Walter T. McCarthy Law Library

Welcome to the Arlington County Public Law Library

How can we help you today?

🔍
Research Help

I need help researching a legal issue.

For research assistance you may email the law library at lawlibrary@arlingtonva.us or come visit the library during business hours.
📄
Forms & Templates

I'm looking for legal forms or templates

The Librarian can assist with locating Virginia Forms, many of which are available here.
📚
Databases & Resources

I want to access legal databases and resources

The Library has a robust collection of print legal resources which you can search on the Library Catalog as well as computers with access to Lexis+ and Westlaw.

👉 To learn more about the Law Library and review online self-help resources:

 Visit the Law Library Website

Visit the Library

📍
Location

Courthouse Plaza, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd., Suite 1700, Arlington, VA

🕐
Hours

Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

✉️

⚠️ Before You Visit

  • 🏛️ The library is inside the courthouse – security screening is required
  • 📵 Phones and electronics are NOT allowed inside the courthouse
  • 📅 No appointment needed

What You Can Do Here

📖

Research Virginia laws, cases, and legal topics

🖥️

Access databases like Westlaw and Lexis

📋

Find sample forms and legal templates

👤

Get help from a librarian using legal resources

How We Can Help

Our staff can:

  • ✔Help you find legal information
  • ✔Show you how to use books and databases
  • ✔Help you locate forms and resources

How We Cannot Help

Our staff CANNOT:

  • ✕Give legal advice
  • ✕Tell you what to file or what decision to make
  • ✕Represent you in court

Who We Serve

⚖️ People representing themselves in court 🏠 Arlington residents 💼 Attorneys and legal professionals 🏢 Businesses and organizations 🎓 Academics and researchers

All are welcome to use the library.

⚠️ Important Reminder

The librarian may not provide legal opinions/advice, assist with filling out forms, or interpret the relevance of the legal materials to the patron's issue. Questions regarding the interpretation of law or legal materials should be directed to a licensed attorney.

Explore Legal Guides & Resources

Librarian written guides on various legal topics are available on the Law Library Website under Self-Help Resources
Visit Our Law Library Website

Examples of what you'll find:

⚖️ Divorce & custody guides
🏠 Eviction and landlord-tenant info
📋 Expungement Steps
🏛️ Guides on court procedure
📄 Frequently used court forms
🚗 Traffic violation information

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment?
No, walk-ins are welcome during open hours.
Can you help me fill out my forms?
We can show you examples and resources, but we cannot complete forms for you.
Is the library free to use?
Yes, library access and staff assistance are free.
Can I access legal databases?
Yes, public computers provide access to legal research tools.

Locations & Contacts

Circuit Court
General District Court
Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court
Judicial Center Security – Prohibited Items
Recovery Court
Office of the Magistrate
Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney
Walter T. McCarthy Law Library
Office of the Sheriff
Self Help (Virginia State Site)

Interjurisdictional Agreements

Back to top