Research Specialist

Summary

Staff designated at Dickinson Wright PLLC (“the Firm”) as a Research Specialist are responsible for supporting the Firm’s Attorneys and staff with legal research, reference, comprehensive training on all our research databases and must be able to keep the department proactively current with legal trends. The role involves direct and ongoing contact with the Firm’s Attorneys and staff throughout all offices and locations on a full-time basis unless otherwise arranged with the Firm.

Essential duties and responsibilities of staff designated as a Research Specialist at the Firm include but are not limited to:

• Deliver in-depth, specialized, and complex legal and business research services for our lawyers, law clerks, and staff by responding to queries, utilizing print and electronic information resources, and presenting legal and business information.
• Expertly access both print and electronic resources, including our own collection of research databases such as Westlaw, Wolters Kluwer Vital Law, Hein Online, Lexis IP Tools, RIA Checkpoint, among others.
• Assist in managing our print collection and light re-shelving as needed.
• Evaluate and recommend key resources and online research services for the collection based on our industry and practice areas.
• Maintain the library’s digital collection and subscriptions, including coordinating vendor or library training and managing current user lists.
• Promote digital resource use and develop promotional materials, such a training programs, marketed material, or one‑on‑one meetings with attorneys (or practice groups).
• Assist with the roll out of online platforms including password management, communication of resources, and training opportunities to users.
• Support the implementation of business intelligence tools to assist firm efforts in business development.

Research Specialists must possess:

• Master’s degree in library or information science required.
• 1‑3 years of experience working in a professional/corporate setting required.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively and collaboratively.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Desire to learn new skills and undertake new responsibilities.
• Must be able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent organizational, time‑management, and analytical skills.
• Experience in a private law firm or legal library services environment.
• Working knowledge of core legal materials and resources and familiarity with the law, legal systems, and legal processes of the United States preferred.
• Experience with intellectual property legal research preferred.
• Experience with Canadian legal research/legal system preferred.

Normal law office environment with little exposure to noise, dust, 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. Please note that a variety of factors determine compensation, including geographic location, experience, relevant degrees and certifications, and other applicable factors authorized by law.

Dickinson Wright offers a generous benefits package for eligible fulltime employees within our U.S. offices, including health, dental, and vision; 401(k) and profit sharing plans; paid vacation; and parental leave. Additional elective programs include: a health flexible spending account, a health savings account, identity theft protection, a dependent day care reimbursement account, commuter benefits, life and AD&D insurance, short‑and‑long‑term disability protection, an employee assistance program, and emergency travel assistance.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.