Director of Library and Research Services
(Nationwide, Full-time, Remote)
Fisher Phillips, a premier international labor and employment law firm, is seeking a highly skilled and visionary Director of Library and Research Services to lead our award-winning and innovative Library and Research Department. In this dynamic role, you will be instrumental in ensuring the seamless operation of our services, which provide exceptional support for client service and uphold our commitment to excellence. The Director will report directly to the firm’s Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Advocacy
- Lead, mentor, and inspire the Research Team to foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance work environment.
- Supervise, develop, and evaluate department staff, ensuring alignment with departmental and firm goals.
- Spearhead the recruitment, hiring, and training of new team members to support the department’s ongoing growth and success.
- Act as an advocate for the Research Team, ensuring the team’s objectives align with broader firm strategies.
- Build strong, proactive relationships with Practice and Industry Groups, Administrative leaders, and peers to drive research and information initiatives firm-wide.
- Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging technologies, and vendor products to maintain an innovative research function.
- Represent the department at internal and external events to enhance the firm’s brand and promote thought leadership on research topics.
Research & Information Management
- Oversee firm-wide research services, delivering top-tier legal and non-legal research across a range of tools and technologies, including traditional, online, and Generative AI resources.
- Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of both print and electronic resources to enhance legal research capabilities.
- Direct the development and management of an intuitive intranet page to facilitate easy access to critical information.
- Oversee management of site licenses and legal research databases, ensuring cost-effectiveness and optimal service delivery.
- Provide strategic direction in organizing internal data to improve accessibility and usability across the firm.
- Monitor and distribute timely legal and industry information from a variety of sources.
- Market library services and advocate for the efficient use of research tools firm-wide.
- Facilitate training programs to enhance research skills and information literacy among legal and non-legal staff.
Budget & Vendor Management
- Develop and manage the department’s budget, ensuring cost controls and efficient allocation of resources.
- Collaborate with the Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer to negotiate vendor pricing and licensing agreements, optimizing cost savings and resource value.
- Maintain productive vendor relationships to guarantee continuous service quality and innovation.
Requirements
- A Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS, MLS), Juris Doctor (JD), or equivalent experience in legal research or information management.
- 10+ years of experience in law firm or corporate legal research, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role within a law firm setting (experience in Big Law or a similar environment preferred).
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and build high-performing teams.
- Strong strategic planning skills, with experience aligning library services to meet firm-wide goals.
- Experience managing budgets and overseeing vendor relationships and contract negotiations.
- Expertise in using legal and business research tools, including Westlaw Precision, Bloomberg Law, Lex Machina, LexisNexis, HeinOnline, and more.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Strong knowledge of library practices, resource management, and data accessibility.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
- Demonstrated ability to train and educate staff on research best practices and resource usage.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in a fast-paced, high-pressure legal environment.
The salary range for this position is $125,000 - $150,000. Actual base pay within this range will be determined by several components, including but not limited to, location, relevant experience, internal equity, skills, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Why Join Us
At Fisher Phillips, we recognize that exceptional talent is the foundation of our success, enabling us to deliver outstanding service to both our internal and external clients. Joining our team means collaborating in a professional yet dynamic environment that leverages cutting-edge technology. Our leadership is committed to fostering your professional growth and providing opportunities to challenge yourself in meaningful ways.
We believe in rewarding talent with more than just a competitive salary. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with profit sharing, generous paid time off, and holidays.
Your well-being is our priority. We offer 24/7 telehealth services, a variety of wellness programs, and additional optional benefits designed to support your unique lifestyle. At Fisher Phillips, you’ll find a workplace that values your health, happiness, and continued professional development.
Candidates interested in applying must reside in a state where the firm has an existing office. To learn more about our firm, visit us at www.fisherphillips.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Fisher Phillips is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, or any other protected status, in compliance with all applicable laws.
The statements in this position description are not necessarily all-inclusive. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.
Relocation costs are not covered. We are only accepting direct applicants; third-party recruiters or agencies will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please.