Legal Research and Instruction Librarian

Chapman University; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chapman University’s Law Library seeks a Legal Research and Instruction Librarian to support the Law School community with research, teaching, and technology-focused instruction. The role emphasizes understanding the curriculum, faculty research interests, library operations, and data literacy, while upholding accessibility and privacy.

You will provide in-depth reference, teach legal research in classrooms, clinics, and online, and help expand digital learning resources and library services.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA-accredited institution and MLS or equivalent by start date.
• Strong knowledge of legal research methodologies and legal information resources.
• Excellent communication, writing, and ability to work independently and in teams.
• Knowledge of legal research methodologies and legal information resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑level reference and research assistance to the Law School community.
• Design and deliver instruction across the curriculum and in clinics and online.
• Develop and teach topic‑specific workshops on legal research and technology.
• Collaborate with librarians to create research tools and support digital learning resources.
• Provide high-level reference assistance and collaborate to create bibliographic tools.

Skills

Teaching

Legal research

Information literacy

Instructional design

Research services

Education

JD from ABA accredited institution

MLS from an ALA-accredited institution

Tools

Lexis

Westlaw

Library management systems

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Legal Research and Instruction Librarian is a member of the team that provides research services to law library users, teaches in the library’s instructional program, and supports the educational needs of the Law School community, with a particular focus on legal technology. The librarian helps staff the Research Office; conducts and delivers in-depth research; teaches legal research and technology competencies in classroom, clinic, and online settings; and collaborates to develop and expand library services and digital learning resources. This position requires a strong commitment to teaching legal research and technology skills essential to the practice of law, and a deep understanding of the Law School’s curriculum, faculty research interests, library operations, legal information resources, data and empirical sources, and research methodologies in all formats, with attention to accessibility, privacy, and information and data literacy.

Responsibilities

Provide research instruction to the Law School community. Design, deliver, and continually improve legal research instruction across the curriculum including legal writing courses, upper‑level doctrinal classes, seminars, and clinics. Teach advanced legal research, specialized research and legal technology topics. Coordinate, develop, and teach topic‑specific workshops. Develop learning outcomes for research instruction aligned with institutional goals, accreditation standards, and the NextGen bar exam. Provide high level reference assistance to library users. Participate in research office coverage. Respond to emails, phone calls, and appointment requests from library users. Actively assist library users in identifying and using legal resources. Collaborate with other librarians to create and maintain research and bibliographic tools in a variety of formats. Provide in-depth reference assistance for faculty. Conduct detailed, thorough research on requested topics requiring substantive legal analysis. Consult with faculty on the use of legal technology for classroom instruction Professional development and service. Serve on library and campus committees. Manage special projects as assigned. Attend professional trainings to remain current in the field. Contribute to library planning and innovation efforts.

Required Qualifications

JD from an ABA accredited institution. MLS from an ALA‑accredited institution or an equivalent relevant advanced degree; applicants who have not yet enrolled at the time of application are eligible, provided they enroll in an ALA‑accredited program by the end of the introductory period and complete the degree by June 2031. Knowledge of best practices for developing instructional materials and delivering research and technology instruction. Knowledge of current best practices in legal research methodologies, legal technology, and legal information resources in all formats. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, changing environment. Commitment to expanding, improving, and promoting library services. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with diverse groups at all organizational levels, both inside and outside the University. Excellent writing skills and strong attention to detail; ability to produce clear, concise, accurate documentation. Ability to independently prioritize tasks when faced with interruptions and fluctuating workload. Ability to learn and interpret university policies and procedures. Technical skills to learn and use enterprise systems and departmental tools. Ability to maintain confidentiality as necessary and to demonstrate professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and excellent judgment in a variety of situations.