Research Specialist

King & Spalding

Research Specialist delivering legal, business, and competitive intelligence for King & Spalding, a global law firm. Supporting attorneys and firm leadership through actionable analysis and research services.

Posted 8/19/2026full-timeChicago • Florida, Illinois, Texas, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $82,987 - $103,734 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in legal and business research methodologies, utilizing tools such as Westlaw and Lexis, while effectively communicating insights and managing multiple deadlines. Proficient in training staff on research strategies and emerging technologies to enhance workflow and deliverables.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Legal Research ProficiencyBusiness Intelligence AnalysisClient Service SkillsMicrosoft Office ProficiencyGenerative AI Tool Validation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal ResearchBusiness ResearchAnalytical SkillsWriting SkillsEditing SkillsCommunication SkillsAttention to DetailWorkflow ManagementData AnalyticsMarket Research

Soft Skills

Sound Professional JudgmentDiscretionAbility to Work IndependentlyCollaboration SkillsTime Management

Tools & Technologies

WestlawLexisBloomberg LawVitalLawPACERCourtLinkCapital IQFactSetIntelligizeCollaboration Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Law DegreeMaster of Library/Information Science Degree

Industry Keywords

Legal Industry TrendsResearch Best PracticesInformation Resource DevelopmentsPublic Records ResearchDocket Research

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct legal, business, legislative, docket, public records, and general reference research using appropriate electronic and print resources
Respond to routine and complex research requests from attorneys, paralegals, administrative staff, and firm leadership
Support business development and client-service initiatives by preparing company profiles, market and industry research, litigation history, transaction research, and competitive intelligence reports
Create and maintain current awareness alerts and tracking services for legal, business, regulatory, litigation, client, and market developments
Train attorneys and staff on research strategy, source selection, tool functionality, best practices, and emerging technologies
Assess new legal research, business intelligence, data analytics, and generative AI tools and recommend workflow and deliverable improvements
Track, document, and close research requests using request-management and timekeeping systems
Perform regular computer-based work using online research platforms and communicate by phone, email, and video
Serve on-call on a rotating basis to support research requests after normal business hours and on weekends and holidays
Work occasional pre-approved overtime as required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required; a combination of relevant education and professional experience may be considered
Minimum of two years of legal, business, corporate, academic, special library, or professional services research experience preferred; law firm experience strongly preferred
Demonstrated proficiency with major legal, business, news, docket, public records, and financial research resources, including Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law, VitalLaw, PACER, CourtLink, Capital IQ, FactSet, and Intelligize
Excellent analytical, writing, editing, communication, and client service skills
Ability to convert complex information into practical insights
Sound professional judgment, discretion, and attention to detail
Ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with research colleagues, attorneys, practice groups, administrative departments, and other stakeholders
Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office, collaboration tools, workflow systems, and approved emerging technologies
Responsible use and validation of generative AI tools
Commitment to staying current with legal industry trends, research best practices, and information-resource developments
Law degree, Master of Library/Information Science degree, or equivalent advanced degree preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonuses and raises awarded in recognition of individual merit-based performance
Health and wellness plan
Life and disability insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Health savings account
401(k) plan
Profit sharing plan
Substantial Paid Time Off (PTO) program