Senior Research Analyst

Job Description WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout 12 offices in the United States and Europe. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain committed to our guiding principles of providing quality, excellent legal and client services; developing diversity among our lawyers and staff and cultivating an environment that promotes an ambitious spirit, collaboration and collegiality by drawing on the extraordinary talents and dynamic experience of our lawyers. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities in which we practice. About the Role The Senior Research Analyst provides advanced research support to the Firm's attorneys and business professionals by delivering high‑value legal, business, and industry research across all practice areas. In addition to handling complex and high‑risk research requests, the Senior Research Analyst serves as a leader in AI‑enabled research, mentoring team members, guiding attorneys on responsible and effective use of AI tools, and helping shape research workflows, standards, and best practices. This role plays a critical part in sustaining research quality, driving innovation, and supporting firmwide strategic initiatives. What You Will Be Doing * Deliver complex, high‑stakes legal and business research for attorneys and senior firm leadership using a wide range of digital and print resources; bill research time to client matters as appropriate. * Serve as a lead research resource for assigned practice groups, business professional teams, or strategic initiatives, providing subject‑matter expertise and consultative support. * Act as a subject‑matter expert and internal leader in AI‑powered research tools, guiding attorneys on effective and responsible adoption, validating AI‑generated outputs, and advising on appropriate use cases. * Mentor and train Research Analysts, including coaching on advanced research techniques, AI‑assisted research workflows, quality standards, and professional development. * Support onboarding and ongoing education for attorneys, including AI research training, best practices, and risk awareness. * Monitor news, litigation activity, and legislative and regulatory developments; lead or contribute to alerts, updates, newsletters, and internal communications. * Maintain advanced knowledge of the library's digital platforms, print collections, interlibrary loan networks, and document delivery services; demonstrate deep proficiency in search strategy, database functionality, and licensing considerations. * Participate in and often lead evaluation of research tools, including pilots, product comparisons, vendor discussions, feedback analysis, and preparation of recommendations for leadership. * Partner closely with the Director and Research & Reference Services Manager on departmental strategy, process improvements, AI governance, and special projects. * Provide coverage for email monitoring and ensure adherence to internal workflows, service standards, and request‑handling procedures. * Demonstrates a strong commitment to professionalism, delivering high-quality service, and maintaining a positive, solution-oriented ("can-do") approach. Effectively supports internal departments, external clients, and vendors through clear, courteous communication via electronic correspondence, telephone, and in-person interactions. Required Skills What You Will Bring to This Position * Advanced working knowledge of print and digital legal research platforms, business information databases, and research methodologies. * Advanced proficiency with AI‑powered research tools, including generative AI and analytics platforms, with demonstrated ability to validate outputs, mitigate risk, and design effective AI‑assisted research workflows. * Ability to train, mentor, and guide others in both traditional and AI‑enabled research techniques. * Strong judgment and analytical skills, with the ability to assess research risk, escalate issues appropriately, and advise attorneys on research strategy. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and build trust with attorneys and senior stakeholders. * Highly organized, with strong time‑management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Required Experience Education * BA/BS required. * JD, MLS, or MLIS required. Experience * 5+ years of progressively responsible research experience required. * Experience in a large law firm or comparable professional services environment, strongly preferred. * Demonstrated experience mentoring junior researchers or leading research initiatives, preferred. Why Join Us? * A values driven firm that fosters collaboration and respect * The hiring range for this position is $112,880 - $141,100 annually, with final compensation based on experience, qualifications and internal equity. * This position is eligible for a Hybrid Schedule * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * 401(k) with company match and profit-sharing options * Paid time off and holidays * For additional information about our benefits, please click here Our Commitment Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (WilmerHale) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting employment discrimination. It is our policy to take all employment actions and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability, military status, status as a disabled or other protected veteran, or any other protected status under applicable law. WilmerHale will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and otherwise as required by applicable law. For more information about Equal Employment Opportunity, please click here. #L1-MB1 #L1-Hybrid This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees in the position. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills for positions. The firm reserves the right at all times, in its sole discretion, to add or subtract duties and responsibilities, as it deems necessary. Job Location Palo Alto, California, United States Position Type Full-Time/Regular Salary 112,880.00 - 141,100.00 USD