Join NYLI: Now Offering Legislative Histories!
Benefits of NYLI Membership
As the oldest circulating law library in New York City, the New York Law Institute (NYLI) has an impressive collection of current, unique, historical and hard-to-find materials. Membership provides access to significant print resources enhanced by remote access to an array of online databases, including eBooks.
- Access to Remote Electronic Resources
- Print Book Loans
- Document Delivery
- Professional Research Services
- Legislative Histories
- Training
Annual Dues 2026
Every firm pays a minimum of $1,130 regardless of size or location.
NYC Firms
$69
for each lawyer in the firm, with a minimum of $1,130 and a maximum of $34,500
Outside NYC
$69
per attorney with a cap of $17,250
Multiple Location Firms
$69
per attorney for all locations for a maximum cap of $34,500.
Benefits of NYLI Membership
Research Assistance
NYLI’s staff of experienced, full-time librarians offers professional reference and research assistance to our members. Use this service when you are not sure of what specific kind of book or document you are looking for, when you don’t know where the answer to your question exists, or if you require a complex search that draws upon multiple resources.
NOTE: Research services are billed at a rate of $150 per hour, in 15-minute increments, subject to our Research Services Policy.
Electronic Resources
Our members can access a wide variety of legal and business databases directly from their desktops at no additional cost.
Robust eBook Collections
We offer an extensive collection of eBooks in dozens of subject areas – everything from A-Z, from accounting to zoning.
Unique Print Collection
Members have access to our unique print collection of approximately 300,000 volumes. Materials circulate for 7 business-days with options to renew by e-mail, phone, or online for two additional 7 business-day periods.
Document Delivery
You can request individual documents, such as journal articles, book chapters, statutes, session laws, etc. that are held in our collection or can be accessed through a database to be delivered straight to you. If a document is not available in our collection, we can work with a third-party document delivery service to locate it at no additional cost. Materials can be e-mailed to your office, sent by fax, or made available online for download.
Legislative History
The New York Law Institute (NYLI), and the New York Legislative Service (NYLS) are pleased to announce a strategic collaboration designed to strengthen access to legislative and legal research. New York Legislative Service (NYLS) is the premier source for customized on-demand New York State and City legislative histories.
New Member FAQ’s
Q.) Is there a Membership Contract Involved?
A.) No, there is no contract or agreement to sign to join NYLI.
Q.) How Is membership billed, is it based on calendar year?
A.) Membership runs from January to December and is based on the National Law Journal 500 statistics. Furthermore:
Dues are billed in November and are due in January
Dues pricing is based on annual June National Law Journal 500 report
Those joining mid year can have their dues pro-rated
Members may request annual, semi-annual, or quarterly billing
NYLI accepts ACH payment
Q.) Are there any other charges?
A.) Members are charged for copies, overdue books, messenger and FedEx delivery, OCLC fees, and librarian research time . Rate schedule can be found on our website here.
Q.) What’s the best way to reach you with questions?
A.) The best way to ask us a question is to e-mail using the form on the NYLI website. You can also e-mail library@nyli.org with any research or billing inquiry or call 212 732 8720.
Q.) What hours are you open to answer questions?
A.) We are open from 9am to 5pm Eastern Monday – Friday while e-books and databases are available to members 24/7. NYLI closings and holiday schedule can be found here.
Q.) How are these other charges billed?
A.) We bill for copies and research requests monthly. Bills usually go out via e-mail on the first business day of the new month to the individual you designate. And if you provide us with a client matter number, we will include that on the invoice.