Job Posting: Branch Librarian, Kansas & Wyoming Federal Court Libraries

The U.S. Federal Court Libraries is seeking an experienced librarian for a satellite position in Kansas City, KS. For more information, please visit the Court’s website at https://www.ca10.uscourts.gov/hr/jobs/branch-librarian.

LOCATION: Kansas City, KS 

SALARY RANGE: KS: CL 27/1 ($58,939) – CL 28/61 ($114,850) 

OPEN DATES: May 31, 2024 

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled. Preference given to applications received by June 14, 2024. 

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Branch Librarian for the Kansas and Wyoming Libraries manages and maintains law libraries and provides research and reference services to federal judges and judiciary staff in the Kansas City and Cheyenne courthouses and throughout the Districts of Kansas and Wyoming. The Branch Librarian works with the Circuit Librarian and other Research and Reference Librarians circuit-wide to develop and deliver training and educational programs to court staff and to provide online reference and research services (including Westlaw, Lexis-Nexis, OCLC, SIRSI ILS, and the judiciary intranet). The librarian is expected to perform outreach, be comfortable with emerging technologies, improve access to online databases and Internet resources, and provide training. The librarian may perform chambers collection maintenance, as needed. The librarian works as part of a collaborative team on library-wide issues and projects with other librarians in the Circuit. Additional duties as assigned. This position reports to the Associate Circuit Librarian in Denver and will supervise Library Technicians in Kansas City and Cheyenne. 

REQUIREMENTS: Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution; JD from an ABA-accredited law school; at least three years of professional law library experience (previous supervisory experience preferred); solid online research skills (including Lexis, Westlaw, and the Internet) and familiarity with both print and electronic resources; experience working with instructional technology and multi-media formats; excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including willingness to make presentations, conduct training sessions, and work in a team environment. Additional duties as assigned. Travel within the circuit may be required. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States. Excepted service appointments are “at will” and may be terminated by either the court or the employee at any time. Appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation. Employees are subject to the Judicial Code of Conduct. Direct deposit of pay required. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Submit cover letter, resume, and Application for Judicial Employment as a single PDF to HR@ca10.uscourts.gov. In subject line, reference vacancy announcement #24L08. 

THE FEDERAL COURTS ARE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Job Posting: Research Coordinator @ Arnold & Porter

Candidates can apply through our website at https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/careers/professional-staff/current-opportunities/research-services/research-coordinator

Research Coordinator

Research Services

The Research Services Department of Arnold & Porter has an opening for a Research Coordinator to join our energetic, creative, and global service team. This position may work 100% virtual/remote in a firm approved U.S. state working Pacific or Mountain Time hours. 
Under the direction of the firmwide Research Services management team, the Research Coordinator performs on demand reference and document research services across a wide range of subject areas using a variety of print and electronic resources, including free and fee-based databases and web sites. In addition, the Research Coordinator supports the delivery of services to departments, including Conflicts, the Managing Attorney’s Office, and Marketing.  

Essential responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Performing on demand reference and document research services across a wide range of subject areas using a variety of print and electronic resources, including free and fee-based databases and web sites.
  • Serving as primary researcher in support of due diligence service for the Conflicts Department.
  • Working with the Research Workflow Supervisor to design and implement new research services to the firm’s professional departments, including the Managing Attorney’s Office, Practice Support Services, and Marketing.
  • Actively participating in department and other internal firm meetings.   

