Research Specialist

Summary

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has an opening for a Research Specialist to be based out of our DC office. Willkie is an elite international law firm of approximately 1,200 lawyers located in 15 offices in six countries. 

Working with the Knowledge Research team, this role will play a vital part in providing top-tier research support to our esteemed attorneys and staff across all practice areas. You will leverage your deep understanding of legal, business, and competitive intelligence databases to conduct in-depth research, investigate complex information, and deliver insightful findings.

The position reports to the Director of Knowledge & Research Services and Associate Director of Knowledge & Research Services. This is a hybrid role with regular hours of 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday, subject to change as business needs arise.

At Willkie, we believe great people are the key to our success. As such, we are offering a highly competitive compensation package with exceptional benefits. If you are looking to work in a friendly, collaborative environment that affords unique opportunities to expand your professional development, this role is for you.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth legal research utilizing a wide range of legal, business, and competitive intelligence databases to conduct comprehensive research across all practice areas.
• Provide expert research support globally for attorneys and staff, providing timely and accurate research assistance, answering complex research questions, and guiding users effectively.
• Promote the effective use of legal research tools and technologies, including legal research platforms, online databases, and legal research software to attorneys and staff.
• Stay abreast of industry trends by continuously monitoring and evaluating new and emerging legal, business, and competitive intelligence databases and technologies.
• Collaborate effectively by working closely with colleagues within the research department and across the firm to ensure seamless research support and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to knowledge management initiatives by participating in the development and maintenance of firm resources, including online guides, research databases, and internal knowledge repositories. Participate in the evaluation and acquisition of new online resources with other team members.
• Content contributor to the Knowledge Research Portal and the firm’s Research Guide.
• Actively attend and participate in research team meetings and trainings.
• Share knowledge of  DC office specific resources with research team colleagues and provide guidance as needed.
• Participate in onboarding/orientation for the DC office in collaboration with the Training Coordinator and other team members. Promote research services to the attorneys and staff in our DC office.
• Participate in professional development by maintaining membership in relevant professional organizations, attending industry webinars and conferences, and actively engaging in professional development opportunities.
• Work on special administrative projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Essential:

  • Master of Library Science (MLS) or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited institution and/or Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.

  • Minimum of two years of relevant experience in a law firm, corporate, or academic research environment.

  • Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

  • Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

  • Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and other relevant software.

  • Excellent customer service orientation. Strong customer support focus, strong listening skills, patience and approachability are key.

  • Exceptional organizational, prioritization, time management and planning skills and an ability to complete projects with minimal supervision.

  • Maintains confidentiality. 

• Preferred:

  • Familiarity with research service request ticketing systems.

  • Knowledge of legal research databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, Bloomberg Law, VitalLaw, S&P Capital IQ, Intelligize, Deal Point Data, Pitchbook, Preqin, Octus, Manzama and a variety of other corporate and legal resources.

  • Strong technical aptitude and ability to learn new applications and research tools quickly.

  • Experience with legal practice management systems and knowledge management tools.

  • Knowledge of legal practice areas, particularly in areas such as Corporate, Private Equity, Asset Management, Bankruptcy, Finance, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Private Wealth and Tax.

  • Experience with legal research instruction and enthusiasm for teaching about firm resources and research tools is a plus.

ADA Requirements

• Ability to sit at a desk most of the working day and walk short distances
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately in an atmosphere of frequent interruption
• Ability to work in close proximity to other individuals
• Ability to carry light to moderate objects, e.g., files, small objects and supplies a short distance
• Must be able to lift, carry and move objects up to 20 lbs.

Employment Status

• Exempt
• Hybrid 

Pay Range

Pay Range Statement

The salary range for this role represents the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent upon a number of factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications and location. Willkie offers a comprehensive suite of benefit programs to all eligible employees. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Career section of the Firm’s website.

EEO Statement

Willkie Farr & Gallagher is an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon actual or perceived: race (including hair texture, protective hairstyles and other traits associated with race), color, age, religious creed, citizenship, citizenship status and alienage, nationality, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity or creed, disability, genetic information or medical condition, reproductive health decision making, pregnancy or maternity, paternity, marital or civil partnership status, caregiver status, gender (including gender identity, expression, nonconformity, gender reassignment or status as a transgender individual), sex, sexual orientation or preference, veteran or military status, height, weight, any other characteristic protected by law or any combination thereof. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let the hiring manager know.

Salary : $115,000 - $125,000