In an effort to provide attorneys and the public with online access to legal information, such as federal and state case law and various bar journals, Chief Justice for Administration and Management Robert A. Mulligan today announced that the seventeen Trial Court Law Libraries located throughout the state will now offer remote electronic access to legal databases. 

          Chief Justice Mulligan said, “Providing legal resources online helps attorneys and members of the public gain immediate access to legal information they may need for their cases or research. We are pleased to offer this important new legal tool through the Trial Court Law Libraries. They are also staffed with knowledgeable professionals who strive to help individuals with their particular needs.”

          Patrons of the libraries may obtain free library registration cards at any of the Trial Court Law Libraries to access legal information directly from their personal computers. To locate a law library, patrons can call 1-800-445-8989 or go to www.lawlib.state.ma.us

          The Trial Court Law Library website offers many services for visitors, such as contacting a law librarian for assistance or requesting documents to be e-mailed or faxed directly to them. It also provides more than 1500 links to other legal sites.

          All of the Trial Court Law Libraries are wireless, so patrons can bring their own laptops and work in the libraries. There are also computers with licensed legal databases available in the libraries for visitors. The library hours are generally Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Lawrence Trial Court Law Library is open on Monday and Thursday evenings and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 3:00 p.m.

          Marnie Warner, the Trial Court Law Libraries Coordinator, said, “Several years ago, we held town meetings across the state to listen to what people wanted from their law libraries. We are pleased that we are providing people with the services they requested, and we will continue to do our best to meet their needs.”