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree required; enrollment in a Master’s in Library Science or equivalent degree from an ALA accredited school is a plus.  
  • A minimum of one year of experience providing on demand reference in a law library. Experience working in any professional department within a large law firm is a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to make cost-effective use of a wide range of print and online resources, including Westlaw, Lexis Advance, Law 360, Wolters Kluwer, and Bloomberg BNA. 
  • Comfortable using Microsoft Office applications, especially Word, Outlook, and Excel.
  • Familiarity with the Quest ticketing system is a plus.
  • Strong client service orientation.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, prioritizing multiple projects and assignments.
  • Ability to analyze, cull, and summarize search results. 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $60,000 to $72,000. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

Arnold & Porter is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy and childbirth (including breastfeeding and related medical conditions), age, marital or partnership status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family leave status, citizenship status, immigration status, ancestry, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations. Our Firm’s equal opportunity policy applies to all employment practices and terms and conditions, including, without limitation, recruitment, employment, assignment, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, disciplinary action and terminations. For purposes of the firm’s Anti-discrimination, Anti-harassment and Affirmative Action Policies, the term “race” includes, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks, and twists.

Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP endeavors to make www.arnoldporter.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Director of Support Staff Stephanie Denmark at +1 202.942.6068. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click EEO is the LAW and the Supplement poster.

Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP is an EO Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP uses E-Verify, which is a web-based system, to confirm the eligibility of our employees to work in the United States. As an E-Verify employer, we verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees by electronically matching information provided by employees on the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, against records available to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). We use E-Verify because we are a federal contractor containing the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) E-Verify clause. Please see the posters for details regarding E-Verify or contact Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP’s Human Resources Department for more information. E-Verify Participation Poster and Right-to-work Poster.

AALL Now Accepting Nominations for Emerging Leader Award

AALL is now accepting nominations for the Emerging Leader Award. This award recognizes newer members who have made significant contributions to the profession and have demonstrated the potential for leadership and continuing excellence.

Selection criteria include:

    • The nominee must be a member in good standing of AALL
    • The nominee must be in the first 10 years of law library experience
    • The nominee must not have previously received an Emerging Leader Award
    • The nominee must have made a significant contribution to the Association and/or the profession.
    • The nominee must have shown outstanding promise for continuing service and leadership. Specific examples of his/her continuing activities must be provided.

The nomination deadline is March 1st. Please email the nomination form and supporting documentation as a single PDF to Jennifer Wahl. Self-nomination by members is acceptable.

More details on the award, including a link to the Nomination Form, can be found here.

Please contact Darla Jackson if you have any questions about the award or the nomination process.

Job Posting: Senior Business & Legal Research Analyst @ Kutak Rock LLP

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Business & Legal Research Analyst, reporting to the Director of Knowledge Services, will provide expert legal and business research for the firm’s attorneys, paralegals, and administrative department. The person in the position must demonstrate initiative, a desire to learn new skills, be intellectually curious, and be willing to take ownership of projects. The successful candidate will have an initiative-taking approach to the provision of research services.

This position can be located in the following cities in which Kutak Rock has an office: Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO; Little Rock, AR: Minneapolis, MN; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; Scottsdale, AZ; Spokane, WA; and Washington, D.C.

RESPONSIBILITIES

– Provide expert legal and business research assistance to the attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff in a timely and efficient manner

– Maintain expert-level knowledge of internal resources and systems to enhance research deliverables

– Conduct in-depth research and analysis of companies, practice areas, geographic markets, and competitor law firms using a variety of online research tools, including data analysis of business and legal information and when needed the mining of raw data from dockets and other research databases

– Provide analysis and synthesis of research results and meaningful data visualization in the final work product

– Advise attorneys and paralegals on research strategy and resource selection to ensure research is accurate and conducted in the most efficient and cost-effective manner

– Handle Rule 506 Bad Actor research requests and provide an appropriate memorandum of searches and search findings

– Perform cite & quote checks of memorandums and briefs

– Contribute to the development and maintenance of intranet pages for Research Services, practice areas, and other administrative departments

– Manage current awareness alerts and track potential and current clients in multiple target markets and industries

– Assist in the development of training resources and training programs for attorneys and paralegals

– Participate in the ongoing evaluation of new research resources and processes

– Record and report research projects and time using InTapp and SydneyEnterprise in a manner that meets deadlines and provides meaningful ROI metrics

– Maintain library related resources if located in an office with a print collection

