Research Services Librarian - (Flexible Schedule)

Location: Elkins Park
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

US Job Description Firm Information Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions and regulatory matters. Our team of 3,000 people (including more than 1,600 lawyers) across more than 30 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, operate as one global partnership to drive progress for our clients, for ourselves and for our communities. Position Summary The Research Services Librarian is responsible for delivering 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, individuals in this role use traditional and online resources to interpret complex requests, recommend appropriate tools, and provide cost-effective, tailored research in support of client needs. This role 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 Conducts 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. Applies 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. Interprets research requests, determines appropriate tools or methodologies, and advises requestors on available resources to meet project requirements. Develops subject matter expertise in one or more areas of legal research and contributes to the development of best practices for those areas. Designs and delivers high-quality research training and education programs for attorneys and staff, both in-person and virtually. Accurately records and reports research activity using InTapp and Quest to meet internal deadlines and support cost recovery efforts by the department. Provides orientation to the firm’s research services, resources, and policies for new attorneys. Manages local office print collection changes in coordination with the Research Services Manager, including weeding, shifting, consolidations, and other physical maintenance activities. Provides backup research support to other U.S. offices, including occasional coverage outside of regular business hours to ensure seamless service across time zones. Serves as a senior resource and escalation point for Research Services Specialists; provides mentorship and cross-office coverage support as needed. Stays current with developments in legal research tools, emerging technologies, and industry trends to continuously enhance service offerings. Oversees and supports complex document delivery, docket, and case retrieval requests using Quest and other tools, particularly when specialized expertise is required. Performs 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 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: This represents the presently-anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith’s pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience. Houston, Miami, Austin, Dallas: $81,000 - $93,000 Philadelphia and Chicago: $86,000 - $102,000 Princeton: $92,000 - $108,000 Employee Benefits Overview Our comprehensive benefits package includes: 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.

Keywords: , West Orange , Research Services Librarian - (Flexible Schedule), Legal , Elkins Park, New Jersey