Research Consultant

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Toronto is seeking a Research Consultant to support legal and business research efforts. The ideal candidate will have strong online research skills, be familiar with the Canadian legal system, and possess a relevant bachelor's degree. Flexibility in work hours and the ability to work remotely are required, along with a commitment to providing high-quality research services. Join a diverse workplace that values inclusion and collaboration.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace culture

Commitment to employee development

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum of three to seven years of work experience in professional services.
• Experience applying CASL and GDPR requirements.
• Familiarity with business research tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, high-quality legal and business research services.
• Evaluate AI-assisted legal research tools.
• Provide research skills and library resources training.

Skills

Advanced online research skills

Knowledge of the Canadian legal system

Strong problem-solving skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Proficiency in providing instruction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, computer science or related field

Tools

CRM systems

MS Fabric

Power BI

Job description

Overview

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), one of Canada’s largest and most successful law firms, has an immediate opening for a Research Consultant to join the Library/Research & Information Management department in the Toronto office.

The Research Consultant will work closely with the Counsel, Research & Knowledge Services and other research consultants to complete legal and business research.

We are looking for a candidate with some flexibility in their work hours so we can coordinate research coverage across time zones within Canada. The ability to work remotely and in-office is required.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing timely, high-quality, focused and complex legal and business research services to lawyers, articling and summer students, law clerks, and staff using numerous print and electronic resources
• Working closely with other members of the Research team in coordinating and completing research requests
• Evaluating AI-assisted legal research tools and collaborating closely with lawyers and the Practice Innovation team on generative AI initiatives
• Providing research skills and library resources training for students, lawyers and staff
• Managing, curating and delivering legal and business current awareness updates to clients, using a variety of media monitoring resources
• Researching Canadian and international legal and business issues using case law, legislation, and print and electronic resources
• Providing citation-checking services using knowledge of Canadian and American legal citation rules
• Preparing legislative updates and histories for practice groups, internal client teams and clients
• Working with vendors on the testing, training, implementation and use of electronic products
• Working closely with members of the Technical Services team to manage print and electronic resources

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, computer science or a related field
• Minimum of three to seven years of work experience, preferably in professional services
• Experience with CRM, ERM, email deployment, MS Fabric and Power BI systems
• Experience applying CASL and GDPR requirements

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the Canadian legal system (legislative, judicial and executive), areas and sources of law, court procedures, and the Parliamentary and legislative processes
• Familiarity with the law, legal systems and legal proceedings in the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth jurisdictions
• Knowledge of legal research methodology and legal information sources
• Advanced online research skills, including knowledge of content and functionality of different resources, knowledge of legal taxonomy and the ability to perform sophisticated and complex searches
• Familiarity with business research tools
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Proficiency in providing one-on-one and group instruction
• Superior organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work under pressure, juggle competing priorities and work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Proven ability to develop relationships with colleagues in other lending libraries

About Blakes

At Blakes, we care about our people. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences for not only our clients, but also our employees by fostering an open and inclusive workplace culture. As a winner of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Greater Toronto’s Top Employers awards, we understand the importance of fostering an environment that brings out the best in each person. Our success as a firm starts with the hiring, development and retention of top talent.

Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment composed of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures.

The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.