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Research Attorney Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Wilmerhale

Senior Research Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$131K - $131K/yr

Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain ... About the Role The Senior Research Analyst provides advanced research support to the Firm ...

Goodwin

Conflicts Attorney

Washington, DC

Conduct research to gather information and/or clarification on potential issues. Take the initiative to analyze and resolve conflicts independently. * Prepare communications to attorneys, clearly ...

Cair-foundation Inc

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

Staff Attorney Department: Civil Rights FLSA: Exempt Job Reports to: Directly to the Trial ... Performing legal research and drafting of legal documents, including answers, motions and other ...

U.S. Courts

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$68K - $187K/yr

Staff attorneys conduct legal research, prepare legal memoranda, draft proposed orders, respond to judges' inquiries, and make oral presentations. Staff attorneys meet with three-judge panels in ...

Maryland Legal Aid

Staff Attorney

Rockville, MD · On-site

$76K - $118K/yr

Staff attorneys will be expected to work with other attorneys, law graduates, law clerks, legal ... Conduct factual investigation and analysis as well as legal research. * Advise clients of the ...

Holland & Knight

Senior Research Analyst

Washington, DC

$131K - $131K/yr

Train firm lawyers and business professionals on the functionality and usefulness of information resources, including industry standard legal and corporate databases. * Proactively promote research ...

Maryland Legal Aid

Staff Attorney

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$76K - $118K/yr

Staff attorneys handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through ... Conduct factual investigation and analysis as well as legal research. * Advise clients of the ...

Protouch Staffing

Associate Attorney

Kensington, MD · Hybrid

$90K - $110K/yr

The Associate Attorney with ideally 2-5 years experience will be responsible for providing legal advice, conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and representing clients in real estate ...

Protouch Staffing

Associate Attorney

Kensington, MD · Hybrid

$90K - $110K/yr

The Associate Attorney with ideally 1-3 years experience will be responsible for providing legal advice, conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and representing clients in real estate ...

US Judicial Branch

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$68K/yr

C. Circuit, has openings for highly qualified attorneys to serve as staff attorneys to the full ... The court is looking for individuals who have demonstrated the ability to research and analyze ...

Direct Counsel

Licensing Attorney

Washington, DC

$155K - $185K/yr

Licensing Attorney Direct Counsel is seeking a Licensing Attorney to join the Fintech & Financial ... Research and analyze state licensing statutes, regulations, and regulatory guidance. * Support ...

DC Government Careers

Trial Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$119K - $154K/yr

The attorney will advise social workers, investigate allegations, file intervention petitions, conduct research and discovery, negotiate settlements, engage in motions practice, and manage trial ...

WilmerHale

Conflicts Attorney

Washington, DC

The Conflicts Attorney is also responsible for all research in connection with screen-specific conflicts questions, report requests, and implementation or removal projects. Oversee department ...

Wilmerhale

Conflicts Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

The Conflicts Attorney is also responsible for all research in connection with screen-specific conflicts questions, report requests, and implementation or removal projects. Oversee department ...

Goodwin

Manager, Research Services

Washington, DC

Here, we're not just supporting a law firm; we're partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver ... The Research Services Manager leads the firm's research function, ensuring attorneys and business ...

New

WilmerHale

Conflicts Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

The Conflicts Attorney is also responsible for all research in connection with screen-specific conflicts questions, report requests, and implementation or removal projects. Oversee department ...

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All JobsResearch Attorney JobsResearch Attorney Jobs in Washington

Research Attorney information

See Washington salary details

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How much do research attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for research attorney in Washington is $83,998.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,177.00 and $96,629.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectResearch AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), license to practice lawAssociate degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, often working under attorneysSupport role assisting attorneys
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for legal research and analysis tasksCompared for support and research tasks

The main difference between a Research Attorney and a Paralegal lies in their credentials and responsibilities. Research Attorneys are licensed lawyers with a JD, capable of providing legal opinions and conducting complex legal research. Paralegals typically hold a certificate or associate degree and assist attorneys with research, document preparation, and administrative tasks. While both roles support legal work, Research Attorneys have a broader scope of legal authority and expertise.

What are the main challenges research attorneys face when supporting litigation teams?

Research Attorneys often navigate tight deadlines and large volumes of complex legal information when supporting litigation teams. They must quickly identify and synthesize relevant case law, statutes, and legal precedents, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness under pressure. Collaboration with litigators and paralegals is key, as Research Attorneys provide foundational analysis that shapes legal strategies and filings. Staying updated on evolving legal trends and jurisdictional nuances is also essential to delivering effective research support.

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

To thrive as a Research Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, strong legal research and writing skills, and a thorough understanding of relevant laws and precedents. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and citation management tools is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for producing accurate, well-supported legal analyses that inform case strategies and judicial decisions.

What is a research attorney?

Research attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in conducting legal research and analysis to support attorneys, judges, or law firms. They review case law, statutes, legal precedents, and other relevant materials to prepare legal memoranda, briefs, and recommendations. Their work is essential in helping legal teams understand complex legal issues and make informed decisions. Research attorneys may work in courts, government agencies, private law firms, or corporate legal departments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Attorney jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Research Attorney jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Attorney jobs in Washington? For Research Attorney jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Attorney jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Research Attorney jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Research Attorney jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Research Attorney job openings:
Research Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Attorney job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,998 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Senior Research Analyst

Wilmerhale

Washington, DC • On-site

$131K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout 12 offices in the United States and Europe. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain committed to our guiding principles of providing quality, excellent legal and client services; developing diversity among our lawyers and staff and cultivating an environment that promotes an ambitious spirit, collaboration and collegiality by drawing on the extraordinary talents and dynamic experience of our lawyers. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities in which we practice.

About the Role

The Senior Research Analyst provides advanced research support to the Firm's attorneys and business professionals by delivering highvalue legal, business, and industry research across all practice areas. In addition to handling complex and highrisk research requests, the Senior Research Analyst serves as a leader in AIenabled research, mentoring team members, guiding attorneys on responsible and effective use of AI tools, and helping shape research workflows, standards, and best practices. This role plays a critical part in sustaining research quality, driving innovation, and supporting firmwide strategic initiatives.

What You Will Be Doing
  • Deliver timely, high quality legal and business research to attorneys and senior stakeholders across the firm; bill research time to client matters as appropriate.
  • Serve as a lead research resource for assigned practice groups, business professional teams, and strategic initiatives, providing subject matter expertise and consultative support.
  • Act as an internal leader and subject matter expert in AI powered research tools, guiding responsible adoption, validating outputs, and advising on appropriate use cases.
  • Mentor and train Research Analysts, including coaching on advanced research techniques, AI assisted research workflows, and quality standards, and assist with attorney onboarding and ongoing educations with AI research training, best practices, and risk awareness.
  • Monitor news, litigation, and legislative/regulatory developments and contribute to alerts, updates, newsletters, and internal communications.
  • Partner with department leadership on research tool evaluation, AI governance, process improvements, service standards, and special projects.
  • Demonstrates a strong commitment to professionalism, delivering high-quality service, and maintaining a positive, solution-oriented ("can-do") approach. Effectively supports internal departments, external clients, and vendors through clear, courteous communication via electronic correspondence, telephone, and in-person interactions.

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