Research Librarian, Latham & Watkins, Boston, MA

Posted February 11, 2015

Latham & Watkins, a global law firm consistently ranked among the top firms in the world, is currently seeking a Research Librarian to join our winning team, located in Boston.  The success of our firm is largely determined by our commitment to hire and develop the very best and brightest, creating a team that provides our clients with the highest quality of work and service.  We are driven by our core values: respect, innovation and collaboration.

The Research Librarian will receive a generous total compensation package.  Bonuses are awarded in recognition of individual and firm performance.  Eligible employees can participate in Latham’s comprehensive benefit program including healthcare, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401k plan, and more!  In addition, employees receive 10 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of employment and grows with tenure.

As a Research Librarian at Latham, you will contribute your expertise in providing research services involving legal, business, and general information sources to attorneys, paralegals, and staff using a variety of print and electronic research tools. The Research Librarian also performs other functions regarding library operations. Your responsibilities as a Research Librarian will include these and other critical functions: 

• Conducting domestic and international legal and non-legal research utilizing appropriate print and electronic research tools and directs Library users to appropriate sources.
• Reviewing diverse sources of information for currency, reliability, relevance, and cost effectiveness, then choosing the best sources for answering research requests.
• Compiling and organizing information obtained in research projects into a coherent, focused collection, accompanied by explanatory notes, if relevant, so that the material is readily understandable to the user.
• Monitoring legal, business and news sources for current developments in practice areas, for clients and industries; compiling results into a concise publication for distribution to relevant groups.
• Providing training in print and electronic resources and research skills in a variety of settings and using diverse media.
• Providing orientation regarding library procedures and uses for new personnel.
• Maintaining awareness of current developments on legal news and information services, including the Internet and e-resources relevant to the Firm’s practice areas. May also monitor law journals and newsletters and compile bulletins of legal developments for attorneys.
• Performing cite-checking: analyzing and verifying legal citations in memorandum and pleadings using Lexis or Westlaw, and the Blue Book or other citation authority.
• Maintaining familiarity with and performing library administrative tasks, such as processing books for the catalog, processing library mail for distribution to attorneys, shelving books and periodicals, filing loose-leaf services and periodicals, processing bills for payment, and maintaining collections of specialty materials.
• Interfacing with other law firms, agencies, libraries and organizations; representing the firm in a professional manner.
• Completing special projects on various issues as assigned.

As a  Research Librarian, you will be expected to apply your organizational and communication skills while displaying a positive, high-energy attitude. The successful Librarian candidate must have knowledge of print and electronic legal and non-legal research resources; strong analytical skills; ability to organize collections of materials and information; well developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm; strong communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to work as a team player; capable of collaborating with research staff in their own and other offices and drawing on the individual skills of the members of the research team to complete all aspects of an assignment; knowledge and proficiency in PC applications, including MS Office, Adobe and SharePoint and other applications. A master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) is preferred. A master’s degree in another specialty may be considered in lieu of the MLS. A bachelor’s degree required. A minimum of three (3) years research experience in a law firm library may be substituted for the master’s degree. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online.

Latham & Watkins is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Our commitment to diversity, equal opportunity and sustainability enables Latham & Watkins to draw from a remarkable wealth of talent to create one of the world’s leading law firms.