Legal Research Analyst

Overview

This role serves as a trusted expert resource at the intersection of legal knowledge, information science, and client service. The Legal Research Analyst provides sophisticated research support that underpins important matters, partnering directly with attorneys, paralegals, and business services teams to translate complex research questions into precise, actionable answers—often under tight deadlines.

In addition to daily reference support, the Analyst helps shape how the organization discovers, evaluates, and adopts research tools and technologies. Responsibilities include piloting new products, building durable knowledge resources, and training colleagues to work more effectively. The position operates with general supervision and in accordance with organizational policies and procedures, reporting to the Director of Knowledge Management and Research.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Responsibilities

• Research and Reference Services

  • Deliver efficient, effective, and reliable expert research and reference support to attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative departments using appropriate online databases and materials.
  • Manage the full lifecycle of reference inquiries, including self-assigning requests, corresponding with requestors, and accurately recording completed research in the organization’s research queue.
  • Apply legal, legislative, and company research expertise to resolve complex, high-stakes questions across firm practice areas and jurisdictions.
  • Produce content on industry hot topics, as needed, to keep attorneys and clients informed on emerging developments.
  • Build and maintain current awareness newsletters, alerts, and legislative tracking to keep stakeholders ahead of developments affecting matters.

• Knowledge Enablement and Training

  • Instruct attorneys and staff on best practices for using research materials and online databases to improve firmwide research fluency.
  • Create user reference guides, training programs, and other resources to help end-users conduct research more effectively.
  • Maintain up-to-date research resources across practice group sites, proactively reflecting changes and additions across databases.
  • Engage in continuous professional development to sustain expert-level knowledge and stay current on changes and enhancements to organization resources.

• Innovation and Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Participate in pilot programs evaluating new research products and testing emerging applications to support the organization’s research technology roadmap.
  • Partner with leadership to drive research strategy and product development to keep research capabilities best-in-class.
  • Collaborate with the Client Solutions and Innovation Group, Marketing & Business Development, and other departments on cross-functional projects and assignments.

• Other responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

• Education & Experience

  • High school diploma required.
  • BA, MLS and/or JD strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of 5+ years of progressive legal reference and research experience, with deep and broad mastery of legal materials and databases needed to support a wide range of practice areas and jurisdictions.

• Research Tools & Technology

  • Demonstrated proficiency across a wide range of legal research databases and software programs, including (but not limited to):
    • Westlaw Precision
    • Lexis+ with Protégé
    • Wolters Kluwer–VitalLaw
    • Bloomberg Law
    • PACER
    • CasePortal
    • Checkpoint RIA
    • HeinOnline
    • Drafting Assistant
    • Quest
    • TLO
  • Technology fluency; SharePoint preferred.

• Skills

  • Polished professional interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate complex research findings clearly, follow instructions effectively, and provide information with consistent courtesy and tact.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill sophisticated legal and business research into clear, actionable guidance for attorneys and clients.

• Abilities

  • Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to consistently responsive, professional service.
  • Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment by prioritizing multiple competing requests while maintaining professionalism.
  • Self-motivated, meticulous, and well organized; able to work independently or collaboratively and meet tight deadlines.
  • Flexibility to provide after-hours and weekend coverage occasionally, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• BA, MLS and/or JD

Compensation & Benefits

• Not specified in the provided description.

Location & Working Conditions

• Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, extreme temperatures, and the like.

Additional Information

This description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job and is not an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.

All employees are required to comply with information privacy and security requirements, including an acceptable use policy, which are dictated by laws and regulations, professional standards, and the marketplace, and apply directly and through clients.