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Legal Research Specialist

Freshfields


Job Location:

San Francisco, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 130000 - 150000
Posted: 19 September 2026 (10 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 17 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Overview of the Function

Freshfields US LLP is a major international law firm providing business law advice of the highest quality. Freshfields Library & Information Services team is a key part of the firms Knowledge function and plays a critical role in ensuring that our lawyers and business services colleagues have access to comprehensive knowledge collections high-quality research support and the tools they need to serve clients effectively.

Library & Information Services is responsible for managing the firms external research resources responding to research requests guiding colleagues in their use of research tools supporting internal knowledge collections and coordinating research database training.

Role summary/purpose of job

This is an opportunity to join a highly respected global law firm and contribute directly to the work of lawyers handling complex high-profile matters. The Legal Research Specialist will have the chance to work across practice areas develop broad subject matter knowledge and use a wide range of legal business and emerging technology tools.

You will be joining a team that values responsiveness collaboration accuracy professional growth and practical problem-solving. The role offers variety intellectual challenge and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the firms client service and knowledge capabilities.

Freshfields follows a hybrid work policy where employees are expected to be in the office at least three days per week.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

  • Provide legal and business research support to attorneys and staff across all firm practice areas.
  • Conduct legal research across federal state and international jurisdictions including case law court documents SEC filings precedent agreements financial data and statutory and regulatory research.
  • Analyze results and deliver accurate reliable and clearly presented work product responsive to the needs of lawyers and clients.
  • Manage multiple concurrent research requests prioritize effectively and consistently meet tight deadlines.
  • Use AI-powered and traditional research tools with sound judgment validating results and clearly communicating the basis for research conclusions.
  • Monitor legal and business developments across the firms practice areas and create current awareness alerts.
  • Contribute content to the Librarys intranet site (SharePoint).
  • Assist with training attorneys and staff on effective use of research databases AI tools and other information resources.
  • Evaluate new and existing information resources and make recommendations based on quality coverage usability and value.
  • Remain current on research techniques legal technology and best practices through firm training vendor programs professional associations and other development opportunities.

Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)

Essential

  • 3 years of experience working in a law firm corporate legal department financial institution professional services firm or similar environment in a library research or knowledge management role.
  • Strong legal and business research skills with the ability to handle questions across multiple practice areas.
  • Experience using major legal and business research platforms such as Westlaw Lexis Bloomberg Law Practical Law Intelligize Deal Point Data VitalLaw RBSource PACER Lexology Bloomberg terminal Capital IQ FactSet PitchBook and Jus Mundi among others.
  • Confidence learning and using new research technologies including AI-powered legal research tools.
  • Strong customer service and engagement skills with the ability to build trusted working relationships with attorneys and business services colleagues at all levels.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a small collaborative team with minimal day-to-day supervision.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities stay organized under time pressure and deliver high-quality work on deadline.
  • Command of Microsoft Office 365.

Desirable

  • Degree in law library and information science information management or a related field preferred.
  • Understanding of knowledge management principles and tools.
  • Familiarity with litigation analytics docket monitoring and document management systems.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York and California Freshfields is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the States of New York and California and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $130000 to $150000.

EEO Statement
Freshfields US LLP is proud to be an equal employment employer. Our policies and practices will be free from unlawful discrimination based upon race color ethnicity religion creed sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) national origin citizenship immigration status ancestry age marital status protected veteran status military service disability medical condition genetic information sexual orientation gender identity or any basis prohibited under federal state or local law. We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices including sexual harassment.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Freshfields US LLP
Freshfields US LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability you may use the alternative email address below to contact us about your interest in employment at or you can send your resume to or you can call us at 1-.


Required Experience:

IC


About Company

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