Research Specialist

Research Specialist

Slough Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
K

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to provide essential research support for attorneys and staff in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Be part of a leading firm that values innovation and collaboration in legal research.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a structured work schedule, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: This role offers hands-on experience in legal research, enhancing your skills while making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Ideal candidates should have a degree in library science, business, or law, with relevant research experience.
  • Other info: Work in our vibrant London office, with opportunities for remote collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are currently recruiting for a Research Assistant, to work Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm, in our London office.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Research Specialist is responsible for providing research services to attorneys and staff both on-site and remotely on a time-critical basis.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

  • Works as part of the global Research Services team to perform non-legal research in a wide range of subject areas including, but not limited to, corporate and financial transactions, intellectual property, and litigation in support of the Firm’s attorneys, paralegals and administrative staff.
  • Uses critical thinking to analyse each request and identify the best research resources for efficient and cost-effective resolution.
  • Demonstrates an expert level of proficiency in research, including selecting resources and search strategies. Presents research results in a clear and logical manner with suggestions for further research if relevant.
  • Maintains a superior level of expertise using tools such as Westlaw Edge, Lexis+ UK and Practical Law, as well as specialised tools such as Capital IQ, Debtwire, Filings Expert, FromCounsel, MergerMarket, Newsdesk, Orbis, Preqin, Reorg, Solomonic, Vable etc.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and the ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects.
  • Assists with new joiner orientations and training.
  • Assists in the maintenance of the hardcopy collection.
  • Other administrative projects, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Work Experience, Skills

  • The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, proactive person with a degree (bachelor’s or master’s) in library science, business or law.
  • Candidate should have proven experience of working research experience in a large law firm or corporate library and be knowledgeable about business, corporate transactional, intellectual property and legal research resources.
  • Strong customer service orientation, ability to work independently as well as part of a firm-wide research team and capable of handling multiple tasks and setting priorities is essential.
  • Candidate must have excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to work with individuals at all organisational levels.

Research Specialist employer: Kirkland & Ellis

As a Research Specialist at our London office, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that values collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a culture that encourages critical thinking and creativity, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the legal research field.
K

Contact Detail:

Kirkland & Ellis Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Specialist

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific research tools mentioned in the job description, such as Westlaw Edge and Lexis+ UK. Having hands-on experience or knowledge of these platforms will give you a significant edge during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your critical thinking skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully resolved complex research requests in the past. Be ready to discuss your thought process and the resources you used.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the legal research field, especially those who work in law firms or corporate libraries. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines. Think of specific instances where you successfully juggled various tasks and be ready to share these stories during your interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Specialist

Research Proficiency
Critical Thinking
Analytical Skills
Knowledge of Legal Research Tools (e.g., Westlaw Edge, Lexis+ UK)
Familiarity with Corporate and Financial Transactions
Understanding of Intellectual Property Law
Ability to Present Research Findings Clearly
Time Management
Customer Service Orientation
Team Collaboration
Independent Work Capability
Project Management
Excellent Written Communication Skills
Strong Oral Communication Skills
Adaptability to Tight Deadlines

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant research experience, particularly in legal or corporate environments. Emphasise your proficiency with research tools mentioned in the job description, such as Westlaw Edge and Lexis+ UK.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your skills align with the responsibilities. Mention specific examples of past research projects that showcase your critical thinking and ability to work under tight deadlines.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application materials are well-written and free of errors. Consider including a brief example of how you effectively communicated research findings in a previous position.

Highlight Teamwork and Independence: Illustrate your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Provide examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple projects, demonstrating your organisational skills and customer service orientation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Kirkland & Ellis

✨Showcase Your Research Skills

Be prepared to discuss your previous research experience in detail. Highlight specific projects where you successfully used various research tools and methodologies, especially those mentioned in the job description like Westlaw Edge and Lexis+ UK.

✨Demonstrate Critical Thinking

During the interview, be ready to explain how you approach research requests. Discuss your thought process in analysing requests and selecting the most effective resources, as this is a key part of the role.

✨Communicate Clearly

Since presenting research results clearly is crucial, practice articulating your findings succinctly. Use examples from your past work to illustrate how you’ve communicated complex information effectively.

✨Emphasise Teamwork and Independence

The role requires both independent work and collaboration. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams, as well as instances where you took initiative on your own, to show you can thrive in both environments.

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