Law Library

Law Library Collections

The Richmond Public Law Library has an extensive collection of both print and digital legal resources. All materials in this collection are reference books that cannot be checked out, but we are happy to provide digital access and print copies of legal materials. All current or formerly held print materials are available in digital form through our databases.

• Westlaw – Westlaw is a computerized database that provides free access to state and federal cases, statutes and regulations from all jurisdictions (50 states and Federal), as well as various secondary sources, forms, and briefs. It also features “Practical Law” which offers extensive in-depth support for non-lawyers. These resources can be accessed at all Richmond Public Library locations.
• Lexis – Lexis provides free access to state and federal cases, statutes and regulations from all jurisdictions. It also features Michie’s Jurisprudence and Virginia Forms, as well as many Virginia specific legal resources. Lexis can be accessed only at the Main Library building.
• Gale Legal Forms – Gale has thousands of free legal forms specific to Virginia including samples of wills, Power of Attorney, divorce, and business contracts. It also features an Attorney Directory by subject expertise. Gale can be accessed through the RPL website from any remote location.
• City of Richmond Code – The Law Library contains print copies of City of Richmond code books, resolutions and ordinances dating back to the 1860s. These are helpful for researching past versions of city ordinances and code.
• City Reports and Records – We have archival reports and records from many city agencies dating back to the early 20th century. These reports are a wealth of insight into the history of Richmond. For more information on our archival materials, please visit our Local History page.
• Code of Virginia – We also have print copies of West’s annotated Code of Virginia dating back to the 1840s, including older annotated versions of the 1950 Code of Virginia with pocket parts, which detail changes in state code over the last 70 years
• Acts of Assembly – These are the officially published resolutions and bills passed by the Virginia General Assembly. Our print collection dates to the 1840s.
• House and Senate Journals – We have print copies of Virginia House of Delegates and Senate journals from the 1940s to the 2000s. These are the primary source material for researching legislative intent regarding the Code of Virginia. More recent Journals can be accessed through the Legislative Information Service or the Library of Virginia.

Westlaw is a computerized database that provides free access to state and federal cases, statutes and regulations from all jurisdictions, as well as various secondary sources, forms, and briefs. These resources can be accessed at all Richmond Public Library locations using these links:

• Main Library
• Belmont Branch
• Broad Rock Branch
• East End Branch
• Ginter park Branch
• Hull Street Branch
• North Avenue Branch
• West End Branch
• Westover Hills Branch

Programs, Events, and Workshops

The Law Library hosts free legal workshops on a wide variety of topics including Estate Planning, Small Business help, Starting a Nonprofit, Family Law, and more. Please check the calendar for upcoming events.