Research Specialist

American Association of Law Libraries; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking an experienced Research Specialist in New York within the Research Services group of the Firm’s Marketing & Business Development department. You will act as a trusted research advisor to attorneys and business professionals, delivering strategic, data-driven insights to inform critical decisions and partnering with high-performing teams.

You will leverage advanced research methodologies and AI-enabled tools to synthesize findings, ensuring quality, accuracy and timely

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in library science or business (MLS/MLIS or MBA) with 5+ years of research experience in a large law firm or corporate library.
• Expertise with major legal, business and financial research platforms (Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law).
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct strategic research across legal-adjacent, business, financial, competitive and industry topics.
• Develop research solutions, identify resources and methodologies to answer complex questions.
• Deliver actionable insights tailored to stakeholder needs and business objectives.
• Leverage AI-enabled research tools and platforms to improve efficiency while validating sources.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines with accuracy and responsiveness.
• Provide research intake, reference support and desk coverage as needed.
• Support research-related initiatives and product evaluations.

Skills

Advanced research

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

AI fluency

Project & time management

Team collaboration

Education

MLS/MLIS in library science

MBA

Tools

Westlaw

Lexis

Bloomberg Law

Bloomberg Terminal

Job description

Are you a skilled researcher who thrives on supporting attorneys across all practice areas with complex business, industry, market, and client intelligence needs, delivering actionable insights and partnering with high-performing professionals?

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking an experienced Research Specialist within the Research Services group of the Firm’s Marketing & Business Development (MBD) department in New York. In this role, you will serve as a trusted research advisor to attorneys and business professionals across a broad range of practice areas, providing strategic, data-driven insights that help inform critical business and client decisions.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, team-first environment that values curiosity, accountability, continuous improvement and exceptional client service. Reporting to the Director of Research Services, you’ll work closely with colleagues across the Firm and combine deep research expertise with emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to deliver high-quality intelligence and analysis in a fast-paced, high-impact setting.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Conduct Strategic Research: Perform complex legal-adjacent, business, financial, competitive, intellectual property and industry research to support attorneys and business professionals across multiple practice areas.
• Develop Research Solutions: Assess research requests, identify the most effective resources and methodologies and create cost-efficient strategies to answer complex questions.
• Deliver Actionable Insights: Synthesize findings into clear, organized and concise work products tailored to stakeholder needs and business objectives.
• Leverage Advanced Technologies: Utilize leading research platforms and Firm-approved AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency while validating results against authoritative sources.
• Manage Multiple Priorities: Balance concurrent projects, competing deadlines and shifting priorities while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and responsiveness.
• Provide Research Intake & Reference Support: Participate in rotating coverage of the research desk, including request intake, triage, workload coordination, assignment management and stakeholder communication.
• Ensure Quality & Service Excellence: Review research deliverables for quality, consistency and completeness while supporting a client-focused service model.
• Support Department Initiatives: Contribute to product evaluations, administrative projects and other research-related initiatives as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Advanced degree (MLS, MLIS) in library science or business (MBA); 5+ years of research experience in a large law firm or corporate library.
• Research Expertise: Advanced proficiency with major legal, business and financial research platforms, including Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law and specialized litigation, intellectual property and transactional research resources.
• Communication Skills: Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively to senior stakeholders.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to evaluate information, exercise sound judgment and deliver accurate, insightful results under tight deadlines.
• Technical Proficiency & AI Fluency: Comfort working in a technology-driven environment and leveraging AI-enabled research tools, including prompt development, output evaluation and source validation with Bloomberg Terminal experience preferred.
• Project & Time Management: Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing demands and drive projects through completion.
• Collaboration & Service Mindset: A team-oriented approach with a commitment to partnership, responsiveness, continuous learning and delivering exceptional client service.

If you're passionate about uncovering insights, leveraging innovative research tools and partnering with top-tier professionals to drive informed decision-making in this Research Specialist role, we'd love to hear from you!