE or an eligible LLM course
No other legal courses qualify for free access.
If you’re a Qualified Lawyer Transfer Scheme (QLTS) student, you must apply for a non-member pass to use our library and services.
[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]
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.
Applications and payment must be made before your visit.
| 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
Bring photo ID such as a driving licence or passport with you when you visit our library.
We have the right to refuse admission and we cannot give legal advice.