Synonyms: Legal Research Librarian, Legal Information Specialist
Law librarians manage and organize legal resources, assist in legal research, and provide support to lawyers, judges, students, and legal professionals by helping them find the necessary legal information and materials. They often curate and maintain legal databases and resources.
$64,370 annually or $30.95 per hour.
Law librarians typically work in law schools, law firms, courthouses, or government agencies, usually maintaining regular office hours with some flexibility depending on deadlines and specific research needs.
A master’s degree in library science (MLS or MLIS) with a focus on legal research is typically required. Some positions may also require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
The future for law librarians is bright, with the occupation expected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032.
If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Kimball Boone to learn more about being a law librarian here!
Law librarians generally work regular office hours, but deadlines or urgent legal research requests may occasionally require extra time.
Works in law schools, law firms, courthouses, or government institutions, often in a library or research center setting with access to digital legal databases.
Organize and manage legal resources, assist with legal research, curate legal databases, provide training on legal research tools, and support legal professionals with case-related materials.
Legal research methods, case law, statutory law, legal databases, copyright law, legal education, legal history, public records, research ethics, and information management.
Strong research skills, familiarity with legal databases, excellent organization, attention to detail, and clear communication.
Legal databases (LexisNexis, Westlaw), citation management software, online public access catalogs (OPAC), and library management systems.
Excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, ability to conduct thorough and accurate research, clear communication, and adaptability to new technologies.
Enjoys conducting legal research, organizing and managing complex information systems, and working with legal professionals to provide critical resources.
Typically have investigative, conventional, and social personality types, with a methodical approach to research and a passion for helping others access information.
Accuracy, knowledge sharing, research excellence, legal education, and supporting justice through access to information.
*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.
A master’s degree in library science (MLS or MLIS) with coursework focused on legal research. Some law librarians may also hold a Juris Doctor (JD) to deepen their legal knowledge.
Pursuing majors in library science, legal studies, information science, law, archival studies, and public administration can be helpful.
Go to library school, then go to law school. Get supervisory experience. A good background and education can set you up for success.
Combine relevant education, such as library or law school, with volunteering at law firms or law libraries to gain experience and accelerate your transition, especially if you lack formal experience.
Kimball recommends looking into:
“Set goals, invest in employer retirement plans when applicable, and continue loving people and nurturing relationships both at home and in the office. We’re all on life’s journey together, and we need each other to make it the best. Each of us is unique, and we complement one another along the way.”
Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 11 September 2024.
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