Research Services Librarian - (Flexible Schedule) Job at Reed Smith LLP in Tyson

Research Services Librarian - (Flexible Schedule)

Research Services Librarian - (Flexible Schedule) at Reed Smith LLP provides high‑quality legal and business research solutions to attorneys and staff – both on‑site and across offices – on a time‑critical basis. Working collaboratively with colleagues throughout the firm, the role utilizes traditional and online resources to interpret complex requests, recommend appropriate tools, and deliver cost‑effective, tailored research in support of client needs. The position also contributes to knowledge sharing within the Library & Research group, supports cross‑office collaboration, and participates in the evaluation of tools and practices that strengthen the firm’s research capabilities.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct in‑depth legal and business research using a wide range of print and electronic resources to support attorneys, paralegals, and staff across all firm offices.
• Apply expert knowledge of legal research platforms to deliver accurate, timely, and cost‑effective research results tailored to the specific needs of the matter and client.
• Interpret research requests, determine appropriate tools or methodologies, and advise requestors on available resources to meet project requirements.
• Develop subject‑matter expertise in one or more areas of legal research and contribute to the development of best practices for those areas.
• Design and deliver high‑quality research training and education programs for attorneys and staff, both in‑person and virtually.
• Accurately record and report research activity using InTapp and Quest to meet internal deadlines and support cost recovery efforts by the department.
• Provide orientation to the firm’s research services, resources, and policies for new attorneys.
• Manage local office print collection changes in coordination with the Research Services Manager, including weeding, shifting, consolidations, and other physical maintenance activities.
• Provide backup research support to other U.S. offices, including occasional coverage outside of regular business hours to ensure seamless service across time zones.
• Serve as a senior resource and escalation point for Research Services Specialists; provide mentorship and cross‑office coverage support as needed.
• Stay current with developments in legal research tools, emerging technologies, and industry trends to continuously enhance service offerings.
• Oversee and support complex document delivery, docket, and case retrieval requests using Quest and other tools, particularly when specialized expertise is required.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time.

Requirements

Education

M.L.S. or J.D. from an accredited institution; equivalent experience considered.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of legal and business research experience in a law firm setting.
• Prior experience in a large law firm environment preferred.
• Additional preference given to candidates with experience conducting legal and business research in intellectual property, commercial litigation, business finance, or corporate securities.
• Exposure to multi‑office or cross‑jurisdictional research environments a plus.

Skills

• Proficiency with legal and business research platforms, including Westlaw, Lexis+, Bloomberg Law, Capital IQ, PACER/ECF, VitalLaw (CCH), Lex Machina, and Accurint.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when managing multiple, time‑sensitive research requests.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate professionally across all levels of the firm.
• Demonstrated discretion, sound judgment, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality in all research‑related work.
• Responsiveness, adaptability, and a service‑oriented mindset in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and collaboration tools such as Teams.
• Ability to evaluate research requests and prioritize among them, as well as to identify the most appropriate tools and strategies.

Other

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Equipment To Be Used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax, machine, copier, scanner, etc.

Essential Job Functions

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods, as the role involves extensive computer use and screen‑based work.
• Intense eye usage and finger, hand, and wrist dexterity associated with prolonged computer use, including typing and using a mouse.
• Proficiently use computers, telecommunication devices, and other digital collaboration tools.
• Accurately read and interpret written documents, computer screens, and other visual displays to perform research and administrative tasks. Must have sufficient visual acuity to carry out these responsibilities effectively.
• Ability to hear and understand verbal communication, including conversations, instructions, phone and video calls, to facilitate effective collaboration and coordination with attorneys and team members.
• Maintain a team‑focused and service‑oriented mindset when interacting with attorneys, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to support professional interactions and collaboration.
• Demonstrate adaptability and resilience in a fast‑paced and dynamic work environment, maintaining composure under pressure and responding effectively to change.
• Exercise sound judgment in prioritizing and completing research tasks independently, while balancing deadlines and managing fluctuating workloads.
• Ability to concentrate and think critically to complete work accurately and follow through on assignments.
• Ability to interact professionally with attorneys, staff, and other stakeholders, maintaining positive and productive working relationships.
• Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds, such as books, files, or small office equipment.
• Ability to provide research support outside of standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, as needed, to meet attorney or client deadlines.
• Must work in office as required.

Working Conditions

You will be required to work in the office a minimum of 2 days per week. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor.

Pay Ranges

• Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, Pittsburgh, Richmond: $81,000 - $93,000
• Philadelphia, Chicago: $86,000 - $102,000
• Washington, DC, Tysons, Princeton: $92,000 - $108,000

Employee Benefits Overview

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Virtual Health Services
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
• College Savings Plan
• Transportation Benefit
• Back-up Child Care Services
• College Coach Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
• Paid Time Off (available to all full‑time, non‑temporary employees)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401(k) plan.

Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.