The Social Law Library was founded in 1803 as a non-profit legal research library to be managed by its Proprietors and used by its members and the Courts. Today, entering its 3rd century, the Library is one of the largest and most respected legal research institutions in the country. Our collection is comprised of over 500,000 volumes as well as CDs, on-line databases and interactive videos. The Library has developed a collection that is current, comprehensive and responsive to patron needs.
The Library offers a number of membership plans depending on the size and location of the practice. Click here for a list of regular and reduced rate towns. Because the membership term runs from October 1 through September 30, the membership fee is prorated three times during the term.
Membership includes unlimited access to the Substantive Law Library searchable databases on our web site including: Code of Massachusetts Regulations, Massachusetts General Laws, Appeals Court Decisions, Supreme Judicial Court Decisions, Massachusetts Rules of Court, Massachusetts State Constitution, and more. Depending on the location and size of the account, members also have remote access to databases that the Library subscribes to on behalf of our members. Members can also take advantage of the discounts offered to our members. More information can be found here.
Attorneys and non-attorneys are allowed to join via the "Membership Types" listed below. If you are an attorney, the Library will verify your address against what is registered with the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers database. There is no special rate for non-attorneys and non-attorneys can use the Solo Application to apply for membership. To verify your address if you are not an attorney or not registered with the Massachusetts BBO, please provide official governmental documentation or other official mail sent to you at your address.
Explore Membership Types in order to find out more information on guidelines, categories, and how to apply
Interested attorneys and/or organizations should contact the Membership Office at (617) 226-1530 or at [email protected].
Only an attorney who is in Sole Practice is eligible to register under this category. Attorneys who work for law firms or corporate law departments must register as such.
Firms with 2 or more attorneys must choose a membership plan and contact the Membership Office.
Law departments must choose a membership plan and contact the Membership Office.
Available to attorneys at MA state agencies and courts that serve the entire Commonwealth. Attorneys must join through their parent organization.
Available to current full-time law or legal profession students with Library approval. Valid school ID required.
Attorneys who are retired with the MA BBO and who have been active members of the Social Law Library for at least five years are eligible for this rate.
IRC § 501(c)(3) charitable institutions, the primarily activities of which are law-related, can enroll their legal staffs for membership in the Social Law Library free of dues charges.
The Library allows for one-day courtesy passes for nonmembers. Please see the Courtesy Pass Policy for more information. A Courtesy Pass is valid for one calendar day's admission only and cannot be renewed except in exceptional circumstances in the discretion of the Library's Executive Director or his/her delegate. In concert with the public hours of the Clerks' Offices of the Supreme Judicial Court and the Appeals Court, courtesy passes are available from Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
For more information about the Library’s organization and founding structure, please see Why is the Social Law Library not Open to the Public Generally.
We have also compiled a helpful resource for Where to Access Free Legal Materials in Massachusetts.
Access to powerful case research databases.
All memberships include access to the Library's expert reference team.
Need a case, article, or treatise? If it's in the collection, we'll get it to you fast.
Social Law is winner of three first place awards in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Reading Rankings survey.
Nonmember accounts allow you to track your online event registrations, invoice payments, or donations without the benefits of membership.
By signing in, you agree to our Patron Database Access And Usage Policy