Research Assistant

The Research Assistant is responsible for handling a wide range of research and information requests from attorneys and staff nationwide.  Requests include traditional legal research, litigation research, and business development projects.  In addition, the Research Assistant may be responsible for supporting the Para professionals with research and cite-checking tasks.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES including the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

• Use Westlaw, VitalLaw, Courtlink, Case Portal, PACER and other relevant research platforms to perform complex case, statute, company, individual and business research.
• Research and review law sources such as case law, statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, treatises, and codes.
• Implement tracking of case dockets using a variety of resources (e.g., Westlaw, Courtlink, PACER) and coordinate court document retrieval as necessary.
• Perform ready reference services as needed (locating and obtaining articles, dockets and court documents).
• Assist librarian with organization, assessment and development of print and electronic collections.
• Assist librarian with administrative duties (interlibrary loan, credit card reconciliation, shelving and filing of print materials, login administration, CLE resource administration, communicating with vendors, library newsletter content development).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Responds to customer/client requests in a professional manner.
• Identifies and responds to customer/client issues/problems in a timely manner, and seeks feedback/follow-up as appropriate.
• Builds effective working relationships as appropriate.

FIRM KNOWLEDGE

• Demonstrates knowledge of the firm’s culture, practices, business and structure.
• Demonstrates knowledge and adherence to basic firm policies, procedures and processes.

INITIATIVE

• Takes initiative beyond routine responsibility.
• Seeks out and accepts new responsibilities.

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Owns mistakes and takes corrective action.
• Meets work deadlines as assigned.
• Meets Firm standards for attendance and punctuality.

WORK MANAGEMENT

• Works well independently and in a team environment.
• Demonstrates dedication to producing quality work product.
• Organizes and prioritizes workload appropriately.
• Cooperates and demonstrates flexibility when facing change.

COMMUNICATION

• Interacts effectively and courteously, in person and online with attorneys, supervisors, co-workers and other business professionals.
• Proactively communicates the status of work.
• Understands the need to ask questions and seek guidance.
• Expresses thoughts clearly, accurately, and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

TEAMWORK

• Builds effective relationships with coworkers.
• Participates and contributes fully as a team member.

TECHNOLOGY

• Utilizes available technology to carry out job responsibilities.
• Determines most appropriate technology to accomplish a given task.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, the ideal candidate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree required; MLS/MLIS degree strongly preferred 
• Minimum two years of experience conducting legal research in a law firm or legal setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of Westlaw, Courtlink, VitalLaw, Heinonline, Accurint, TLO, PubMed, Google Scholar and PACER
• Knowledge of relevant firm computer programs (e.g. Outlook, Excel, Adobe), with the ability to learn new applications 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Position supports the library and attorneys with research requests. Position additionally requires the ability to sit at a computer terminal for extended periods and will occasionally require assistance with locating and transporting of print materials to attorney offices.    

SHIFT/WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Daily regular schedule is 8:30-4:30, Monday through Friday, but must available from either 8-4 or 9-5 as needed, to cover staff PTO. In-office attendance is required from Tuesday-Thursday.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination administered by a third party will be required as a condition of employment in accordance with applicable law.  Such documentation should omit any medical information.  Any record of vaccination will be maintained as confidential.

Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the Human Resources Department. Equal treatment is given to all persons in matters affecting, but not limited to, recruitment, employment, compensation, benefits, promotion, discipline, non-discrimination and employment practices, without regard to a person’s race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth), religion, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment. 

For more information on our firm, visit us at www.lieffcabraser.com.