Research Librarian

Perkins Coie LLP; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual discretionary bonus

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

20 days accrued PTO annually

Parental leave and family care

Job summary

Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP is seeking a Research Librarian to serve as a trusted research partner, delivering high‑quality legal and business research across the firm. You will harness AI-enabled tools, curate insights, and tailor deliverables for attorneys and business professionals while supporting knowledge initiatives and innovation.

The role requires a growth mindset, strong communication, and a track record of advancing research services through technology and cross‑functional

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library or Information Science from an American Library Association accredited program.
• Two years of professional law firm library work experience preferred.
• Experience with legal research databases (Westlaw, Lexis) and AI-enabled research tools.
• Ability to lead AI adoption initiatives and digital transformation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver legal and business research with high quality using advanced research platforms and AI tools.
• Produce concise, well-organized deliverables with methodology and recommendations.
• Collaborate across teams to provide institution-wide research solutions.
• Train attorneys on research resources and responsible use of AI.

Skills

Legal research

AI adoption

Presentations

Cross-team collaboration

Research tools

Education

ALA-accredited MLS

Legal bibliography

2+ years law firm library

Tools

Westlaw

Lexis

Bloomberg Law

PACER

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

Research & Analysis

• 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.

Deliverables & Communication

• 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.

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• 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.

Technology & Innovation

• 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.

Growth Mindset & Partnership

• 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.

Business & Operational Excellence

• 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 Protege, 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

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