Research Specialist

Dentons Canada is recruiting for a Research Specialist located in our Toronto office. This is a contract position for a period of 6 months.

Reporting to the Director, the Research Specialist will play an important role as part of a national team of professionals providing high-quality research, training, innovation and information services to lawyers, students, and staff. With the support of legal technology professionals, the Research Specialist will use and support the use of AI-enabled research and other tools across the Firm.

At Dentons, you will work in a friendly and supportive team environment, have access to best-in-class research tools and resources, and interact with colleagues around the world. This is a hybrid role, which includes a combination of working in the office and working from home.

• Provide value-added legal and business research support to lawyers and students, demonstrating knowledge and skill by identifying, analyzing and synthesizing relevant information to support client work. Prepare and write detailed, accurate and concise research deliverables.
• Conduct in-depth federal and provincial legislative research and prepare legislative updates.
• Use advanced online research platforms and AI tools to deliver legal and business research solutions and work products.
• Support AI adoption across the Firm by helping legal professionals evaluate, implement and use AI-enabled research tools effectively and responsibly.
• Develop, design and present legal and business research training using innovative learning methods and technology to students, lawyers and staff.
• Actively participate in Dentons global research and knowledge initiatives, professional development associations, learning opportunities and firm social events.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in Library/Information Science, or equivalent in law or legal studies is required.
• Legal research experience is required (corporate, law firm or consulting/professional services firm; or courthouse, government or academic law library). Recent graduates with legal research experience are also encouraged to apply.
• Must have excellent client service skills.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, and attention to detail is required.
• Fluency in French is required for the Montreal office location.
• Must be self‑motivated, and demonstrate initiative.
• Must possess good technical skills and online searching capabilities. Familiarity with and knowledge of online legal, business and media/news research platforms, and AI‑assisted research tools, including Westlaw/Westlaw AI, Lexis Advance Quicklaw, SOQUIJ, Practical Law Canada etc. is required.
• Strong project and time management skills, and the ability to work on multiple tasks and projects simultaneously is required.
• Be comfortable with change and possess ability to actively participate in, or lead new research initiatives and projects.
• Must be able to work independently with minimum supervision, and as part of a team of researchers located across the country.

We thank all applicants who apply, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

This is a coverage role.

The target salary range for this position is $75,000 – $95,000, commensurate with the successful candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications. Dentons is committed to equitable and competitive compensation. This target range falls within our internal salary ranges, which are based on comparable roles in the external market. We strive to hire, promote, and transfer individuals at the entry point of the range, with consideration given to prior experience, relevant skills, and market conditions.

We recognize that rewarding exceptional talent goes beyond salary. Our comprehensive total rewards package includes inclusive and flexible benefits that support the wellbeing and development of our people. This includes extended health and mental health benefits, paid time off, retirement savings plans, a fitness subsidy, parental leave top-up, and more.

In addition, our learning and development programs—such as mentorship opportunities, employee networks, and leadership…