Researcher

Simmons & Simmons; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses dependant on role/level

Private medical insurance

Pension contribution

Job summary

Simmons & Simmons in London is seeking a Researcher or Assistant Researcher to join the Knowledge Management department. You will provide legal and business research support to lawyers and Business Services teams, manage subscriptions, and help develop current awareness services.

In the Research Services team, you will adopt AI systems, deliver training on research tools, coordinate onboarding for new joiners, and maintain intranet content and knowledge resources.

Qualifications

• Experience with a Research or Library Services team in a legal or professional services environment.
• Commitment to excellent client service.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build relationships with colleagues, lawyers and business services teams.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Attention to detail and ability to present information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Carry out legal and business research to support the firm’s lawyers and Business Services teams.
• Support the procurement and ongoing management of online research resources, liaising with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure efficient and cost-effective acquisition and use.
• Deliver training on research skills and tools, including the use of AI for research.
• Contribute to the firm's current awareness services, including search creation, user administration and source management.
• Adopt and utilise the AI systems available within the firm, applying them appropriately to day-to-day tasks and developing an understanding of relevant use cases across the firm.
• Maintain accurate records of subscriptions, licences and renewals within the library management system and internal databases.
• Assist with the editing, maintenance and development of intranet content and pages.
• Help coordinate and organise communications and training for new joiners to the firm.
• Organise and maintain the firm’s physical library collections, ensuring resources are catalogued and easily accessible.
• Share knowledge and know-how with team members, fostering a collaborative working environment.
• Contribute to Research Services and Knowledge projects as required.

Skills

Legal research

Library services

MS Office

Vendor management

AI tools

Knowledge management

Tools

Lexis

Westlaw

Job description

The role

We are looking for a Researcher or Assistant Researcher to join our Knowledge Management department in London. Working as part of the Research Services team within the global Knowledge function, the Researcher will provide a professional and timely legal and business research service, support the management of online and print research resources, and contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, responsive service to the firm's lawyers and business services teams.

What will you do?

• Carry out legal and business research to support the firm’s lawyers and Business Services teams.


• Support the procurement and ongoing management of online research resources, liaising with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure efficient and cost-effective acquisition and use.


• Deliver training on research skills and tools, including the use of AI for research.


• Contribute to the firm's current awareness services, including search creation, user administration and source management.


• Adopt and utilise the AI systems available within the firm, applying them appropriately to day-to-day tasks and developing an understanding of relevant use cases across the firm.


• Maintain accurate records of subscriptions, licences and renewals within the library management system and internal databases.


• Assist with the editing, maintenance and development of intranet content and pages.


• Help coordinate and organise communications and training for new joiners to the firm.


• Organise and maintain the firm’s physical library collections, ensuring resources are catalogued and easily accessible.


• Share knowledge and know-how with team members, fostering a collaborative working environment.


• Contribute to Research Services and Knowledge projects as required.

What we are looking for?

• Experience of working with a Research or Library Services team in a legal or professional services environment.


• Commitment to excellent client service.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to work cooperatively and build relationships with colleagues, lawyers and other business services teams.


• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.


• Attention to detail and the ability to present information clearly, logically and fluently.


• Keen interest in the commercial world, global business news and the legal sector.


• Commitment to personal and professional development.


• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams.


• Experience of major legal and business research sources including Lexis and Westlaw.

Career Level

The career level assigned to this role is level 2. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons

At Simmons, we are proud of our collaborative, open and non-hierarchical culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team, partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one, irrespective of job title, qualification or background, everyone’s voice is heard, and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will have a platform to excel, exceed your career ambitions, and achieve things you never thought possible.

Some key information

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.


• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).


• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.


• We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.


• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.


• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.


• All UK offices have their own artwork collections - including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office.


• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm’s mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.


• Our in-house generative AI tool, Percy, won the ‘Innovation in Automation and AI Tools’ category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards.


• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction, employment and intellectual property.

Equal opportunities

Equal opportunities: We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to: Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families. Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require. Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs. We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

A place for ideas, skills, ambition and innovation. For personal growth and professional challenge. For powering success through trust, respect, integrity and an unwavering commitment to quality.