Month: May 2026

This year, CoALL awarded Jason Youngstrom, Head of Technical Services Librarian at DU’s Westminster Law Library, the 2025-2026 Educational Grant. He used the Grant to help fund his attendance at the 2026 SWALL Conference, held in Lubbock, Texas on March 26-28. Per the Grant Committee’s request, he has provided his key takeaways from that conference, below.

This spring, I had the privilege of attending my first SWALL (Southwestern Association of Law Libraries) conference, held in Lubbock, Texas.  After many years working in a science library, I am now turning over a new leaf as an academic law librarian.  As a result, I feel like I both know a lot and have a lot to learn at the same time.  With this mindset (mostly the “a lot to learn” part) I set off for my first law library conference, and the SWALL conference turned out to be a great introduction to an incredible community. The small nature of the conference sets it up as an intimate gathering.  At the same time, the attendees are a varied group of professionals representing every corner of the law library world: academic libraries, court libraries, firm libraries, and government institutions alike. I was able to make connections through small group interactions, small workshops, and lots of one on one conversations. The connections I made were genuine and made me feel welcome in the law library community. It was envigorating to be surrounded by so many passionate, knowledgeable colleagues who were eager to share their expertise and learn from others.

The programming this year offered something meaningful for every stage of a law librarian’s career. On the technical side, sessions on AI tool evaluation gave practical frameworks for navigating an increasingly complex landscape of emerging technology. Equally valuable were the discussions around soft skills, particularly how to build stronger collaborative relationships with partner libraries and navigate the realities of cross-institutional coordination. Perhaps most unexpectedly impactful were the sessions devoted to personal development, including the keynote presentation by Dr. Lisa Garner Santa who took us on a deep dive into communication styles that left me with immediately applicable tools for working more effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and patrons alike.

The best news? The SWALL conference is coming to Colorado in 2027. Having just experienced firsthand what this conference has to offer, I can tell you with confidence: you do not want to miss it. Whether you’re a seasoned SWALL veteran or a newbie like me, this converence will energize your practice, expand your network, and remind you of the very best this profession has to offer.  

-Jason Youngstrom

Head of Technical Services
Assistant Professor in University Libraries
Westminster Law Library
Jason.Youngstrom@du.edu

Please see below for a Research Analyst position open at Brownstein. 

We are seeking a Research Analyst to join our Library Research team. While we are open to candidates based in any of our office locations, our preference is for this role to be based in our Denver office. This position will support the Mountain Time Zone and offers flexibility with a hybrid in-office/remote work arrangement. The Research Analyst will serve as the Colorado subject matter expert.

The Research Analyst works with other members of the Library Services Department to meet the information needs of attorneys and staff in all office locations, and reports to the Library Manager. The position is full-time, working 5 days per week. As a Research Analyst, you will provide research support to lawyers, paralegals, and all firm staff. You must be able to quickly evaluate all research inquiries to determine the best methods and resources necessary to complete each request. You will prioritize requests, analyze results, compile answers, and communicate research findings in a clear and concise manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs legal, general and business research for attorneys, paralegals and support staff, using a variety of electronic and print resources. This can include both quick and in-depth, complex case, statute, legislative history, IP, news, public records and company research. Knowledge of Colorado and natural resource law research is a plus.
• Showcase strong research skills including an ability to think critically about research tools, conduct cost-effective and efficient research, compile research results, summarize data, and communicate methodology and results clearly
• Analyzes legal and non-legal resources and communicates findings in a clear, concise manner.
• Identifies electronic resources on Firm’s intranet and those in the print collection and develops research strategies for attorneys and other staff members.
• Provides assistance to users of both physical and electronic library resources.
• Assists with collection development by evaluating new digital resources and assessing attorney information needs and usage patterns.
• Conducts library orientations and assists in research training programs.
• Assists with development of documentation and training materials for library research and electronic resource instruction programs.
• Routinely bills time for reference/research.
• Manages distribution of electronic newsletters and ensures updating of titles in physical collections in office libraries.
• Assists in content upkeep for the library’s intranet page.
• Participates in projects that increase the value of our research and information services to the Firm.
• Stays current with new and developing trends in research, technology and competitive intelligence.
• Travel to other offices as needed.
• Performs other special projects or duties as assigned.

Required and Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in library/information science or JD.
• 2+ years related experience in a private law firm setting.
• Knowledge of legal materials and law firm experience preferred. Business and competitive intelligence research experience a plus.
• Demonstrate strong research skills and a deep understanding of research strategies.
• Competency with online research services such as Westlaw, Practical Law, Bloomberg Law, VitalLaw, PACER and HeinOnline.
• Responsive, service-oriented and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize requests with a high level of competency, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking skills to facilitate presentations.
• Ability to think critically, solve complex problems and use discretion in handling confidential matters.

​Compensation and Benefits: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401k + match, profit sharing, and vacation/sick/personal time off. Hybrid schedule offered. We are offering a wide annual salary range for this role, ranging from $70,000 – $95,000. Actual starting pay is determined by a number of factors, including relevant skills, qualifications, experience and location.

​To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume. Apply on our firm website at this link