Research Librarian - Madison, WI

Overview

Fredrikson & Byron is the premier Midwest‑based law firm working collaboratively to help businesses achieve their goals regionally, nationally, and globally. The Research & Knowledge Management (RKM) team, part of Legal Operations, provides legal research services, document automation, knowledge management, business intelligence, and AI enablement across the firm. This role reports to the Director of Research and Knowledge Management and serves as a trusted research partner to attorneys, legal professionals, and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal and business research of varying complexity, synthesizing information from multiple sources into clear, accurate, and well‑supported responses.
• Utilize AI‑enabled research tools and emerging technologies to enhance research efficiency and analysis, while exercising sound judgment when validating, refining, and contextualizing AI‑assisted outputs.
• Assist attorneys and staff in applying AI‑assisted research best practices, including selecting appropriate tools, developing effective prompts, and critically evaluating outputs.
• Manage incoming research requests through the department’s ticketing system, prioritize inquiries, and either respond directly or route to the appropriate team member.
• Produce customized research deliverables and reports for internal clients by analyzing information and leveraging templates and GenAI tools and workflows to summarize, synthesize, and present findings effectively and accurately.
• Collaborate with colleagues to create and manage a large portfolio of current‑awareness and docket alerts.
• Contribute to efforts to evaluate research service trends, identify opportunities for process improvement, and support strategic RKM initiatives.
• Assist in evaluating and trialing new information resources, providing feedback regarding content quality, research functionality, accuracy, and usability.
• Collaborate with Senior Research Librarians in the development and delivery of legal research and information‑literacy training programs.
• Maintain content on the RKM intranet (SharePoint), including research guides, pathfinders, bibliographies, and quick‑reference materials that promote effective use of firm resources.
• Serve as a research partner to assigned practice groups by attending team meetings, identifying emerging information needs, promoting available resources and services, and sharing relevant research and technology updates.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous learning by staying current on industry trends and participating in professional organizations and conferences.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA‑accredited institution (required).
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree (strongly preferred).
• Three to five years of experience providing legal and business research support and training in a law firm or law library.
• Demonstrated proficiency with a broad range of legal, regulatory, company, and business‑intelligence resources such as Westlaw, Bloomberg, VitalLaw, PACER, Case Portal, Courthouse News, Capital IQ, and similar platforms.
• Hands‑on experience using legal and enterprise AI platforms with skill in prompt engineering, output validation, and responsible AI‑assisted research practices.
• Expertise in assessing, validating, and synthesizing information from authoritative sources, transforming complex findings into clear, accurate, well‑supported responses.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for emerging legal research technologies, with the ability to learn and adopt new tools and workflows quickly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and capacity to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high client service in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience developing and delivering training, presentations, reference guides, or other instructional materials.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Basic and supplemental life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability.
• Employee resource benefits, including counseling, coaching, and caregiving guidance.
• Paid parental leave and parenting classes.
• Pre‑tax parking and transportation options.
• Retirement plan with financial planning, Social Security/Medicare planning, 401(k)/Roth investment options, and a firm‑paid profit‑sharing contribution.

About Fredrikson & Byron

Fredrikson & Byron is a leading Midwest law firm that blends legal expertise with business acumen. With 425 attorneys serving clients from offices in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Mexico, and China, the firm offers innovative legal solutions while emphasizing inclusion and diversity as core values. The firm provides highly competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits in a collaborative work environment.