San Diego County Public Law Library

I don’t know how this place compares to the other law libraries where I’ve lived, as I’ve never bothered to step inside those others, but now I wish I did. This is one of the nicest places downtown, and I make a point of dropping in if I’m walking by, to sit in one of the comfy chairs (there is a chess set between two of them), read one of the Nolo books or a law journal (there is always some legal news of interest, whether it’s about tech, real estate, employment…), and during Comic Con they even had a bunch of graphic novels on display (I should ask where they’re shelved, now), and hosted a talk on comic book law. Which is the reason I checked out the library in the first place. As a show of support, I got a library card there, which unlike the regular public library, does cost more than a few books (this is for practicing lawyers), but I figure it’s a worthy cause.

Im here 3−5x a week so yeah it’s cool

This really is the best public law library I have been to. It has state of the art computers and meeting room equipment. This library has an enormous catalog and can get pretty much what you need on loan if they don’t have it here.
As an attorney, I come here regularly to use the free legal research databases and the breadth of available practice materials. This library even provides clinics, panels, and various continuing education seminars. I believe it is all free to the public. Attorneys must pay approximately $ 50 annually for a membership to take materials home, including large practice guides and treatises, but can use pretty much everything inside the library (except conference rooms) for free.
This place also has wonderful staff to help point both attorneys and self represented parties move in the right direction. But of course staff won’t give legal advice.
The location, environment, and ambiance are great too. This law library is located in the heart of downtown, two blocks from the court houses and also a couple blocks from multiple trolley stations and bus stops. Inside, you will find modern industrial décor after the remodel 3 years ago. You can even find interesting art pieces sprinkled throughout. The interiors are always kept clean, including the bathrooms.
The one downside is that sometimes unsavory people come in the library and disturb others in a variety of different ways. However I would not have it any other way because this place is critical for self represented parties no matter how down on their luck they may be; and this place provides vast legal resources to self represented persons to even the playing field, even if paradoxically self represented people may have difficulty figuring out how to use all these resources on their own.
I f I could give this public law library 6? stars, I would.

Awesome!

I am a paralegal student currently enrolled at the USCD paralegal program. I come to this library to do my homework, and for legal research. The location and hours of this library are very convenient; and the staff are very nice and helpful. I have never been at a law library before until I started taking my legal research class, and when I came to this library the first time I was very impressed.
Great library, and great customer service.

Love the new remodeled downtown branch and the reference staff go above and beyond to help patrons with their legal research.

For a guy who doesn’t write many reviews on Unilocal,this review is especially significant.
The San Diego County Public Law Library is an invaluable resource for attorneys, paralegals, students and the public alike. As a newly admitted attorney with my own solo practice, I consistently rely on the Public Law Library to conduct my legal research using materials I would not have access to otherwise.
There are countless practice guides and treatises in addition to the traditional codes and regulations you’d expect at a law library. Not only are the print materials a wealth of information but you’ll also find that the reference librarians are immensely helpful as well. While they cannot provide legal advice, they can point you in the right direction and offer insight into which reference materials are most useful or popular for your particular issue.
It is also worth mentioning that the Law Library offers relevant and timely legal education classes, some of which even offer MCLE credit. Class topics can range from routine (instruction on legal research databases) to more complex and provocative issues (social media and copyright concerns in comics).
You should dispel whatever tired notions you may have of libraries as being inadequate relics of a bygone era. The San Diego County Public Law Library is more than just a terminus for legal research. It is a fun, vibrant and lively community hub; a place to go and a place to learn. What more could you ask for?
If ignorance of the law excuses no one, then everyone should have a chance to learn about the law. Remember, knowledge is power…

The Downtown County Public Law Library is right across the street from the main courthouse, downtown, on Broadway. The library has four locations.
In addition to a huge selection of reference material, the library has a sizable list of legal class topics including legal research and other legal self help clinics.
I found the classes on how to use legal databases such as Westlaw and Lexis very helpful in preparation for a complex legal matter many years ago as a pro-​per. After I finished college and started practicing law, I still find that the law libraries are always close enough for research.
Last year I was in court and needed a specific case site. Since I am a solo practitioner, I did not have the time to return to my office to research. I just walked across the street to the main SDCLL and was able to get the information I needed in twenty minutes.
A calendar of classes is posted on the website. I almost forgot to mention, the library has free-​Wi-​Fi and if you need any assistance, a helpful librarian is always available to help you.
The SD County Public Law Libraries are great assets to our community.

Almost every weekday, I spend most of my time here during my lunch hour so that I can catch up on much needed studying and reading. I can also update my Facebook status (since everything at the jobs is being tracked and monitored) without Big Brother watching behind the firewall.
I’m known as one of the regulars here. The wifi connection is great for the smart phone or laptop/​netbook computer. I love it here, I get to study in peace. Two power outlet stations are located in the 3^rd floor area for laptop users that happen to need a charge. The copy machines are located on the 1^st and 3^rd floor. They have workstations with Internet access as well — you’ll need to first sign-​up with the front desk.
I plan to be here more often when the winter term begins for my master’s program.
They allow you to bring in liquids like coffee; however, no food or eating allowed! You can’t use your cell phones in the study areas of the library. You’ll need to go outside or use the specially designed sound booths for cell calls.
The restrooms are very clean and you get more privacy. I actually prefer to ‘deuce’ here than at my office — which is why this place gets a 5-​star rating.
«Deuce-​Out!»

Great place to come and do legal research. They have something for all levels. You can be a big lawfirm lawyer working a class action or a simple homeless person working on their case, it does not matter because you will see all walks of life in this library. The reference librarians are super nice and helpful. They are full of knowledge and they are more than glad to share it.