Latham & Watkins is hiring: Research Services Lead in Menlo Park

Research Services Lead

Latham & Watkins is inviting applications for the Research Services Lead position located in our San Francisco office. This role may offer flexible working arrangements including a hybrid schedule.

About Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins is a global law firm consistently ranked among the top firms worldwide. Our success is driven by a commitment to hire and develop the best talent, fostering a high‑quality, collaborative work environment with core values of respect, innovation, and collaboration.

Base Pay Range

USD $125,000.00 – $140,000.00 per year.

About the Role

The Research Services Lead is an integral part of the Technology & Information Services team, responsible for conducting and leading extensive legal and non‑legal research and analysis for attorneys and business services staff. The role includes working with a variety of research tools, facilitating skills development, and coaching junior members of the Research Services team.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

• Conduct complex legal and non‑legal research, manage large projects, and synthesize results to ensure relevance and responsiveness to specific research requests.
• Monitor business, industry, and legal news sources for developments regarding clients, industries, and practice areas; use aggregator platforms to compile relevant findings for attorneys and business services staff.
• Lead department training and awareness activities.
• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues, facilitate professional growth for research services staff, and lead monthly departmental calls.
• Promote effective work practices, collaborate as a team member, and demonstrate respect for coworkers.
• Protect and maintain any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information retained by Latham & Watkins.

We’re looking for candidates who:

• Possess expert legal and non‑legal research knowledge and skills, including experience with Westlaw, Lexis, CapitalIQ, and PitchBook.
• Demonstrate the ability to lead effective department training for attorneys, colleagues, and business services staff.
• Exhibit superior communication skills and the ability to work as a team player, manage time, prioritize effectively, and handle multiple deadlines.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with a master’s degree or J.D. preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience, preferably in a large law firm or corporate legal environment.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of cumulative experience in legal research and analysis.

Benefits & Additional Information

Successful candidates will receive a generous total compensation package with bonuses based on individual and firm performance. Eligible employees can participate in Latham’s comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Healthcare, life and disability insurance
• A generous 401(k) plan
• At least 11 paid holidays per year and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of employment and grows with tenure
• Well‑being programs (e.g., mental health services, mindfulness and resiliency programs, medical resources, well‑being events)
• Professional development programs
• Employee discounts
• Affinity groups, networks, and coalitions for lawyers and staff

Latham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applicants in San Francisco are considered for this role and may be eligible for remote or hybrid work arrangements. Please submit a cover letter and résumé through the Latham & Watkins career portal.