Senior Reference Librarian

Clifford Chance; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Clifford Chance US LLP seeks a Senior Reference Librarian to deliver high‑level legal and non‑legal research to attorneys, paralegals, and staff across New York, DC, and Houston. Reporting to the Library Manager, you will lead complex research, assemble legislative histories, and provide client‑ready insights.

The role requires 5+ years in a law library, MLS/MLIS preferred, and strong familiarity with major databases and AI tools. Office presence three days a week is expected.

Qualifications

• MLS/MLIS strongly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of reference experience in a law library.
• Broad knowledge of legal and business research resources online and in print.
• Advanced research and database proficiency across major platforms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality statutory, administrative, and case law research across jurisdictions.
• Research SEC disclosures, including offering documents and M&A materials.
• Utilize online and print secondary sources for authoritative guidance.
• Assemble legislative and regulatory history materials.
• Research trends in capital markets and M&A across industries and geographies.
• Compile company intelligence: profiles, financial data, news, biographies.
• Create and manage alerts for developments in news, regulations, filings.
• Leverage AI tools to enhance research deliverables.

Skills

Research excellence

Strong writing & communication

Time management

Education

MLS or MLIS preferred

Tools

Bloomberg

Capital IQ

Deal Point Data

Intelligize

Lexis

Westlaw

FilingsExpert

Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft Office

Job description

As a global law firm our work spans jurisdictions, cultures, and languages – and so do our people.

Our culture is collaborative and inclusive, where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued. Where performing to your highest ability, unlocks equal access to opportunities to learn, thrive and grow.

We combine deep legal expertise and commercial intelligence to grow, transform, protect, and defend our clients' businesses, across every critical moment.

We operate in the sectors and regions that matter to our clients. With forward-thinking insights and innovative, tech-enabled solutions that combine deep knowledge of their sectors and markets.

You’ll build connections and work with colleagues as one global team. You’ll unlock opportunities for clients, across borders, cultures, legal and commercial disciplines.

Join us to work with colleagues as one global team – empowering each other to be exceptional and create advantage for our clients.

Job Description

The role

Clifford Chance is seeking a full-time Senior Reference Librarian, based in the New York, Washington, DC, or Houston office. The Senior Reference Librarian is responsible for delivering high-level legal and non-legal research and reference services to attorneys, paralegals, and business professional staff. This role ensures that information needs are met efficiently, accurately, and cost-effectively through in-depth research support, sound judgment, and exceptional client service. This position will report to the Library Manager.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct high-quality statutory, administrative, and case law research across multiple jurisdictions
• Research and retrieve sample SEC disclosures, including offering documents, M&A transaction materials, material agreements, and periodic filings
• Utilize online and print secondary sources to provide authoritative guidance on a wide range of legal and business topics
• Assemble comprehensive legislative and regulatory history materials
• Research trends in capital markets and M&A transactions across various industries and geographies
• Compile company intelligence, including corporate profiles, financial information, news, and executive biographies
• Assemble comprehensive legislative and regulatory history materials.
• Create and manage alerts to monitor developments in news, regulations, SEC disclosures, and court filings
• Leverage advanced research platforms and embedded generative AI tools (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis) and standalone tools such as Microsoft Copilot to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and insightfulness of research deliverables

Qualifications

Your experience

• MLS or MLIS strongly preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of reference experience in law library setting
• Broad and demonstrated knowledge of legal and business research resources in both online and print formats
• Advanced research and database expertise, including proficiency with platforms such as Bloomberg, Capital IQ, Deal Point Data, Intelligize, Lexis, VitalLaw, Westlaw, FilingsExpert, and related tools
• Ability to manage multiple research requests simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and deliver high‑quality results under tight deadlines
• Able to work independently as well as within a team
• Able to meet deadlines, manage multiple projects and deliver under pressure
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights
• Proactive, resourceful approach to problem‑solving with a strong commitment to client service excellence
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and related productivity tools
• Compliance with the firm's policy requiring office presence at least three days per week
• Must be independently and legally authorized to work in the United States

Clifford Chance US LLP offers a comprehensive benefits and compensation package. The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $120,000. Actual salary will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience.

Additional Information

At Clifford Chance, we forge an inclusive culture, where all perspectives are recognised and valued. It’s a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunities to thrive and succeed, irrespective of background. We are guided by our values-based Code, which sets high standards of conduct and has a principle focused on being inclusive.

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide consideration to all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We comply with the law and regulations in every location where we operate and across all aspects of employment, from recruitment and selection to development, progression, and day‑to‑day working life.

Find out more about our inclusive culture here