Research Librarian

AFS

Research Librarian supporting attorneys and administrative teams with legal research, reference assistance, and library training. Maintaining digital resources and collaborating with the Innovation Department at ArentFox Schiff law firm.

Posted 8/21/2026full-timeChicago • California, Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $92,000 - $144,584 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in legal research and library management, utilizing a broad knowledge of library tools and systems. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and various research platforms, with strong communication and organizational skills.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Legal Research ExperienceLibrary Tools KnowledgeMicrosoft Office Suite ProficiencyResearch Platforms ExperienceMLS or MLIS Degree

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Legal ResearchLibrary ManagementData CollectionSearch StrategyDocument DeliveryInterlibrary LoanLink CheckingResource EvaluationAttention to DetailMultiple Deadline Management

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsCollaborationIndependenceListening Skills

Tools & Technologies

PACERCourthouse NewsLexisWestlawBloombergLawS&P Capital IQPitchbook

Certifications & Qualifications

MLS DegreeMLIS Degree

Industry Keywords

Special LibrariesLegal Practice AreasClient DevelopmentNew Business/ConflictsLibrary OrientationTraining ProgramsRegulatory ChangesPrint CollectionsDigital ResourcesLibrary Research Requests

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide timely and effective research and reference assistance to attorneys across all practice areas using print and digital resources
Bill time to clients/matters as appropriate
Support administrative departments including Client Development, New Business/Conflicts, secretarial, paralegal, and Managing Attorney Office functions
Monitor news, dockets, legislative and regulatory changes, and other subject areas
Assist with updates, newsletters, and other communications
Maintain intranet research collections through link checking and data collection/input
Provide library orientation and training on print and electronic resources
Collaborate with the Innovation Department to create short training programs on common library research requests and library tools
Participate in resource evaluation, including pilots of new services and resource comparisons
Maintain knowledge of print collections, digital resources, interlibrary loan, document delivery, databases, search strategy and syntax, and licensing restrictions
Perform other duties as assigned
Work closely with and under the direction of the Director on Library and Research

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required
Legal research experience required
Broad knowledge of library tools, systems, and resources in special libraries
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
Experience with research platforms, including PACER, Courthouse News, Lexis, Westlaw, BloombergLaw, S&P Capital IQ, and Pitchbook
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Excellent oral, written, listening, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple deadlines with communication and attention to detail
MLS or MLIS Degree from an ALA accredited institution preferred
1-3 years of library experience preferred
IP research experience preferred
Previous law firm experience preferred
Combination of education in a research-intensive field with relevant work experience may be considered

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Profit-sharing
Generous paid time off
Flexible reimbursement account for personal well-being
Performance-based bonus for eligible positions