Research Specialist

at  Sheppard Mullin Richter Hampton LLP

THIS POSITION CAN BE BASED IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., CHICAGO, OR NEW YORK OFFICE. THERE IS ONLY ONE OPENING.

We are looking for a seasoned research professional comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume Big Law environment. Sheppard Mullin attorneys advise sophisticated clients navigating complex legal, regulatory, and business challenges, often relying on the legal and business research support delivered by our team. This is your opportunity to join a highly collaborative team and make an immediate impact.
The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience as a research professional in a law firm, academic law library, or corporate research function with competency in core legal and business research platforms.
Research professional who provides legal and business research services in response to requests from attorneys and professional staff. The Research Specialist is well versed in core legal and business research platforms and able to translate requests into effective research strategies. The individual will work efficiently and deliver results that directly address the legal or business need and are readily understood and actionable. The individual will participate in product evaluations, deliver training, share best practices, and provide input on special projects.
The Research Specialist demonstrates a commitment to superior services and quality and promotes an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement. The individual will model a culture of knowledge sharing and creative problem solving and work to increase engagement with the firm’s research resources. This position reports to the Director of Research and Intelligence.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a research professional in a law firm or academic law library.
• Experience working in a fast paced high volume environment.
• Knowledge of conceptual framework of American law, legislative process and history, and navigating complex litigation and business research topics.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to interact with people at all levels of the firm.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and efficiently and collaborate effectively with others.
• Customer service orientation with attention to detail and effective organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and escalate issues as appropriate.
• Emotional intelligence and professionalism consistent with the firm’s performance culture and commitment to excellence.
  Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with the firm’s practices and clients.

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Less than 10% travel.
New York: The pay range for this position is: $80,000 - $120,000 per year. Please note that the foregoing compensation information is a good-faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to the New York City Salary Transparency Law.
Washington DC: The pay range for this position is: $80,000 - $120,000 per year. Medical, vision, and dental coverage is available, including coverage for dependents and domestic partners. Please note that the foregoing compensation and benefit information is a good-faith assessment associated with this position as of the time of this posting and is provided pursuant to the District of Columbia Wage Transparency Omnibus Amendment Act of 2023.
Sheppard Mullin is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver legal and business research services in response to requests from lawyers and administrative staff.
• Confirm scope and information requirements and negotiate delivery timing, enlisting support from team members and/or management as needed.
• Apply best practices and templates to work product to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Deliver information in concise, easily consumed formats with the appropriate context that align with the legal or business need.
• Participate in the evaluation and implementation of potential research solutions.
• Deliver training programs to encourage adoption and engagement with the firm’s research and information resources.
• Contribute to special projects to support the on-going operations of the Research & Intelligence team and the Knowledge & Innovation department.
• Contribute to on-boarding of team members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:

• Deliver legal and business research services in response to lawyer and administrative staff requests.
• Conduct reference interviews to confirm scope, underlying business need, and delivery requirements.
• Apply strong knowledge of research and intelligence resources to deliver work product in timely, cost-effective manner with content that is easily understood and actionable.
• Participate in evaluation and implementation of potential research and intelligence solutions
• Maintain collaborative vendor relationships.
• Contribute to on-boarding, on-going training and/or off-boarding of lawyers and business professionals.