Ultimately, the Social Law Library is more than just a collection of books and databases - it's a hub of professional support.
Large law firms have a lot to gain from joining the Social Law Library.
With access to an unmatched collection of legal research tools, both digital and print, plus a team of expert Reference Attorneys ready to assist, firms can boost their research capabilities without stretching internal resources. Whether your attorneys are tackling complex litigation, staying current on evolving case law, or exploring niche legal topics, the Library offers the depth and support they need. Beyond traditional resources, the library offers access to rare and hard-to-find materials that may not be available in typical legal databases. In an industry that thrives on information, knowledge, and expertise, the Social Law Library is an essential resource for attorneys and researchers.
Members gain access to the Library’s knowledgeable staff, including experienced librarians and Reference Attorneys who are ready to help with even the trickiest research challenges. Whether you’re looking for something within the Library’s extensive Boston-based collection or need help tracking down resources beyond it, the team is there to guide you every step of the way, making legal research faster, easier, and more effective.
Research Databases
The Library offers access to powerful case research databases, including remote access to Fastcase and onsite access to Westlaw and VitalLaw. This is in addition to the Library’s 40+ self-produced databases available to members (some require an additional annual subscription fee).
The Library also subscribe to niche commercial databases for remote access, and if you can’t find what you need, the Reference team has additional database access to help track down answers.
Document Delivery & Interlibrary Loan
Need a case, article, or treatise? If it’s in the Library’s collection, we’ll get it to you fast.
We can ship books via courier or U.S. Mail, or work with libraries worldwide to get materials not in our collection. For quick copies, the Copy Center handles document delivery, typically fulfilling most orders within an hour.
We’re fully compliant with U.S. copyright laws, with fees based on delivery method, item size, and membership status.
The Library’s Collection
The Library has been curating a collection of treatises, case law, digests, periodicals, and more for over 200 years. Today, the Library holds a rich and diverse collection of legal texts and they are all located onsite in Boston.
Need the latest edition on a current topic? It's here. Need to explore how a treatise appeared in the 1950s? The Library has that as well.
If you're uncertain about what you need or where to start, the Reference team is always a great resource. And if it’s after hours, check the catalog for digital access via databases or eBooks.
Massachusetts Legal Alerts
In response to member requests, the Library created several different alert services. Whether you need to know about the Emergency Regulations about to go into effect, updates from the Business Litigation Session, or notification of when the House & Senate Journals are uploaded online, the Library has an alert service for you.
Legal Periodical Alerts
Stay sharp with legal periodical alerts from the Social Law Library. Choose from 100+ legal journals - covering everything from general practice and corporate law to real estate, taxes, and more - and get the table of contents the moment a new issue arrives. You can then request a copy of an article or check out the whole issue. It’s an easy way to stay up to date without the extra work.
Library Managed Services
In response to member demand, the Library developed tools to boost efficiency, reduce redundancy, and free you from routine tasks so you can focus on what matters most. The Library staff members are here to support professional and paraprofessional librarians with top-tier resources and expert staff. Unlike outsourcing companies, Social Law strengthens firm librarians with a nationally recognized collection and a team of attorneys and legal research professionals - because your success is the Library’s priority.
Research Assistance
All memberships include access to the Library’s expert Reference team, a trusted resource for legal research support.
Are you looking for an unpublished decision? Need a form? Unsure of where the best place to start your research? The Reference Attorneys are here to help.
Are you looking to learn more about complex searching on commercial databases? Or using the Library’s databases to do the research you need? The Reference Attorneys are here to help.
Are you looking for historic regulations? Or the current Emergency Regulations? The Reference Attorneys are here to help.
Whatever the research challenge, the Reference Attorneys are here to help you get it done, faster and smarter.
Services
Judicial Assignments
Updated Monthly
Sitting schedule for judges in Massachusetts courts.
Services
Slip Opinions
Updated Daily
Massachusetts Appeals Court and Supreme Judicial Court Opinions.
Services
Legislative Alerts
Subscribe to the Senate and House Journal email list and receive notification when the Journals are updated.
Awards & Recognition
Social Law is winner of three first place awards in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Reading Rankings survey.
Best Legal Research
Best CLE
Best Web Design
Best Legal Research
Best CLE
Best Web Design