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Law Library Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Legal Research Librarian

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$110K - $120K/yr

Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) and/or Juris Doctor (JD) preferred. * 5+ years of relevant legal research experience in a law firm environment, or an equivalent combination of education ...

Legal Research Librarian

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$110K - $120K/yr

Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) and/or Juris Doctor (JD) preferred. * 5+ years of relevant legal research experience in a law firm environment, or an equivalent combination of education ...

Master of Library Science from an ALA accredited library school. Demonstrated, relevant professional research experience in a private law firm or academic law library, special library or research ...

Master of Library Science from an ALA accredited library school. Demonstrated, relevant professional research experience in a private law firm or academic law library, special library or research ...

Master of Library Science from an ALA accredited library school. Demonstrated, relevant professional research experience in a private law firm or academic law library, special library or research ...

Master of Library Science from an ALA accredited library school. Demonstrated, relevant professional research experience in a private law firm or academic law library, special library or research ...

Library Project Specialist

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Library Specialist Location: San Francisco, CA ( Hybrid at San Francisco, twice per week ... Ensure compliance with copyright law and licensing agreements. Maintain detailed project ...

Library Page (Part time)

Murrieta, CA ยท On-site

$18.05 - $21.95/hr

... by law. Tier 1 - Basic Pre-Employment Requirements Final candidates must successfully complete a ... Clean and dust library materials and furniture Read, understand and perform written and oral ...

Showing results 41-60

Law Library information

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How much do law library jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for law library in California is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a law library?

A law library is a specialized library that provides access to a wide range of legal resources, such as statutes, case law, regulations, legal journals, and research materials. These libraries are typically used by lawyers, judges, law students, and researchers to find authoritative legal information. Law libraries can be found in law schools, courts, government agencies, and private law firms, and often offer both physical and online resources to support legal research and education.

What are the qualifications to work in a law library?

The primary qualifications for working in a law library are a Juris Doctor degree or master's degree and two years of experience in a library area. You do not need to be a lawyer or a legal assistant to work in a law library. In fact, most law libraries are happy to hire applicants who focus on library science instead of the law itself, as this role focuses more on finding information than using it. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of this position requires communication skills, research skills, organizational skills, and the ability to respond to requests from patrons quickly. Law libraries are somewhat geographically limited to law schools and other places related to the judicial system, such as courthouses. As such, you may need to commute or move to work in one.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a law librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Law Librarian, you need expertise in legal research, information management, and a master's degree in library science (often with a focus on law or a J.D.). Familiarity with legal databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and integrated library systems is typically required. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills help you effectively support attorneys, students, and researchers. These competencies ensure accurate, efficient access to legal information, directly impacting the quality of legal research and services provided.

How do law librarians typically collaborate with legal professionals and faculty in a law library setting?

Law librarians work closely with attorneys, faculty, and students to provide research support, curate legal resources, and deliver instructional sessions on legal research techniques. They often collaborate on complex legal research projects, assist with reference queries, and help design resource guides tailored to specific courses or practice areas. This teamwork fosters a dynamic environment where effective communication and a deep understanding of legal information needs are essential for success.

What is the difference between Law Library vs Paralegal?

AspectLaw LibraryParalegal
Required CredentialsTypically requires a law library certification or relevant library science degreeUsually requires a paralegal certificate or associate degree in paralegal studies
Work EnvironmentLaw libraries, legal institutions, law firmsLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Industry UsageLegal research, library management, legal information organizationLegal research, document preparation, case management

Law librarians focus on managing legal information resources and assisting with legal research within law libraries, often requiring specialized library science credentials. Paralegals perform legal support tasks such as research, document drafting, and case organization, typically with paralegal certification. While both roles support legal professionals, law librarians specialize in information management, whereas paralegals are more involved in casework and legal procedures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Law Library jobs in California?

The most popular types of Law Library jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Law Library jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Law Library jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Law Library jobs?

Cities in California with the most Law Library job openings:

Infographic showing various Law Library job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,108 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Branch Librarian and Archives Coordinator

