Description

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with 48 offices in 28 countries worldwide.

Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimize your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE AND STRUCTURE
As part of the global Research and Library function, the US Research and Library group has primary responsibility for supporting US-based attorneys, management and support staff in respect of their research and resource requirements. Research work encompasses news, legal, business and financial work whilst Library tasks include the management of US office information budgets and ready access and delivery of resources. The team works closely with the global team based primarily in the UK to ensure seamless support to all US attorneys.

ROLE PURPOSE
The Research Analyst is a key member of the US Research & Library team supporting attorneys and business professionals across all practice areas. Reporting to either the Transactions Research Manager or the Litigation Research Manager, Research Analysts are generalists with the ability to deliver expert-level research in both litigation and transactional/corporate matters. Analysts are expected to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in legal and business research, leverage emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, and contribute to the continuous improvement and professional development of the team.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• US Research Team, including the Litigation and Transactional Research Managers
  Finance Teams (US, London, and Belfast)
  Global Research and Library Leadership Team
  Knowledge Team
  Business Development Team
  Information Technology Team
  Attorneys and Practice Group Leaders (across all practice areas)
  Legal Assistants and other business professionals

JOB DESCRIPTION

CONTEXT
The Research Analyst is a core contributor to the US Research and Library team, providing high-level legal, business, and competitive intelligence research across all practice areas. Operating in a fast-paced, global law firm environment, Analysts support attorneys and business professionals by delivering expert research in both litigation and transactional matters. They collaborate closely with the Litigation and Transactional Research Managers, the global Research and Library leadership team, and colleagues in Finance, Knowledge, and Business Development. Analysts are expected to stay current with emerging technologies and advanced research methodologies, contributing to knowledge management, training, and the continuous improvement of research services. This role demands intellectual agility, strong communication skills, and a commitment to excellence, ensuring seamless support and insight generation across the firm.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide expert legal, business, and competitive intelligence research and analysis to attorneys, business services teams, and other firm stakeholders across all practice areas, including but not limited to litigation, corporate/transactional, intellectual property, finance, and regulatory matters.
  Conduct complex research using a wide range of online and print resources, including but not limited to: Lexis+, Westlaw Precision, Bloomberg Law, Bloomberg Financial Terminal, and Intelligize,
  Utilize and champion artificial intelligence tools such as Harvey AI, Copilot, and AI features in Lexis and Westlaw to enhance research efficiency, accuracy, and insight generation.
  Apply advanced research methodologies, including AI-assisted prompt engineering, to streamline legal research queries, regulatory tracking, and due diligence analysis.
  Retrieve, analyze, and synthesize information from SEC filings, precedent agreements, analyst reports, financial statistics, and projections on corporations, industries, and nations.
  Conduct in-depth due diligence and background research on individuals and corporate entities, including competitive intelligence and risk analysis.
  Perform comprehensive state and federal legislative, regulatory, and government document research; monitor legal industry developments and curate intelligence for internal distribution.
  Research complex IP litigation case filings, precedents, and conduct US and international intellectual property searches, including scientific publications and patent literature.
  Create and manage alerts for SEC filings, regulatory releases, legislation, litigation, and news.
  Coordinate and organize case pulls, interlibrary loan requests, and maintain complete transactional records.
  Author internal bulletins, guides, and training materials on legal and business research developments and resources.
  Train attorneys and staff on the effective use of research databases, AI tools, and internet resources; participate in onboarding and ongoing professional development initiatives.
  Collaborate with managers and team members to develop and maintain knowledge management resources, including intranet content and know-how databases.
  Collaborate actively not only with colleagues across the United States but also with U.K. and international research and library teams. This includes partnering with the U.K. Desk to extend research coverage and capacity, ensuring seamless, high-quality support for the firm’s global needs and fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and teamwork across borders.
  Participate in the evaluation, selection, and implementation of new research tools and resources, including AI-driven solutions.
  Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism in all client and firm matters.
  Provide reference coverage as needed, including after-hours, weekend, and holiday support.
  

Requirements

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in legal and business research, preferably in a law firm or corporate legal environment
  Master of Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program preferred or equivalent professional experience.
  Demonstrated expertise in both litigation and corporate/transactional research, with the ability to handle complex, multi-jurisdictional requests.
  Advanced proficiency with a broad range of legal, business, and competitive intelligence databases and research platforms.
  Experience with artificial intelligence tools for legal research, including prompt engineering and workflow optimization.
  Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to distill and present complex information clearly and concisely.
  Ability to work independently and collaboratively, prioritize multiple projects, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  Strong commitment to cross-regional collaboration, including coordination with U.K. and international research teams to support global coverage and promote knowledge-sharing.
  Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, including participation in training, webinars, and professional associations.
  High level of initiative, attention to detail, and customer service orientation. 
  Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and other firm applications.

Equal Employment Opportunity, including Veterans and Disability 

A&O Shearman is an equal opportunity employer, including Veterans and Disability. Every individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment. This policy applies to all aspects of an individual’s relationship with A&O Shearman, including, without limitation, recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

If you are vision-impaired or have another disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law and wish to discuss accommodations related to applying for employment at A&O Shearman, please contact US HR Transactions at US-HRTransactions@aoshearman.com or call +1 212 610 6300 and ask for HR Transactions.

This role can be based in our New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, or Texas offices. For individuals assigned to or hired for this opportunity in New York, the estimated annualized base salary range for this position is $113,000 - $134,000. For individuals assigned to or hired for this opportunity in Washington, D.C., the estimated annualized base salary range for this position is $105,000 - $127,000. For individuals assigned to or hired for this opportunity in Boston, the estimated annualized base salary range for this position is $106,000 - $126,000. For individuals assigned to or hired for this opportunity in Texas, the estimated annualized base salary range for this position is $101,000 - $127,000. The actual base salary offered will depend on the overall qualifications of the individual applicant for the position and other job-related factors permitted by law. We offer competitive compensation and benefits package which includes a discretionary bonus, paid leave, life, health, accident, and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan.