Legal Research Specialist

Overview of the Function

Freshfields US LLP is a major international law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. Freshfields’ Library & Information Services team is a key part of the firm’s Knowledge function and plays a critical role in ensuring that our lawyers and business services colleagues have access to comprehensive knowledge collections, high-quality research support, and the tools they need to serve clients effectively.

Library & Information Services is responsible for managing the firm’s external research resources, responding to research requests, guiding colleagues in their use of research tools, supporting internal knowledge collections, and coordinating research database training.

Role summary/purpose of job

This is an opportunity to join a highly respected global law firm and contribute directly to the work of lawyers handling complex, high-profile matters. The Legal Research Specialist will have the chance to work across practice areas, develop broad subject matter knowledge, and use a wide range of legal, business, and emerging technology tools.

You will be joining a team that values responsiveness, collaboration, accuracy, professional growth, and practical problem-solving. The role offers variety, intellectual challenge, and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the firm’s client service and knowledge capabilities.

Freshfields follows a hybrid work policy where employees are expected to be in the office at least three days per week.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

• Provide legal and business research support to attorneys and staff across all firm practice areas.
• Conduct legal research across federal, state, and international jurisdictions, including case law, court documents, SEC filings, precedent agreements, financial data, and statutory and regulatory research. 
• Analyze results and deliver accurate, reliable, and clearly presented work product responsive to the needs of lawyers and clients.
• Manage multiple concurrent research requests, prioritize effectively, and consistently meet tight deadlines.
• Use AI-powered and traditional research tools with sound judgment, validating results and clearly communicating the basis for research conclusions.
• Monitor legal and business developments across the firm’s practice areas and create current awareness alerts.
• Contribute content to the Library’s intranet site (SharePoint).
• Assist with training attorneys and staff on effective use of research databases, AI tools, and other information resources.
• Evaluate new and existing information resources and make recommendations based on quality, coverage, usability, and value.
• Remain current on research techniques, legal technology, and best practices through firm training, vendor programs, professional associations, and other development opportunities.

Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)

Essential

• 3+ years of experience working in a law firm, corporate legal department, financial institution, professional services firm, or similar environment in a library, research, or knowledge management role.
• Strong legal and business research skills, with the ability to handle questions across multiple practice areas.
• Experience using major legal and business research platforms, such as Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law, Practical Law, Intelligize, Deal Point Data, VitalLaw, RBSource, PACER, Lexology, Bloomberg terminal, Capital IQ, FactSet, PitchBook, and Jus Mundi, among others.
• Confidence learning and using new research technologies, including AI-powered legal research tools.
• Strong customer service and engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted working relationships with attorneys and business services colleagues at all levels.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small, collaborative team with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, stay organized under time pressure, and deliver high-quality work on deadline.
• Command of Microsoft Office 365.

Desirable

• Degree in law, library and information science, information management, or a related field preferred.
• Understanding of knowledge management principles and tools.
• Familiarity with litigation analytics, docket monitoring, and document management systems.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York and California, Freshfields is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the States of New York and California and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $130,000 to $150,000.

EEO Statement
Freshfields US LLP is proud to be an equal employment employer. Our policies and practices will be free from unlawful discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Freshfields US LLP
Freshfields US LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the alternative email address below to contact us about your interest in employment at [email protected] , or you can send your resume to [email protected] , or you can call us at +1-212-277-4000.