– Other projects as assigned by the Director of Knowledge Services

QUALIFICATIONS: Skills & Abilities

– Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize and complete projects within provided time limit

– Working knowledge of an integrated library system (e.g., SydneyEnterprise)

– Proficiency in a variety of research and analytics databases including Westlaw Edge or Westlaw Precision, Westlaw Litigation Analytics, including prior experience with Monitor Suite, Hoovers, Mergent, VitalLaw, Law.com Compass and PACER

– Strong analytical skills

– Intermediate to advanced skills using Microsoft Excel pivot tables and pivot charts to create dashboards

– Experience creating, maintaining, and publishing content to an intranet

– Good judgment in deciding the most appropriate resources to use for cost-effective research

– Clear, concise, and effective verbal and written communication skills

– Proven success as a service-oriented, initiative-taking, adaptable, responsible, and meticulous individual

– Ability to work independently and collaboratively, often with team members in other offices and/or time zones

– Willingness to assist with various administrative duties and projects as necessary

– Ability to regularly report to work on days and times scheduled

QUALIFICATIONS: Education & Experience

– Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or combination of Bachelor’s degree and certificate of paralegal studies

– 5+ years of experience in a law firm, academic or special library; law firm experience preferred

– Considerable experience conducting in-depth research and analysis of companies, practice areas, geographic markets, and competitor law firms

– Prior use of legal data analytics products, including Law.com Compass

Position Information

Salary Range: $70,000 – $85,000, commensurate with experience and work location

Position Status: Exempt

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Dependent Life, Disability, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance. Flexible Spending Plan. Health Savings Account. Fertility coverage assistance. Profit-Sharing and 401(k) Retirement benefits. Discretionary bonuses. Nine Paid Holidays per calendar year. Nine hours of paid time off accrued each month. Bereavement, jury duty, military leave. Employee Assistance Program. Tuition Reimbursement. Employee referral program. Back-Up Care. Domestic Partner Benefits. Commuting Benefits. Some of the foregoing benefits include Employer/Employee cost sharing.

Additional Information

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO).

About the Firm

Kutak Rock was formed in 1965 with a commitment to exceptional client service delivered with a collaborative, team-focused approach. Our founding charter commits the firm to “allow and encourage each individual within it to be a full person,” and we strive to offer an exceptional professional environment, intellectually challenging and engaging work in multiple disciplines, competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for training and career development. We are a leading national law firm with locations in 19 cities united by our common commitment to our core values of client service; integrity and fairness; innovation; and inclusiveness and diversity.

We are dedicated to the maintenance of a respectful, collegial, communicative, and equal opportunity workplace that encourages and rewards innovation and entrepreneurship. We measure our success not just on the basis of our revenues or our profits, but by the satisfaction we deliver for our clients and the health, engagement and loyalty of our people.

Kutak Rock LLP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to sustaining a culturally and ethnically diverse working environment and to principles that promote inclusive practices. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, domestic partner status, pregnancy, caregiver status, gender stereotyping, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, AIDS/HIV status, handicap or disability, or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran, or any other legally protected category. The firm will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Applicants requiring accommodation in the job application process should contact the Human Resources Department at 402-231-8899 or by emailing recruiting@kutakrock.com.

Job Posting: Associate Director for Public Services @ University of Colorado Law School

Do you love teaching legal research? Are you looking to join an inspiring higher education environment? Potentially interested in living in sunny Colorado? The Wise Law Library at the University of Colorado Law School is accepting applications for its Associate Director for Public Services position. The Associate Director for Public Services oversees the day-to-day operation of the Law Library’s circulation, reference, research, instruction and faculty services. This is a full-time faculty position within the law school, at the instructor or senior instructor level, with administrative, supervisory and teaching responsibilities. 

The full position description is posted at https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=51895. The salary range is 120,000-135,000.

Applicants must have a graduate degree in library or information science (e.g., MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution, a JD from an ABA-accredited institution, and a minimum of five years of law library experience, including experience supervising law librarians and/or law library staff, and experience teaching research-related courses.

