Legal Research and Instruction Librarian

Chapman University; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Chapman University in Orange, California seeks a Legal Research and Instruction Librarian to support the Law School community. The role combines research services and instructional programs with a focus on legal technology, serving staff, students, and faculty across formats.

Responsibilities include providing instruction across the curriculum, delivering advanced legal research and technology training, and developing learning outcomes while collaborating with librarians to expand library

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA‑accredited institution.
• MLS from an ALA‑accredited institution or equivalent; must enroll by end of introductory period and complete by June 2031.
• Knowledge of instructional materials development and delivery of research and technology instruction.
• Knowledge of current best practices in legal research methodologies and resources.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to expanding and promoting library services with strong communication skills.
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide research instruction to the Law School community.
• Design, deliver, and improve legal research instruction across the curriculum and clinics.
• Teach advanced legal research and legal technology topics.
• Coordinate, develop, and teach topic‑specific workshops.
• Develop learning outcomes aligned with institutional goals and accreditation standards.
• Provide high level reference assistance to library users and assist with research office coverage.
• Collaborate with other librarians to create and maintain research tools.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Excellent writing

Attention to detail

Task prioritization

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

JD from ABA‑accredited institution

MLS or equivalent advanced degree (ALA‑accredited)

Job description

Posting Details

Position Title: Legal Research and Instruction Librarian

Position Type: Regular

Job Number: SA92624

Full or Part Time: full-time 40 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification: Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range: $85,000 - $95,000

Pay Range Information: Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

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 within institutional goals, accreditation standards, and the NextGen barexam.

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.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in an academic law library providing research and other library services for law faculty and students.

Special Instructions to Applicants

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in‑person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Minimum Number of References

3

Maximum Number of References

5

Pre‑screening Questions

1. * Have you earned a JD from an ABA‑accredited law school?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. 3 References Listed on One Page

Optional Documents

1. Resume