Research Specialist (Legislation Specialty)

With 500+ professionals and 350+ business professionals, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP (www.manatt.com), is a multidisciplinary, integrated national professional services firm known for quality and an extraordinary commitment to clients. The Firm’s groundbreaking approach—bringing together legal services, advocacy and business strategy—differentiates Manatt from its competitors and positions the Firm to provide a distinct and compelling value proposition.

Opportunity

The Research Specialist reports to the Director of Research Services and plays a central role in the firm's growing legislative and policy intelligence function. This position tracks and synthesizes state and federal legislative developments, delivers proactive research intelligence to attorneys, consultants, and business professionals, and helps build the systems and workflows that make that intelligence scalable — including AI-assisted monitoring, alerting, and reporting tools.

The ideal candidate brings deep legislative research expertise, strong analytical judgment, and a genuine interest in how AI and emerging research technologies are reshaping the delivery of legal information. Associated work includes supporting reference requests, evaluating research platforms and tools, and participating in department initiatives.  This role can be based in any Manatt office.

Key Responsibilities

• Track proposed legislation, regulations, and public policy developments relevant to the firm's practice areas and client base; synthesize findings into timely, actionable intelligence.

• Research, draft, and produce in-depth reports, issue summaries, comparative analyses, and timelines on proposed laws and regulatory actions — proactively delivering intelligence before it is requested where possible.

• Leverage AI platforms and research tools to design and build systems for legislative monitoring, alerting, and stakeholder reporting; identify opportunities to expand and improve these systems over time.

• Provide research support across all practice groups and business units, responding to incoming requests with accuracy, thoroughness, and clear communication.

• Participate in the assessment and trialing of new research platforms and AI solutions; contribute to resource evaluations and provide informed recommendations.

• Collaborate effectively with peers to manage research requests received from attorneys, consultants and firm staff, contribute to department projects, and support the team's broader strategic goals.

• Assist with other research tasks and projects as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in law, library science, information science, or a related field.  MLIS preferred but will consider equivalent work experience.

• 4+ years of research experience, either within a law firm or a professional services organization, with a focus on legislative and policy research.

• Familiarity with state and federal legislative and regulatory processes and information sources.

• Demonstrated proficiency in legal research databases, such as Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law and a variety of other resources

• Working knowledge of AI platforms and an understanding of how they can be applied to legal and legislative research workflows.

• Strong knowledge of library systems, research workflows, and information management practices.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legislative content for non-specialist audiences.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with high attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

• Proactive, self-directed work style with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaborative team player who works effectively across departments and within hybrid (remote + in-office) team structures.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications

The base annual pay range for this role is between $78,000-$90,000. The base pay to be offered will vary and depend on skills and qualifications, experience, location and will also take into account internal equity.  A full range of medical, financial and/or other benefits dependent on the position will also be offered.

EEO/AA EMPLOYER/Veterans/Disabled

Manatt is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex or gender (including gender identity, gender expression, status as a transgender or transsexual individual, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age (over 40), genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, sexual orientation, political activity or affiliation, genetic or and any other protected classes or characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the American Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.