Director of Research Services

About the job

Position Summary:

Leads the Firm’s research services across all offices. Delivers responsive legal and business research, develops reusable practice knowledge, and advances practical technology and AI-enabled workflows that improve lawyer efficiency and client service. Reports to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Department Management:

• Hires, supervises and develops departmental staff; defines roles, allocates resources, and maintains effective policies and procedures.

• Sets priorities with the COO and practice leaders, coordinates with Information Systems and other departments, and reports on service quality, resource use, adoption, knowledge reuse and measurable time saved.

• Evaluates selective outsourcing for overflow, after-hours research and routine data support. Proposes limited pilots for approval using anonymized requests and agreed accuracy, source citation, turnaround, confidentiality, staffing and escalation standards; retains strategy, intake, quality control and lawyer relationships within the Firm.

Research & Client Service:

• Oversees and conducts legal and business research, due diligence, docket monitoring and current awareness, maintaining practice-specific expertise and ensuring timely, authoritative and accurate results.

• Provides competitive, market and industry intelligence to support client pitches, firm growth and lateral hiring; coordinates research support for Business Development, Conflicts and the Managing Attorney’s Office.

• Advises attorneys and staff on effective research strategies and the most authoritative and cost-efficient resources.

Budget, Resources & Vendor Management:

• Develops and manages the departmental budget, monitors expenditures and resource utilization, and oversees cost recovery for research time and disbursements.

• Negotiates and manages research and knowledge-resource contracts within the Firm’s approval procedures, coordinating with General Counsel and Information Systems as appropriate.

• Selects and maintains print and digital resources aligned with practice needs and budget priorities; oversees library space planning, copyright and license compliance, and departmental disaster recovery and emergency-response responsibilities.

Knowledge Management, Technology & Innovation:

• Works with practice leaders to curate precedent libraries, clause banks, matter experience and attorney expertise; maintains taxonomies, metadata, contribution and review processes, and appropriate access and confidentiality controls.

• Partners with practice leaders and Information Systems to standardize templates and develop document automation, repeatable workflows and self-service tools for lawyers and, where approved, clients.

• Oversees research systems, the library catalog and intranet resources; works with Information Systems to improve enterprise search, system integration and access to internal knowledge.

• Evaluates and pilots legal technology and generative AI tools against practice needs, using lawyer feedback to guide adoption. Coordinates security, confidentiality, source verification, quality review and lawyer oversight of substantive outputs.

Training, Communication & Professional Development:

• Provides orientation and training on research, knowledge resources and approved technology, including cost-effective use and output review; coordinates related CLE and staff development.

• Promotes resources and services, gathers user feedback, and stays current on legal, research and technology developments through professional networks and continuing education.

Position Specific Skills and Requirements:

• Strong interpersonal, written and presentation skills; ability to build effective relationships with lawyers, practice leaders and administrative teams.

• Experience negotiating vendor agreements and managing vendor performance.

• Ability to organize practice knowledge and evaluate and implement research, knowledge management and AI-enabled tools.

• Strong service orientation, teamwork and ability to work effectively under pressure.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills.

• Project and change management skills, including the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, drive adoption and measure results.

• Flexibility to work additional hours as necessary.

Education and General Requirements:

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school or MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited school.

• 10+ years of law firm experience with 3+ years of department managerial experience.

• Comprehensive knowledge of legal and non-legal information resources.

• Experience leading research services, knowledge management or legal technology initiatives and cross-functional adoption projects preferred.

• Hybrid Work: Minimum of three days/week in the NY Office (required)

• Target Salary Range: $200,000-$235,000

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Salary Range
$200,000 — $235,000 USD