Library

Please be aware that Bristol Law Society no longer maintains a law library. We continue to keep a selection of our oldest 18th Century books which we believe were acquired when the Society was founded as part of our historical archive.

Where certain texts we previously held are not available online (generally those which related to local acts and decisions) or available in physical form at another accessible law library, we have donated or had the books ‘adopted’ by relevant institutions. Please contact Clair at info@bristollawsociety.com for a list of where these particular titles can be located.

For any other legal texts requirements, do check out the list of local libraries and national organisations both physical and online which may be able to assist you.

University of Bristol

Full members of the Society are entitled to access the Wills Memorial Library (Wills Memorial Building, Queen’s Road, Bristol BS8 1RJ) and other collections held by the University of Bristol’s Library Service, upon payment of a nominal administration fee for registration.

Please note that if you wish to register, you must apply to the University of Bristol Library in advance by emailing lib-access@bristol.ac.uk. Applications may take up to 5 working days to process.

If you do not wish or are not eligible to register, the University of Bristol Library Services now offer a Visitor Scheme whereby up to 40 people a day can apply for a One Day Pass, free of charge, on production of ID, to use the University Library for Reading & Reference.
For full details and conditions (including restriction periods) please see:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/library/use/visitor-access/

The Law Society

Solicitors are also able to contact the national Law Society library with reference enquiries and for document delivery services. For information see their website https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/

Bristol Central Library

Bristol Central Library has a reference library which contain many old legal texts. For information see their website https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/libraries-and-archives/central-library

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS