Career Opportunities

Research Consultant (12-Month Contract)

Toronto
Temporary Full-Time

Overview

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), one of Canada’s largest and most successful law firms, has an immediate opening for a Research Consultant to join the national Research team within our Library/Research & Information Management department. 

The Research Consultant will work closely with the Counsel, Research & Knowledge Services and other research consultants to complete legal and business research.

We are looking for a candidate with some flexibility in their work hours so we can coordinate research coverage across time zones within Canada. Applicants located in Toronto and Calgary areas will be considered. The ability to work remotely and in-office is required. 

  • Responsibilities

    Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

    • Providing timely, high-quality, focused and complex legal and business research services to lawyers, articling and summer students, law clerks, and staff using numerous print and electronic resources
    • Working closely with other members of the Research team in coordinating and completing research requests 
    • Evaluating AI-assisted legal research tools and collaborating closely with lawyers and the Practice Innovation team on generative AI initiatives
    • Providing research skills and library resources training for students, lawyers and staff 
    • Managing, curating and delivering legal and business current awareness updates to clients, using a variety of media monitoring resources
    • Researching Canadian and international legal and business issues using case law, legislation, and print and electronic resources
    • Providing citation-checking services using knowledge of Canadian and American legal citation rules
    • Preparing legislative updates and histories for practice groups, internal client teams and clients
    • Working with vendors on the testing, training, implementation and use of electronic products
    • Working closely with members of the Technical Services team to manage print and electronic resources
  • Education & Experience
    • MLS, MISt, MI or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited institution
    • JD, BCL or LLB preferred
    • Minimum of one to two years of experience in a law library environment or legal research role is required
    • Experience working with legal technology in a law firm environment, or with a legal technology vendor, is an asset
    • AI experience is an asset
  • Skills & Abilities
    • Knowledge of the Canadian legal system (legislative, judicial and executive), areas and sources of law, court procedures, and the Parliamentary and legislative processes
    • Familiarity with the law, legal systems and legal proceedings in the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth jurisdictions
    • Knowledge of legal research methodology and legal information sources 
    • Advanced online research skills, including knowledge of content and functionality of different resources, knowledge of legal taxonomy and the ability to perform sophisticated and complex searches
    • Familiarity with business research tools 
    • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
    • Proficiency in providing one-on-one and group instruction
    • Superior organizational and time management skills
    • Ability to work under pressure, juggle competing priorities and work on multiple projects simultaneously
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail
    • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and in a team environment

    Proven ability to develop relationships with colleagues in other lending libraries

    • About Blakes

    At Blakes, we care about our people. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences for our clients and employees. As a winner of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Greater Toronto’s Top Employers awards, we understand the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace environment that brings out the best in each person. Our success as a firm starts with hiring top talent, retaining our people and helping them thrive.

    Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment composed of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures.

    The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.

    How to Apply

    To apply for this position, please submit your application along with a cover letter and résumé directly to our application portal.
    Apply