Purpose

• Information is one of Linklaters’ key assets and, as such, needs to be developed and exploited in order to generate further value for the firm. 

• The Information & Research team are key in ensuring that this value is realised through the effective collection, collation and exploitation of both internal knowhow and external materials. 

• The role of the Information & Research Advisor is to ensure the efficient and effective provision of Information & Research services to both the Practice and Business Teams, as part of Linklaters’ global information team and aligned to business plans and the firmwide strategy.

• The information provision includes researching legal topics and commercial, sector and client-related research, particularly for Business Development activities. 

Key Dimensions

• Research and Enquiry Service

  • on legal and commercial topics

  • including the ability to locate, interpret, summarise and package up information about clients, markets, industries and sectors

• Maintain and develop a comprehensive current awareness service to support practice needs and business development activities

• Provision of training, promotion of products and sharing of best practice for the tools available

• Professional development of self and others

Key responsibilities and challenges

• To provide high quality, value-add and cost-effective information services to support legal and business research needs in home office or practice group, and across the firm

• To work closely with the Head of Information & Research, Asia and/or assigned member of the Leadership Team to ensure activities and improvements to service are in line with the strategic direction for Information & Research

• To sell and promote the I&R offering to members of the practice / office

• To contribute to, and participate in, global networks, in order to share best practice and implement agreed policies and practices for information management

Research and enquiry management

• Act as point of contact for fee earner and Business Teams research queries.

• Direct people to intranet pages, online sources, guide them to books, journals, looseleafs and reference materials through use of the library online catalogue.

• Research and exploit internal and external information resources to answer legal and business information enquiries

• Record all queries received (via enquiry management system) to ensure consistency of response and to leverage best practice.

Information Procurement

• Collection management and procurement (books, journals, materials and online services) utilising global catalogue system

• Administration related to joiner/leaver processes eg updating of distribution lists, collection of materials etc

• Assist with preparation of budget and monitor ongoing expenditure for information unit and practice groups

• Promote services to members of the practice / office to ensure effective use of new and existing services

Current Awareness

• Keep abreast of current developments in practice / sector / jurisdiction to inform users.

• Support the timely delivery of tailored legal and business news, using Newsdesk and other current awareness tools

• Highlight items for sharing in wider Information & Research team forums.

Training and investment in information resources

• Participate in delivery of training and ongoing promotion to new joiners and others on information services and systems.

• Train fee earners and other interested parties in the use of information tools and other available resources.

• Provide guidance and share skills on how to conduct research to ensure best use of information sources available (to both immediate team and wider networks)

Professional development

• Develop subject matter and technical expertise in all aspects of business and legal research

• Promote work of Information & Research teams locally through attendance at relevant practice/office meetings.

• Contribute to learning and development of self and for Information & Research teams globally and locally.

• Share best practice and skills with other members of Information & Research teams locally and globally.

• Network with other Information professionals and represent the firm at appropriate events.

• Provide feedback for other members of Information & Research services teams as appropriate (e.g. as part of Performance Management).

Characteristics, Skills & Experience required

Character

• Good interpersonal skills

• Good communication skills – written and verbal

• Influencing skills

• Creative and open to new ideas

• Multi-tasker with pragmatic approach

• Team player

Education / Qualification

• Graduate

• Information- or library-related Qualification

• Broad understanding of legal issues (desirable)

Languages

• English

• Mandarin

Practical experience

• Experience of providing a variety of information and research services in a professional services organisation

• Evidence of specific achievements in effective information service management

Office skills

• Advanced technical skills to use and develop office and information systems effectively

Commercial Skills

• Ability to prioritise in a dynamic and fast-moving environment

• Ability to think with a global mindset

• Understanding of how a business operates to strategies and business plans

• Customer service awareness