Law Library
Law Library
The Richmond Public Law Library is a full service public law library located in the Main Library and is open to Metro Richmond residents as well as the legal community. In addition to print materials, the Law Library offers free access to both WestlawNext and Lexis Advance legal research databases, and Gale Legal Forms online. We also host “Know Your Rights” Community Law Classes and legal research classes all free and open to the public. Bimonthly, the Law Librarian leads the online, Oliver W. Hill Book Club discussions.
Collection
The Law Library collection includes a combination of both physical and digital materials. All materials in this collection are reference books that cannot be checked out. For remote access to our digital resources, please read our remote access guidelines.
More Law Library Services
Remote Westlaw Access
We are pleased to report that Thomson Reuters has made available Westlaw temporary, restricted access for patron researchers.
You may now choose one of three options as to the type of free Westlaw temporary access you need:
Access Options
Remote Access One-time Westlaw remote access is available for one 7-Day Trial of Westlaw Edge. Here is the registration link.
Research by Request Your second option for using Westlaw from home is to contact the Law Library by telephone, or email to request that the research be performed by the law librarian on your behalf. This service may be limited, depending on demand and the availability of staff. For telephone requests, call 804-646-6500. For email requests, email Meldon.Jenkins-Jones@RVA.gov.
Using the Computer in the Law Library Finally, if you are able to come to the Law Library to conduct your legal research yourself, our regular hours for computerized legal research are Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4:45 pm. However, it is best to call ahead to make sure that we are here when you are planning to visit. Our phone number is 804-646-6500. You would then have the option of using Lexis Advance or Westlaw. Time on the computer may be limited, depending on demand.