Research Analyst

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.

We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Legal Information Center department in our Chicago office, as a Research Analyst.

The role of the Research Analyst is of one who while supporting the various practice groups exercises discretion and independent judgment while working under the general direction of the Legal Information Center Manager – US and according to established Firm policies and procedures.

The Research Analyst  is primarily responsible for providing in-depth research and reference services to attorneys and staff to ensure that their needs for information are met efficiently, accurately, and cost effectively by performing essential duties and functions.  This is a professional library position.  Maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.

Essential Functions:  

• Independently, creatively, and accurately assess incoming research requests to identify the scope, complexity and specific data required by the requestor
• Apply critical thinking to determine the most relevant and effective questions to pose as a part of the “reference interview,” to ensure that one is delivering accurate, relevant and timing results within any time constraints and/or budget restrictions
• Work closely with customers, practice groups, and other stakeholder to ensure clarity in research objectives and expectations
• Perform conventional and sophisticated legal and non-legal research using a variety of online research tools including but not limited to Westlaw, LexisNexis, CCH/Wolters Kluwer, Bloomberg as well as many other practice-specific databases
• Provide creative and strategic solutions to address unique research queries, adding value to the findings
• Perform research relating to corporations, securities law, banking and finance, litigation, employment/benefits, government/global trade, IP, bankruptcy, tax, environmental law. real estate and many other practice areas
• Provide accurate, relevant and timely research results to the practice groups, Business Development & Marketing Department, industry teams, recruiting department, and to strategic committees of the firm, in alignment with the firm’s strategic and business plans
• In conjunction with the other Firm librarians, evaluate, and when appropriate, recommend, new publications and research services in a variety of formats to develop the Firm’s information resources
• Seek out opportunities for collaboration across administrative teams in order to offer enhanced deliverables to stakeholders, ensuring that the outcomes align with organizational goals and client needs
• Makes informed and educated decisions as to the best and most relevant research tools needed in order to address and answer the requestor’s inquiry all the while staying abreast of new and emerging technologies in the legal research market and profession
• Legal Monitoring: track and monitor court rulings, government publications, news outlets, and relevant legislative, regulatory and judicial developments from local, national and international sources
• Perform other projects and duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives

Education/Training/Certifications: 

• Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from a program accredited by the American Library Association, required

Professional Experience: 

• Minimum of 3-5 years of previous law library experience, required
• Prior experience working in a law firm, preferred
• Experience and Proficiency in legal and business research required
• Business & Competitive Intelligence research experience, required
• General familiarity, awareness and inquisitiveness with regards to emerging AI technologies in the legal landscape, preferred

Technical Skills:

• Strong computer skills with solid experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office products, required. Knowledge of various search strategies, functionality and navigation using a variety of Internet search engines, required
• Analytical and technical skills requiring an aptitude for detail, precision, and logic with comprehensive knowledge of Library principles and practices in order to conduct legal and business research and reference services; analyze data and recommend solutions; evaluate new research services and resources, required
• Experience effectively utilizing and navigating a variety of legal and business research tools, such as, but not limited to: LexisNexis, Westlaw, Bloomberg, CCH/Wolters Kluwer VitalLaw, S&P Capital I.Q., RIA Checkpoint, PACER, Factset, Pitchbook, HeinOnline, required
• Experience using automated library systems including in-house and outside libraries, preferred
• Ability to keep current on new enhancements and developments relating to online legal and business research, required
• Maintain a network of information resources outside of the Firm; and participate in continuing education, required

Performance Traits:  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities
• Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
• Maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.
• Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

The typical pay scale for this position is between $98,400 and $130,200, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate’s education, experience, skills and internal pay alignment are different from those specified. 

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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