The application is available at https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=51895,and includes cover letter, resume, and a list of contact information for 3 professional references. Candidates applying before October 30, 2023, will receive full consideration. If you have any questions about the position, please contact Michelle Penn, michelle.penn@colorado.edu

Job: Access Services & Research Librarian @ University of Colorado Law School

The University of Colorado William A. Wise Law Library has an opening for an Access Services and Research Librarian. This position is an opportunity for a newer law librarian to manage the daily operations of circulation services, earn supervisory experience, increase their knowledge of research resources and methods, and develop their skill as an instructor. The position requires a librarian with a heart for customer service and an ability to complete the many and varied tasks of circulation services in a timely and efficient manner. Newer law librarians, including recent graduates, are encouraged to apply.

For more information, see the job posting here: https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Access-Services-and-Research-Librarian/45828.

AALL Leader Profile: Susan Nevelow Mart

CoALL member Susan Nevelow Mart was recently profiled in the AALL Education Update [See January 2021 Update].

Susan Nevelow Mart
Professor and Director of the Law Library
University of Colorado Law School
William A. Wise Law Library


What does leadership mean to you?
It means a having a vision for the law library. There is internal and external leadership. The external vision for me is being part of the scholarly discussion about issues important to our profession. Internally, it means enabling others to succeed in their areas of expertise. I think everyone who is a professional librarian has things that they are passionate about. We’re not a profession without scholarship, but not everyone wants or needs to contribute as a scholar. But everyone can contribute in some way by being on committees, by being on taskforces, by getting involved in AALL, and by presenting on topics. All of these things are elements of outreach for our profession that are important.

As example of leadership, I started the “Boulder Conference on Legal information: Scholarship and Teaching,” because there was no place for librarians to meet with people who had the scholarly background to help them. Librarians are generally very curious and broadly-educated people. Encouraging that curiosity is really a wonderful thing.

How do you help others develop their leadership skills?
I try to be a mentor in my own library. That can be hard to implement in the flat hierarchal structure that exists in so many libraries. So to me, being involved in professional development opportunities is really important to develop leadership–that means working on committees. There are law school committees and university-level committees. There is AALL. If you are curious and involved, you will become a chair of a committee, and you will get training in leadership skills. I have also mentored through AALL, offering encouragement in the same way.

What is one thing you’ve read about leadership that stuck with you? Why? Is there a particular AALL product/program/article that was especially helpful for you as you developed as a leader?
There was not one thing. What I did when I became a librarian was to delve into library literature. I started reading about teaching and about working in libraries. I read everything that I could get my hands on. For me, reading the existing literature was about getting up to speed on where my profession was when I entered it. Also critical for me was attending AALL and going to lots of programs about how libraries work. It was about learning about management and leadership, including the political aspects of being the librarian. It’s kind of like being a lawyer–you enter the profession at a certain point in history, and you need to figure out what that history is so you can figure out how to shape it and move forward.

What is the best advice regarding leadership or being successful in your work that you’ve ever received?
Be kind! I don’t think I started by being very kind. I had been a trial lawyer. There was a transition for me, which many people helped me with–from being adversarial to being thoughtful in my scholarship and kinder in my interactions with people.

Susan Nevelow Mart’s program is AALL2GO Pick of the Month

WHAT’S IN THE BLACK BOX?: AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE ALGORITHMS FOR WESTLAW, LEXISNEXIS, AND FASTCASE
Have you attempted to run identical searches on various research platforms only to find that you receive significantly different results from each service? This 2018 AALL Annual Meeting program, coordinated and moderated by Susan Nevelow Mart and featuring speakers Ed Walters (Fastcase) and Tito Sierra (LexisNexis Legal & Professional), gave insight into the mystery of the various search engines. This session builds on one of 2016’s most popular sessions and includes an update from Mart and her research on how algorithms work.

 

Find this and many more continuing education programs and webinars on AALLNET.