Job Description
Job Description
Please note that Jackson Walker is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.
Research Attorney
FLSA Status : Exempt
Department : Knowledge Services
Reports To : Chief Knowledge Services Officer
Location : San Antonio but open to candidates in other JW office city locations (Dallas / Austin / Houston / Fort Worth)
Jackson Walker, the largest law firm in Texas, has an exciting full-time employment opportunity for a Research Attorney in our San Antonio office. The Research Attorney position primarily supports the legal-information and research needs of all practice groups, attorneys, paralegals, and staff at Jackson Walker.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :
Specific duties of this position include, but are not limited to : monitoring and completing in-depth legal research requests through a centralized request system; determining best practices for legal research through the coordination of Legal Pathfinders and Ready-Reference resources developed by the Senior Librarian Researchers; fulfilling the specific research needs of the Firm and individual practice groups; and acting as a liaison with specific practice groups and business-development team members.
Administrative Duties :
- Evaluate Knowledge Services resources based on practice group, topic, or publication title when requested.
- Coordinate training sessions for the Firm’s online research services when needed for assigned practice groups.
- Set up and maintain online-service passwords for all assigned Firm users.
- Participate in orientation meetings with new attorneys and paralegals.
- Attend practice group meetings.
- Work with practice-group leaders to determine how best to provide necessary print and online resources.
- Monitor the Knowledge Services library collection to ensure that it aligns with the needs of the practice groups. Recommend cancellation or removal of subscriptions or books that are no longer needed or that can be replaced with materials that better fit the practice group.
- Conduct training classes on legal research strategies and resources.
Professional Development :
Staying current with new online sources, research and information issues, and changing trends in the legal-research profession by participating in relevant webinars, luncheons, meetings, conferences, and seminars.Maintain a working relationship with the local law library and legal-information community in order to more easily locate materials for attorneys that the Firm does not own.Research & Reference – Billable & Non-Billable :
Answer in-depth legal-research questions on a wide range of topics across varied practice areas and jurisdictions.Compile and maintain practice-specific Pathfinders to assist others in locating available research tools.Compile corporate due diligence reports related to a company’s assets, liabilities, background, and litigation history.Perform a variety of background checks on individuals covering assets, bankruptcies, judgments, criminal history, and lawsuits.Compile legislative history reports on Texas state legislation and regulations, and occasionally Federal legislation and regulations.Compile jury verdicts involving a variety of claims, in both state and federal courts.Search for news articles on a variety of topics and subjects, both legal and non-legal.Locate scientific articles and papers for the Firm’s patent attorneys.Pull case law and statutes cited in briefs for attorneys, paralegals, and secretaries.Compile information for attorneys’ CLE presentations, speeches, articles, or book chapters.Verify current contact information on people and companies.Assist with client-development projects for attorneys and the marketing department.Locate and retrieve court documents from all state and federal jurisdictions, using the most efficient sources.Locate information on expert witnesses, including resumes, pertinent trial experience, relevant challenges, and any published articles or papers.Work on special projects assigned by the Chief Knowledge Services Officer.Other duties as determined by the Chief Knowledge Services Officer.QUALIFICATIONS :
Must be a member of the Texas Bar (inactive status is acceptable).Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel competently.Library catalog and internet / fee-based research experience preferred.Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.Ability to provide complex information in a professional, clear, and organized manner.Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of clients, attorneys, and staff to provide information in a professional manner.Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate in person, by e-mail, and telephone to provide information in a professional manner.Ability to read and write in order to proof and perform editing (e.g., punctuation, grammar, spelling) of routine law correspondence and legal case matters. Perform non-complex arithmetic calculations when verifying calculations on forms and documents; maintain records and filing systems at a level normally acquired through completion of high school or equivalent.Education :
Undergraduate college degree and JD from an ABA accredited law school required.Masters’ degree in Library and Information Services preferred.Years of Experience :
At least 3 years of experience in a law firm, or equivalent environment.Working Conditions :
Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise and temperature.The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that employment decisions be based on job-related factors.
