Reference Librarian

Explore a career in Delaware’s highly competitive and sophisticated legal profession with one of the most sought-after Wilmington law firms.

Morris Nichols, a prominent Delaware law firm in Wilmington, Delaware, has played a pivotal role in shaping Delaware’s world-renowned corporate law. The firm enjoys a deep history of representing well-known clients in connection with significant transactions and landmark cases. We offer lawyers and professional staff the ability to work on cutting-edge matters of national significance including sophisticated deals, complex corporate governance matters, bankruptcies and restructurings, and corporate and intellectual property litigation.

The Reference Librarian supports the firm’s legal research efforts and is part of the broader library and knowledge management function. The Reference Librarian provides reference and research services to the firm’s attorneys and professional staff. The position also participates in training, collection development, and special projects that enhance the services offered by the department. The position reports to the firm’s Chief Marketing Officer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reference Assistance to Library Users

• Determine appropriate print and electronic resources to meet user requests.
• Conducts business, legal, legislative, and regulatory research for attorneys, staff and paralegals; refers users to other resources as appropriate. Guides attorneys and staff on the effective use of research databases and print collection.
• Provides current awareness and docket alerting services for attorneys and staff.
• Provides instruction and guidance on the of use of library catalog, legal databases, legal research methodology, and procedures.

Training and Outreach

• Participates in the development of training programs.
• Participates in orientation and training of new attorneys and staff members.
• Helps ensure quality reference and research services through participation in continuing education programs, seminars and workshops.

Collection Maintenance and Development

• Reviews print and electronic materials and makes recommendations for additions, deletions, and enhancements to the collection.
• Updates existing print collection as new releases are issued. Logs and tracks updates and additions to the firm print collection in the library database.

Other Duties

• Communicates with courts and legislative librarians.
• Obtains court transcripts and publications from alternative sources.
• Records opinions and transcripts in firm databases. Review invoices for accuracy and process for payment.
• Maintains collaborative relationship with firm vendors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Applicants will have the following qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree. MLS or prior library experience preferred.
• Demonstrated research skills and knowledge of major legal and non-legal databases, including but not limited to Westlaw & Lexis platforms, Bloomberg Law, VitalLaw from Wolters Kluwer, Lex Machina, Pacer, File & Serve, etc.
• Working knowledge of cost-effective research techniques.
• Able to conduct analysis of research results and communicate the scope and meaning of results found or not found.
• Adept with various forms of technology, including Microsoft Office suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) and video-conferencing technologies (Zoom, WebEx).
• Client service orientation. Responds promptly to needs from attorneys and staff; solicits feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
• Speaks clearly and persuasively; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; able to communicate professionally with a wide variety of audiences.
• Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively.
• Self-motivated; ability to prioritize and anticipate needs proactively and deliver a high degree of client service; works well under occasional periods of pressure and short deadlines.

If you believe you have the skills and ability to be successful at Morris Nichols, please email your resume, along with salary requirements, to humanresources@morrisnichols.com. Please specify the job title you are applying for in the subject line.

Morris Nichols is an equal opportunity employer and values the talents and perspectives of our diverse team of professional staff, which enhance our ability to successfully serve our clients.  Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.