Research

The Library offers access to powerful case research databases, including remote access to Fastcase and onsite access to Westlaw. This is in addition to the Library’s 40+ self-produced databases available to members (some require an additional annual subscription fee). The Library’s substantive and administrative databases contain a wealth of case law, administrative decisions and primary law not available anywhere else online.

Social Law’s collection includes over 500,000 volumes of primary and secondary resources, case law, administrative decisions, court rules, legal journals, records and briefs, and more. The Library’s focus is on collecting primary and secondary resources for practicing attorneys in Massachusetts. We also collect resources for all of the fifty United States, Asia, Canada and Europe.

Among the many highlights of our collection are the entire MCLE Library, SJC and Appeals Court records and briefs, CCH state tax reporters, periodicals in print and online, PLI, ALI/ABA, Mass Bar Association, Boston Bar Association and American Bar Association publications.

Search our online catalog for a resource in our vast collection. Click on View Your Account to login and see what you have checked out, renew or request items, and check out eBooks.

Browse our many legal research guides. Practice areas and topics include; Compiled Federal Legislative History, Election and Campaign Finance Law, Forms for Litigators, Legal Writing Aids, Massachusetts Administrative Law, Admiralty and Maritime Law, Business Law State by State & many more.

Have a question for our reference department? Use the online form to submit a question to the library reference staff. 

Almost everything in the Library is available to borrow. Current members may do so in person, over the phone, via email or through the online catalog. Learn more  about or circulation policy.

The Library can provide a copy of almost anything in our collection and deliver it via email, US mail, fax or messenger service. The Library is compliant with all U.S. copyright laws and restrictions. This is a fee-based service with pricing dependent on size, delivery method and membership status.

The Library is able to place requests for books, journals, articles, dissertations and other resources from libraries both locally and nationally. Our staff can locate everything from medical and engineering textbooks to scientific journals, graduate thesis and conference proceedings. We can also help locate documents from other states. .