Senior Research Analyst

Position Overview

As part of the Research & Knowledge Services department, the Senior Research Analyst position at Vinson & Elkins is responsible for providing high-level research on legal and non-legal topics to attorneys and staff in all locations. This role also involves training attorneys and staff on electronic resources, evaluating the value and benefit of current and proposed resources, leading departmental initiatives, and creating, adding, and organizing content on the firm’s intranet.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary

• Conduct all facets of legal and non-legal research using appropriate print and online sources, collaborating with other Research Analysts to provide quality coverage to all offices.
• Lead special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Director of Research & Knowledge Services.
• Train attorneys and staff on cost-efficient use of electronic resources and lead formal orientations of department services to new hires.
• Schedule regular individual and group trainings on firm resources, alerting users to changes and enhancements in products.
• Create online research guides on various subjects, organizing and enhancing content to assist users in finding information on the firm’s intranet and ILS portal.
• Evaluate new products as necessary and make recommendations for the purchase of resources based on the needs of practice areas and business development.
• Work with the RKS Operations Manager to identify possible new acquisitions, changes to print needs, and assist with the weeding and maintenance of office libraries.
• Assist with maintaining subscription access information and ensuring compliance with license agreements.
• Keep abreast of new technologies and resources, particularly those dealing with artificial intelligence and document automation.
• Work with contract and part-time assistants to ensure print resources are maintained.

Secondary

• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as may be assigned.

Working Conditions

This role may be performed in a remote environment within commuting distance to a Vinson & Elkins office for occasional visits. Preferred working hours are 9:30 AM to approximately 6:00 or 7:00 PM CT. Work outside of regular office hours (including nights, weekends, holidays) is occasionally required.

Minimum Qualification

Education

• Master of Library Science or Information Studies from an accredited university; J.D., or commensurate experience.

Experience

• Seven years of research experience in a law firm, corporate, or academic law library.

Special Knowledge

• Understanding of legal, business, electronic information sources, and research methods.
• Knowledge of online legal and non-legal services, service providers, and library operations.

Technical Skills

• Familiarity with library catalog software, legal research resources, and SharePoint.
• Proficient in Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law, Capital IQ, Intelligize, VitalLaw, and Deal Point Data.

Attributes

• Ability to answer requests in a timely manner; gather, analyze, and deliver information quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
• Capable of working with a diverse client base and adapting to practice group changes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to prioritize and organize effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Ability to work well and deal tactfully with people in high-pressure situations.

Key skills/competency

• Legal Research
• Business Research
• Electronic Resources
• Information Management
• Training & Development
• SharePoint
• Westlaw & Lexis
• Bloomberg Law
• Capital IQ
• Intranet Content Management