U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

$89,488 - $145,507 (CL 28)
San Francisco, CA
Position Overview
The Ninth Circuit Court Libraries are currently accepting applications for the position of Branch Librarian and Archives Coordinator at our San Francisco Headquarters location. This unique position combines branch library leadership, collection management, and archives coordination in one of the nation's largest court library systems.
The Ninth Circuit Library system serves all the federal courts within the jurisdiction of the Ninth Circuit, including more than 400 judges in the Circuit, district, and bankruptcy courts. The Library system includes a Headquarters Library in San Francisco and approximately 20 staffed branch locations.
The Branch Librarian and Archives Coordinator is based at the Ninth Circuit Headquarters Library at the James R. Browning U.S. Courthouse in San Francisco, CA. The position supervises two paraprofessional library staff and works collaboratively with library staff throughout the Ninth Circuit. The position is responsible for managing the Headquarters Library print collection and overseeing the physical archives housed at the Browning Courthouse. In addition, the Branch Librarian and Archives Coordinator leads efforts to identify, preserve, organize, and promote access to materials documenting the history of the Court and participates in digital archives initiatives. As a member of the Headquarters Branch Library team, the position also provides research and reference service, staffs the service desk, supports outreach efforts, and assists library users onsite. The successful candidate will join a team of librarians located throughout the Ninth Circuit who are committed to developing innovative resources and services for our users and will have the opportunity to participate in systemwide activities and initiatives.
Representative Duties
Branch Operations
  • Supervises library paraprofessional staff and archive volunteers
  • Coordinates the day-to-day operation of the Headquarters Library, including scheduling service desk hours and facilitating library access for judges, court staff, and other library users
  • Oversees the Headquarters Library print collection, including collection development and maintenance, weeding projects and book shifts
  • Works as a team member in coordinating services with other branch libraries throughout the Circuit

Archives Collections
  • Coordinates, administers, and advises on all aspects of identifying, organizing, preserving, and providing access to court records, judges' papers, artifacts, and other materials of historical significance to the Circuit.
  • Oversees the physical archives of the Court and participates in digital archives and preservation initiatives.
  • Serves as a professional resource to members of the judiciary, the bar, historians, and members of the public researching the Court's historical materials
  • Advises judges regarding the disposition of personal papers and artifacts
  • Creates finding aids, research guides, and other tools to facilitate access to historical materials.
  • Coordinates with and acts as liaison to the National Archives and Records Administration, the Federal Judicial Center, the Ninth Circuit Historical Society, museums, and other historical organizations
  • Researches, develops, and obtains permissions for displays and exhibits relating to the Court's history
  • May assist with the development and production of oral histories relating to the Court

Reference and Public Services
  • Provides legal and non-legal research and reference services for judges, court staff, and other library users, including regular staffing of the service desk
  • Works as a team member supporting Library current awareness and other information delivery services
  • May develop library promotional materials and research guides
  • May conduct orientations, trainings, presentations, tours and other educational and outreach activities
  • May serve on local court committees and/or on Circuit-wide or national library committees and working groups
  • May participate in local bar activities and/or partner with other librarians or agencies on court related projects
  • May support civic education initiatives

Other duties and projects as assigned
Required Qualifications
  • M.L.S. degree (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited library school
  • Two years of professional law library experience
  • One year of archives experience
  • Excellent research skills
  • Knowledge of library, archives, and knowledge management concepts, principles, and practices
  • Experience working with people at all levels; effective oral and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Aptitude for performing functions requiring a high degree of accuracy and careful attention to detail
  • Ability to prioritize demands from multiple users
  • Ability to travel occasionally to other locations within the Circuit and the judiciary
  • Ability to handle occasional moderate to heavy physical activity

Preferred Qualifications
  • Four years of progressively responsible library experience
  • Two years of progressively responsible archives experience
  • Demonstrated skills in legal reference and research
  • Experience with digital archives software such as ArchivesSpace
  • Experience with archival processing
  • J.D. degree
  • Experience supervising personnel
  • Project management experience
  • Experience in the development of SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, LibGuides, or other web-based information delivery services
  • Practical experience in acquisitions, cataloging, and technical services
  • Skill determining the types of materials, regardless of format, that are of historical significance to the Court

Total Rewards
  • Salary: depending on qualifications and experience
  • Time off: 13 days of paid vacation for the first three years, increasing with tenure thereafter, 13 sick days accrued per year, 11 paid holidays
  • Benefits:
    • Federal pension plan and optional employer-matching Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K)
    • Choice of a variety of employer-subsidized federal health and life insurance plans. Optional dental, vision, and long-term care coverage
    • Flexible spending account to pay out-of-pocket health and dependent care expenses with tax-free dollars
  • Other Perks: Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, public transit subsidy, alternate work schedules, and reasonable work hours

How to Apply and Required Documents
Please submit a single PDF file through the Court's Career Portal that includes:
(1) cover letter,
(2) resume, and
(3) at least three references
Only applicants submitting the following documents will be considered (resume, cover letter, and 3 references).
Next Steps
  • Priority given to applications received by July 5, 2026
  • Position open until filled

Conditions of Employment
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship. Successful applicants are provisionally hired pending results of background investigation and fingerprinting. Positions with the U.S. Courts are at-will, excepted service appointments, and may be terminated with or without cause by the Court. Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Direct deposit of pay required.
The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, for any reason including, but not limited to, budgetary issues. Said modifications may occur without prior written or other notice.
Equity Focused Employer
We value diversity and are committed to equity and inclusion in our workplace. The 9th Circuit encourages applications from all qualified individuals and seeks a diverse pool of applicants in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, languages spoken, veteran's status, disability, religion, and socio-economic circumstance.