Research Librarian

WFB Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual discretionary bonus

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off (PT0)

Job summary

Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP is seeking a collaborative Research Librarian to join the Research Services team. You will deliver high-quality legal and business research to attorneys and professionals, transforming complex information into clear, actionable insights, and leveraging generative AI in line with firm policies.

You will train colleagues, evaluate new tools, and partner across teams to provide institution-wide research solutions while supporting continuous learning and process

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program is preferred.
• At least two years of professional law firm library experience.
• Experience with legal research databases (Westlaw, Lexis) and AI-enabled tools.

Responsibilities

• Delivers legal and business research with minimal supervision using advanced research platforms and AI tools.
• Selects effective research strategies and analyzes complex information to produce actionable insights.
• Manages multiple research requests, meeting deadlines and quality standards.
• Produces concise, well-organized deliverables communicating findings, methodology, and recommendations.
• Trains attorneys on research resources, emerging technologies, and responsible AI use.
• Continuously evaluates new tools and resources to improve service delivery and drive innovation.

Skills

Legal research

AI-enabled research

Advanced research platforms

Communication

Presentations

Education

Master’s in Library/Information Science

Tools

Westlaw

Lexis Protégé

Vincent

Bloomberg Law

PACER

Docket Alarm

Docket Navigator

Lex Machina

Job description

Job Description

Research Librarian Drive Operational Excellence At Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP, our people are our greatest asset. We’re looking for a collaborative, detail-oriented Research Librarian to join our Research Services team to help deliver an exceptional employee experience. In this role, the Research Librarian is a trusted research partner in a fast-paced, centralized environment, delivering consistent, high-quality research support to attorneys and business professionals across all firm offices. This role transforms complex legal and business research into clear, accurate, and actionable insights—providing timely, organized results that drive informed decision-making. Success in this position requires curiosity, a growth mindset, strong technology skills, and enthusiasm for leveraging innovative tools, including generative AI, in accordance with firm policies. Library professionals are confident communicators who excel at presentations, navigate challenging customer interactions with professionalism, voice thoughtful perspectives during decision-making, and fully support team decisions. Opportunities to contribute to Library Resources or Knowledge & Innovation initiatives further expand the impact of this role.

What You’ll Do

• Delivers legal and business research with minimal supervision, leveraging advanced research platforms and AI tools.
• Selects the most effective research strategies, analyzes complex information, and produces clear, actionable insights.
• Manages multiple research requests simultaneously, consistently meeting deadlines and quality standards.
• Produces concise, well-organized research deliverables that clearly communicate findings, methodology, and recommendations.
• Tailors responses to the audience using professional formats, including memos, reports, and presentations.
• Promotes quality and consistency by providing feedback on research deliverables and sharing best practices.
• Partners across teams to deliver efficient, institution-wide solutions.
• Trains attorneys and business professionals on research resources, emerging technologies, and the responsible use of AI.
• Leverages generative AI and emerging technologies in compliance with firm policies to enhance research quality and efficiency.
• Continuously evaluates new tools, databases, and resources to improve service delivery and drive innovation.
• Demonstrates curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and process improvement.
• Builds strong relationships across the firm, approaching challenges with professionalism, collaboration, and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Takes ownership of individual and departmental goals while supporting broader team initiatives.
• Applies sound business judgment, including cost recovery practices and an understanding of the firm’s financial objectives.
• Contributes actively to departmental projects, ensuring timely completion of assigned responsibilities.

What You’ll Bring

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across the firm.
• Advanced knowledge of legal, business, and AI-enabled research resources, with expertise in computer-assisted legal research and industry-standard databases, including Westlaw, Lexis Protégé, Vincent, Bloomberg Law, PACER, Docket Alarm, Docket Navigator, Lex Machina, and others.
• Proven success leading AI adoption initiatives and driving digital transformation through generative AI, automation, and emerging technologies.
• Strong understanding of external information sources, including courts, government agencies, and industry organizations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with the ability to leverage technology to enhance research and service delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an American Library Association accredited program, including coursework or significant experience with legal bibliography.
• Familiarity with legal research databases (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis).
• Interest in technology and a willingness to learn new tools, including generative AI applications.
• A minimum of two years of professional law firm library work experience.

Why Join Ashurst Perkins Coie?

Join a collaborative, high-performing Research Services team where your expertise will help shape the employee experience across our global organization. In this role, if you are passionate about delivering exceptional service and making a lasting impact, you will find meaningful opportunities to grow your career while helping create an outstanding experience for our people. This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here.

This position may be filled in the following location. The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity. Illinois compensation range: $86,040 to $129,590 annually San Diego compensation range: $93,740 to $141,190 annually Washington state compensation range: $86,000 to $129,530 annually

#LI-Hybrid

Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP and/or its affiliates are Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, compensation, benefits, social and recreational activities and termination. Learn more HERE