Risk Mitigation Research Manager

Risk Mitigation Research Manager

The Risk Mitigation Research Manager leads a team of research professionals responsible for conducting public records investigations into individuals and entities on behalf of firm clients and for the firm's internal risk management purposes. This role combines hands-on investigative research with team leadership, quality oversight, and stakeholder management. The Manager reports to the Director of Business Research and works closely with attorneys, professional staff, and firm leadership across practice groups and offices to advance client objectives and support the firm's risk management posture.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Team Leadership and Management : The Manager directly supervises a team of Investigative Research Analysts and Senior Analysts, providing day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and professional development support. The Manager is responsible for workload allocation, performance management, and fostering a collaborative team culture. This includes conducting regular one-on-one meetings, annual performance reviews, and identifying training and development opportunities for team members.
• Investigative Research and Quality Assurance : The Manager oversees the quality and accuracy of investigative research products, including background investigations, due diligence reports, and asset searches. The Manager reviews and approves work product as needed before delivery to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that research is thorough, well-sourced, clearly written, and compliant with applicable legal and ethical standards. The Manager also maintains personal proficiency in public records research and conducts complex or sensitive investigations as needed.
• Client and Stakeholder Engagement : The Manager serves as a primary point of contact for attorneys and clients seeking investigative research services. This includes scoping research requests, setting expectations regarding timelines and deliverables, and communicating findings in a clear and actionable manner.
• Process Improvement and Technology : The Manager identifies opportunities to improve team workflows, research methodologies, and technology tools. This includes implementation of AI technologies in team workflows, evaluating new databases, platforms, and research technologies; developing and updating standard operating procedures; and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Compliance and Risk Management : The Manager ensures that all investigative research activities comply with firm policies, client guidelines, and applicable laws and regulations, including data privacy requirements. The Manager also supports firm-wide risk management initiatives, including lateral hire due diligence, client intake, and conflicts processes as needed.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS: Other duties and projects, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS (EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES): Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (J.D., M.L.S., or related field) preferred. Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of experience conducting public records research, investigative due diligence, or business intelligence investigations, preferably in a law firm, corporate investigations firm, or professional services environment, with at least two years of direct supervisory or management experience preferred. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Expert-level proficiency with public records databases (e.g., Westlaw PeopleMap, LexisNexis Accurint, TLO, IDICore), court records systems (PACER, state court portals), corporate filings, and open-source research techniques. Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information from multiple sources and produce clear, accurate, and well-organized written reports. Strong understanding of legal and ethical considerations in investigative research, including data privacy, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and related regulations. Experience working in an Am Law 100 or Am Law 200 law firm preferred. Familiarity with international public records research and cross-border investigations preferred. Experience with lateral partner due diligence, client intake, or conflicts processes preferred. Leadership: Ability to motivate, develop, and retain a high-performing team. Analytical Thinking: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex findings to diverse audiences. Client Service Orientation: Commitment to responsiveness, professionalism, and delivering high-quality work product. Judgment and Discretion: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of integrity. Adaptability: Comfort with shifting priorities, tight deadlines, and evolving client needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This job operates in a clerical, office setting and offers a hybrid work arrangement. Some travel may be required. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sedentary work: Exertion of physical strength to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 10 pounds. Work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS The salary range for this position reflects a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, education, licensure and/or certifications, geographic location, market demands and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for a position. A reasonable estimate of the current range for this position is $115,000 to $160,000.