Practitioners

Reference Assistance
Our reference librarians are also available to provide advice on research. They have law degrees in addition to other advanced education and are available to assist you at the Reference Desk. Links to frequently requested information are available on this page.

Westlaw and Lexis Access
Although we are not permitted to give out passwords for academic Westlaw and Lexis access, the Library has a Westlaw Public Access Computer (WestPAC) available for use that provides a tailored slice of primary and secondary materials. Practitioners can also use NexisUni (a different version of LexisNexis) for Shepardizing and legal research, including searching law reviews, while in the library.

Online Resources
Practitioners may access a number of specialized databases from public computers in the Library, including HeinOnline. A full list of the Library’s online resources is available here. You must come to the Library in order to access these databases. WoltersKluwer databases are expressly reserved for educational use only for current Hofstra faculty and students, under the terms of our licensing agreement.

Printing
Printing for WestPAC or other online resources is available from all four public-access terminals and costs 5 cents per page. Scanning is also available free of charge. Practitioners who use these resources are encouraged to bring a flash drive to download the results.

Borrowing
Practitioners do not have borrowing privileges at the Law Library. Several photocopiers and a scanner are available for patrons to copy and scan small portions of the Library’s print materials.

Access:
Access to the Hofstra Law Library is available to current members of the bench and bar upon approval. To request access, please fill out the form here. We will begin processing your information soon and will contact you via the email address provided soon.

If you are approved for a Hofstra University Visitor's ID:

1. Before your first visit to the Law Library, you will need to visit Hofstra University Cards Services to have your ID created.
2. You may use the Law Library during the Access for Non-Law Affiliates hours listed below. Please note, access may be limited during certain times of the year for Law School events. For up-to-date Law Library hours, please see our full hours.