Information & Research Advisor, Shanghai

Purpose

• Information is one of Linklaters’ key assets and, as such, needs to be developed and exploited in order to generate further value for the firm. 
• The Information & Research team are key in ensuring that this value is realised through the effective collection, collation and exploitation of both internal knowhow and external materials. 
• The role of the Information & Research Advisor is to ensure the efficient and effective provision of Information & Research services to both the Practice and Business Teams, as part of Linklaters’ global information team and aligned to business plans and the firmwide strategy.
• The information provision includes researching legal topics and commercial, sector and client-related research, particularly for Business Development activities. 

Key Dimensions

• Research and Enquiry Service
  • on legal and commercial topics
  • including the ability to locate, interpret, summarise and package up information about clients, markets, industries and sectors
• Maintain and develop a comprehensive current awareness service to support practice needs and business development activities
• Provision of training, promotion of products and sharing of best practice for the tools available
• Professional development of self and others

Key responsibilities and challenges

• To provide high quality, value-add and cost-effective information services to support legal and business research needs in home office or practice group, and across the firm
• To work closely with the Head of Information & Research, Asia and/or assigned member of the Leadership Team to ensure activities and improvements to service are in line with the strategic direction for Information & Research
• To sell and promote the I&R offering to members of the practice / office
• To contribute to, and participate in, global networks, in order to share best practice and implement agreed policies and practices for information management

Research and enquiry management

• Act as point of contact for fee earner and Business Teams research queries.
• Direct people to intranet pages, online sources, guide them to books, journals, looseleafs and reference materials through use of the library online catalogue.
• Research and exploit internal and external information resources to answer legal and business information enquiries
• Record all queries received (via enquiry management system) to ensure consistency of response and to leverage best practice.

Information Procurement

• Collection management and procurement (books, journals, materials and online services) utilising global catalogue system
• Administration related to joiner/leaver processes eg updating of distribution lists, collection of materials etc
• Assist with preparation of budget and monitor ongoing expenditure for information unit and practice groups
• Promote services to members of the practice / office to ensure effective use of new and existing services

Current Awareness

• Keep abreast of current developments in practice / sector / jurisdiction to inform users.
• Support the timely delivery of tailored legal and business news, using Newsdesk and other current awareness tools
• Highlight items for sharing in wider Information & Research team forums.

Training and investment in information resources

• Participate in delivery of training and ongoing promotion to new joiners and others on information services and systems.
• Train fee earners and other interested parties in the use of information tools and other available resources.
• Provide guidance and share skills on how to conduct research to ensure best use of information sources available (to both immediate team and wider networks)

Professional development

• Develop subject matter and technical expertise in all aspects of business and legal research
• Promote work of Information & Research teams locally through attendance at relevant practice/office meetings.
• Contribute to learning and development of self and for Information & Research teams globally and locally.
• Share best practice and skills with other members of Information & Research teams locally and globally.
• Network with other Information professionals and represent the firm at appropriate events.
• Provide feedback for other members of Information & Research services teams as appropriate (e.g. as part of Performance Management).

Characteristics, Skills & Experience required

Character

• Good interpersonal skills
• Good communication skills – written and verbal
• Influencing skills
• Creative and open to new ideas
• Multi-tasker with pragmatic approach
• Team player

Education / Qualification

• Graduate
• Information- or library-related Qualification
• Broad understanding of legal issues (desirable)

Languages

• English
• Mandarin

Practical experience

• Experience of providing a variety of information and research services in a professional services organisation
• Evidence of specific achievements in effective information service management

Office skills

• Advanced technical skills to use and develop office and information systems effectively

Commercial Skills

• Ability to prioritise in a dynamic and fast-moving environment
• Ability to think with a global mindset
• Understanding of how a business operates to strategies and business plans
• Customer service awareness

Technical Skills:

This list of duties and responsibilities above is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. As such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.