Business & Legal Research Analyst

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Summary

The primary task of Business & Legal Research Analysts is to provide expert research support to DLA Piper attorneys and staff. The Analyst will manage their own workflow by claiming and completing research requests in Quest, our Research Management system, in a timely and efficient manner. All analysts are research generalists and handle requests along a wide spectrum of topics, including but not limited to legal, business/corporate, IP, public records, and legislative history. Analysts also regularly review and evaluate new and existing electronic resources to improve service and research efficiency. They are expected to participate in continuing education by attending workshops and webinars for professional development and regularly reviewing professional literature. All analysts are aligned with specific practice groups to support their resource needs.
   

Location

This position can sit in any of our U.S. offices and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities  

• Conduct research and/or fact-checking in a wide range of topical areas, including, but not limited to, legal, business/corporate, IP, public records, legislative history, and many others.

• Showcase strong research skills, including an ability to think critically about research tools, conduct cost-effective and efficient research, compile research results, summarize data, and communicate methodology and results clearly.

• Regularly use and learn multiple research platforms, including, but not limited to, Lexis+, Westlaw Protege, Bloomberg Law, VitalLaw, Capital IQ, FactSet, Pitchbook, Docket Navigator, PatBase, and many others.

• Regularly use and learn tools, including but not limited to Lexis+AI, Westlaw Precision AI, Intelligize+AI, Harvey and many others.

• Knowledge of tools and techniques for setting up current awareness and litigation alerts.

• Assist with the training of attorneys and staff on the effective use of legal and business research resources.

• Participate in the regular review and evaluation of new and existing electronic resources with an eye toward improved service and research efficiencies.

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing education by attending workshops and webinars for professional development and regular review of professional literature.

• Align with specific practice groups to support their resource needs.

• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills   

Knowledge of legal, business, scientific, and general research resources and methodologies. Knowledge of Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law, and VitalLaw product suites. Knowledge or ability to learn multiple research platforms, including, but not limited to, Capital IQ, FactSet, Pitchbook, Docket Navigator, PatBase, and many others. Ability and willingness to learn and use new GenAI tools, as DLA Piper is an early adopter of GenAI technology. Knowledge of tools and techniques for setting up current awareness and litigation alerts. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Strong research skills including an ability to think critically about research tools, conduct cost-effective and efficient research, compile research results, summarize data, and communicate methodology and results clearly. Experience with reviewing and evaluating new and existing electronic resources with an eye toward improved service and research efficiencies. A demonstrated commitment to continuing education through conference and webinar attendance and participation in local and national associations. Willingness to work outside of normal business hours and on weekends as needed. We have a rotating weekend on-call schedule (approximately once a quarter). Experience with Quest request management system. Experience with current awareness alerting, especially Vable and/or Lexis Newsdesk.

Minimum Education   

• Bachelor's Degree in Library Science or related field.

Preferred Education 

• Master's Degree MLIS or JD.

Minimum Years of Experience  

• 2 years of conducting research in a legal setting, preferably in a law firm environment. Experience performing extensive research using tools such as Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law and others is required.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:   

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.

• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.

• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.

• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.

• Foster positive work relationships.

• Comply with all firm policies and practices. 

• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.   

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.   

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.   

Work Environment   

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future.

Disclaimer   

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Application Process    

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email.

Accommodation   

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact careers@us.dlapiper.com.

Agency applications will not be considered.    

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.   

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $82,712 - $125,252 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location.

The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. 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. Job applicant poster viewing center.