Under the direction of the Manager, Research Services, the Research Analyst (“RA”) works as part of the team to provide quality research services to all attorneys, legal staff, administrators and others firm-wide.
The Research Analyst performs a variety of research functions to support our research services team, with most activity providing support to business development efforts, Interlibrary Loans (“ILL”), docket monitoring and document retrieval. Specific assignments will include due diligence, business intelligence, docketing activities, article retrieval and obtaining resources. The Research Analyst focuses on developing the skills and knowledge needed to handle the most complex and challenging assignments on their own, in the future. Like Leads and Seniors, RA’s can have their own portfolios but they should be at the appropriate level (e.g., overseeing copyright, setting up and tracking current awareness assignment, ordering documents, etc.) and projects may be performed under the direction of a more senior person.
Responsibilities:
Research and Reference Services
Manages manual docket tracks and reoccurring searches for Research Services.
Conducts and presents research and analysis in business development, legal, and other subjects using appropriate print or electronic resources and seeks direction from more senior staff when needed.
Respond to questions or research issues accurately, and in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Acts as liaison and resource specialist to sections and practices at the firm.
Provide back-up support to practice, subject, industry and/or type of research specialist in areas identified by the Manager, Research Services.
Assist in article ordering and record keeping.
Assist in managing ILL and record keeping.
Orientation, Training and Knowledge Sharing Services
Assist in developing content for the intranet and other knowledge sharing platforms.
Prepare Research Guides and update department documentation.
Participate in collection development, collection maintenance, supervision of filing services, shelf reading and other activities to make sure that we maintain a useful collection in each office.
Assist with the development of orientation and training materials as requested.
Other Duties
Participate in special projects and large research requests as assigned.
Assume additional responsibilities as requested.
This role requires 60% in office presence; remote work is permissible 40% of the time.
Continuing Education and Communication
Maintain current knowledge of developments in research and competitive intelligence services and resources.
Maintain awareness of current and emerging technologies relevant to research services and share knowledge with the team.
Actively participate in department meetings.
Establish relationships with vendor representatives.
Take advantage of training on research products.
Regularly meet with assigned mentor.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required. Master of Library Science or other comparable degree strongly encouraged.
2 years+ experience providing research and reference in a law firm or corporate environment. Law firm experience is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of research methodology as well as print and electronic resources in some areas of law relevant to the firm’s practice areas.
Proficiency with major research services.
Familiarity with library technologies, including software and products used for communication, research and knowledge sharing.
Ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources.
Ability to prepare reports, executive summaries, and other correspondence necessary to communicate research results.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including business-writing skills.
Works effectively under pressure and is able to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to forge relationships with management, colleagues and a diverse clientele; strong customer service orientation.
Works well independently and as part of a team.
Self-motivated, resourceful and creative.
Flexibility to work overtime when necessary.
This job description is a general description of the types of responsibilities that are required of an individual in this job. It is not intended to be a complete list of the responsibilities, duties and skills that may be required for this job.