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Research Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Research Librarian

Boston, MA · On-site

$93.30 - $125.80/hr

Also performs supporting research‑related work such as business‑development research, attorney tracking, case tracking, and case‑document research. Responsibilities * Conduct complex domestic ...

New

Analyze legal issues, research relevant laws and regulations, and offer guidance to clients on the ... Attorneys represent clients in court proceedings, including trials, hearings, and motions. They ...

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Research Attorney information

See salary details

$11K

$78.2K

$115.5K

How much do research attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for research attorney in the United States is $78,234.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Research Attorney jobs

What cities are hiring for Research Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Research Attorney job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Attorney jobs?

The most popular types of Research Attorney jobs are:

What states have the most Research Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Research Attorney jobs include:

Infographic showing various Research Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,234 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Supreme Court Research Attorney I - Justice Walsh Chambers

Kansas Judicial Branch

KS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Position number: K0068207
Location of Employment: Kansas Supreme Court
Kansas Judicial Center
301 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS
Hybrid onsite/remote work possibility
Position/Salary and Benefits: Supreme Court Research Attorney I
$ 73,525.00
$ 75,406.14 with successful completion of 6 months
$ 81,097.05 with successful completion of 12 months
Kansas Judicial Branch Benefits:State Employment Center - Benefits (ks.gov)
Job Duties: This position involves highly responsible confidential legal work for the Hon. Larkin Walsh of the Kansas Supreme Court. A research attorney reviews the briefs and underlying case record, conducts in-depth research on the questions of law presented, prepares prehearing memoranda for the Court based on the facts of the case and applicable law, serves as trusted counsel, and performs other tasks as assigned by the justice. Incumbent serves at the pleasure of the appointing justice.
Employment Dates: This position is for a 1-year term with the possibility of extension-beginning no later than August 1, 2027, through July 31, 2028.
Required Education and Experience: Upon beginning employment, the candidate must:
  • Have graduated from an ABA accredited law school, and be eligible to practice law in Kansas
  • Possess superior research and writing skills, strong analytical ability, a positive attitude, and insatiable curiosity
  • Demonstrate discretion, good judgment, initiative, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
  • Be proficient in Microsoft Word and computer assisted legal research, including Westlaw

Applicants who have not yet passed the Kansas Bar or received a qualifying UBE are eligible to apply, but must do the following before employment:
  1. apply to take the Kansas Bar Exam or apply to tranfer their UBE score to Kansas
  2. submit proof they successfully completed the MPRE and the character and fitness evaluation in Kansas, and
  3. obtain a Kansas temporary permit to practice law.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Strong academic credentials (top third)
  • Law Review or other note-worthy journal experience
  • Prior service as a judicial law clerk or law firm associate

Application details and deadline: With application, please also submit cover letter, resume, law school transcript (may be unofficial), no more than four references, and a writing sample (self-edited, not edited by a third party).
Preference will be given to applications received by December 19, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled.
The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures your right to reasonable accommodations during the employment process. A request for accommodation will not affect your opportunities for employment with the Judicial Branch. If you wish to request an ADA accommodation, please contact [email protected] or by TDD through the Kansas Relay Center at 800-766-3777 or 711.
THE KANSAS JUDICIAL BRANCH IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER