Legal Researcher

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a national law firm with over 500 attorneys across the United States. Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Chicago, we provide sophisticated legal counsel to clients in highly regulated industries, including insurance, financial services, healthcare, and professional services. We also offer strategic business and transactional advice to a wide range of for-profit and nonprofit organizations, including government agencies and educational institutions.

About the role

The Legal Researcher provides reference and expert in-depth research on legal, regulatory, tax, corporate, and general matters, using print and electronic resources. Our research team assists with the development of educational programs and teaches research skills to the legal and administrative staff. This position may be performed remotely, and candidates must reside in a state where the firm maintains an office.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-level legal, regulatory, legislative, corporate, and general research for attorneys and administrative staff in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Demonstrate knowledge of several standard databases, including Lexis, CourtLink, public records platforms, and other research tools.
• Consult with attorneys and staff to clarify research objectives, recommend effective research strategies, and deliver practical, actionable results.
• Provide business development, competitive intelligence, client, industry, and market research to support attorney, practice group, and firm strategic initiatives.
• Prepare concise research summaries, reports, and source analyses that synthesize findings and identify relevant risks, considerations, or next steps.
• Create and maintain alerts to monitor clients, cases, and industries relevant to attorney and client needs.
• Support the firm’s AI initiatives by evaluating and assisting with the implementation of new technologies and legal AI tools, maintaining awareness of emerging AI developments, and promoting responsible use consistent with firm policies, confidentiality obligations, and source validation standards.
• Assist with onboarding and training new attorneys and staff on legal research tools, AI-enabled research platforms, alerts, and best research practices.
• Work both collaboratively and independently to ensure top-quality research results.
• Other related responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Library Science, MLIS or equivalent, and/or J.D. preferred, with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience conducting in-depth legal research, including general litigation research, such as case law and expert witness research.
• Understanding of the legal profession, including a basic knowledge of litigation and transactional practices.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to set priorities and manage work effectively.
• Highly developed organizational skills.
• Familiarity with legal AI tools and demonstrated experience using AI to conduct legal research.
• Ability to take independent ownership of projects and complete them in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
• Polished communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for working with attorneys and staff.
• Knowledge of and experience using various research-related databases, with a commitment to continuous learning.
• Ability to use initiative to accomplish results, work under pressure, and complete job assignments in an accurate, timely, and professional manner.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Flexible benefits program
• Generous 401(k) plan
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities
• Supportive environment that encourages work-life balance and career development