Research Specialist

About the Role

The Research Specialist will provide superior legal and non-legal research assistance to all Firm lawyers, paralegals, and Business Services staff under the supervision of the Chief Knowledge and Change Management Officer, the Director of Knowledge Services, and the Manager of Knowledge Services. This role supports the Knowledge Services team and performs additional duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Provide sophisticated, effective, timely, and cost-conscious legal and non-legal research and reference services across various practice areas using electronic, print, and other sources.
• Perform complex research, including:
  • Case law, statutory, and regulatory research.
  • Compiling and researching legislative histories.
  • Biographical research.
  • Locating and pulling requested articles, reports, court filings, and other documents.
  • Finding relevant government reports and filings, including SEC filings.
  • Compiling, monitoring, and tracking news, legal, business, and legislative developments via database alerts.
  • Procuring information materials from external sources.
• Conduct in-depth reference interviews to clarify the scope, purpose, deliverables, and constraints of research requests.
• Distill, summarize, and customize research results to meet client requirements, delivering clear and concise reports.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of the Firm’s online and print resources, as well as legal, government, business, and financial information sources, leveraging appropriate resources to meet time and cost needs.
• Strictly comply with Firm policies on confidentiality, data security, and client information.
• Stay updated on new resources, search strategies, and emerging technologies, including generative AI and AI-assisted research tools.
• Enter all Knowledge Services requests into the workflow tracking system and bill time spent on client matters in compliance with Firm policies.
• Educate Knowledge Services Clients on the use of Firm resources and research techniques.
• Assist in evaluating proposed and existing Firm resources, including new technologies, and provide feedback to support collection development.
• Complete Knowledge Services projects, such as updating research guides, preparing departmental materials, and maintaining intranet pages.
• Assist other department staff members as needed.

Qualifications

• M.L.S., M.L.I.S., or J.D. from an accredited school, plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience at a law firm or similar environment performing sophisticated legal and business research.
• Strong legal research skills, including proficiency with legal electronic and print resources commonly used in large law firms. Specialized knowledge in practice areas (e.g., L&E, ERISA, Sports, Securities, Health Care, Tax) is a plus.
• Thorough working knowledge of legal, business, government, and financial information sources, including federal, legislative, and regulatory research.
• Strong proficiency with technology used in large law firms, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) and Adobe Acrobat, with the ability to quickly learn new technologies and workflows.
• Experience with or demonstrated interest in emerging technologies, such as generative AI and AI-assisted research tools, with sound judgment regarding their responsible use.
• High professional standards and commitment to quality work product and outstanding customer service.
• Ability to exercise confidentiality, discretion, and independent judgment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with close attention to detail and the ability to convey findings clearly.
• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact courteously and effectively with lawyers, staff, and external vendors.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and resourceful, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented, service-driven environment.
• Flexibility to adjust hours as needed to meet business demands, including providing coverage for reference desk shifts and assuming other departmental responsibilities.
• Periodic physical presence in Proskauer’s offices may be required based on business needs.

Pay

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $90,000–$110,000. The actual salary offered will depend on factors such as qualifications, relevant experience, education, certifications, and location.