Research Specialist

Job ID: 9003

Updated: Sep 23, 2026

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Category: Research & Knowledge Services

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About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don't just meet the standard for legal excellence - we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers' commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You'll Do

Are you a skilled researcher who thrives on supporting attorneys across all practice areas with complex business, industry, market, and client intelligence needs, delivering actionable insights and partnering with high-performing professionals?

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking an experienced Research Specialist within the Research Services group of the Firm's Marketing & Business Development (MBD) department in Chicago. In this role, you will serve as a trusted research advisor to attorneys and business professionals across a broad range of practice areas, providing strategic, data-driven insights that help inform critical business and client decisions.

You'll be part of a collaborative, team-first environment that values curiosity, accountability, continuous improvement and exceptional client service. Reporting to the Director of Research Services, you'll work closely with colleagues across the Firm and combine deep research expertise with emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to deliver high-quality intelligence and analysis in a fast-paced, high-impact setting.

• Conduct Strategic Research: Perform complex legal-adjacent, business, financial, competitive, intellectual property and industry research to support attorneys and business professionals across multiple practice areas.
• Develop Research Solutions: Assess research requests, identify the most effective resources and methodologies and create cost-efficient strategies to answer complex questions.
• Deliver Actionable Insights: Synthesize findings into clear, organized and concise work products tailored to stakeholder needs and business objectives.
• Leverage Advanced Technologies: Utilize leading research platforms and Firm-approved AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency while validating results against authoritative sources.
• Manage Multiple Priorities: Balance concurrent projects, competing deadlines and shifting priorities while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and responsiveness.
• Provide Research Intake & Reference Support: Participate in rotating coverage of the research desk, including request intake, triage, workload coordination, assignment management and stakeholder communication.
• Ensure Quality & Service Excellence: Review research deliverables for quality, consistency and completeness while supporting a client-focused service model.
• Support Department Initiatives: Contribute to product evaluations, administrative projects and other research-related initiatives as assigned.

What You'll Bring

• Advanced degree (MLS, MLIS) in library science or business (MBA); 5+ years of research experience in a large law firm or corporate library.
• Research Expertise: Advanced proficiency with major legal, business and financial research platforms, including Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law and specialized litigation, intellectual property and transactional research resources.
• Communication Skills: Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively to senior stakeholders.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to evaluate information, exercise sound judgment and deliver accurate, insightful results under tight deadlines.
• Technical Proficiency & AI Fluency: Comfort working in a technology-driven environment and leveraging AI-enabled research tools, including prompt development, output evaluation and source validation with Bloomberg Terminal experience preferred.
• Project & Time Management: Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing demands and drive projects through completion.
• Collaboration & Service Mindset: A team-oriented approach with a commitment to partnership, responsiveness, continuous learning and delivering exceptional client service.

If you're passionate about uncovering insights, leveraging innovative research tools and partnering with top-tier professionals to drive informed decision-making in this Research Specialist role, we'd love to hear from you!

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $100,000 - $125,000

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid #LI-MP1

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