Director of Research & Insights

Orrick currently has an excellent opportunity for a Director of Research & Insights. This position may be based in any of our U.S. offices and plays a critical leadership role in shaping and delivering a modern, innovative, and technology-enabled research and insights function across the firm.

The Director of Research & Insights provides strategic leadership for the global Research & Insights function and partners closely with lawyers, Innovation, Business Development, and Data & Digital teams to deliver high-impact research services. This role leads the evolution of services, talent, and technology to ensure the firm remains at the forefront of legal research, analytics, and insight-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

The Director of Research & Insights is responsible for setting the vision, strategy, and execution of the firm's research and insights capabilities, with a strong emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and value creation.

Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Set and implement the global strategy for the Research & Insights function, aligned with firm priorities and practice needs.
• Serve as a visible leader and advocate for the function across the firm.
• Develop forward-looking service models that integrate research, data, analytics, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
• Identify and assess opportunities for new and enhanced fee-earning and client-facing research and insight services.
• Foster a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and innovation.

Technology, Data & AI Enablement

• Lead the integration of AI and other advanced technologies into research and insight services to improve quality, efficiency, and impact.
• Oversee the effective use of research platforms, data subscriptions, and analytics tools, ensuring they are leveraged to maximum value.
• Establish standard approaches to education, adoption, and best practices for department tools and technologies.
• Monitor emerging trends in research, data analytics, and technology to inform strategy and investment.

Stakeholder Partnership & Service Delivery

• Build strong, trusted relationships with lawyers, practice groups, and business teams to understand evolving needs and deliver tailored solutions.
• Collaborate closely with Innovation, Business Development, and Data & Digital teams on cross-functional initiatives and offerings.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery through clear standards, transparent resource management, and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Measure and assess the value delivered by the function and continuously refine services based on feedback and outcomes.

People, Operations & Financial Management

• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing, geographically distributed team.
• Ensure people, technology, and financial resources are deployed effectively in alignment with firm priorities.
• Oversee research and information procurement, budgeting, and cost allocation to drive efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
• Implement firmwide systems and processes to standardize and improve research and insight services.

• • Minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role within research, information services, or a comparable high-performance professional services environment.
  • Demonstrated success leading and transforming teams in complex, matrixed, and often remote or virtual environments.
  • Strong track record in strategic planning, change management, and project execution.
  • Proven experience managing budgets and stewarding significant information and technology investments.
  • Deep knowledge of legal research, information services, and emerging technologies, including AI and data-driven solutions.
  • Ability to think strategically and analytically while responding creatively and pragmatically to challenges.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence across all levels of the organization.
  • Degree and/or postgraduate qualification in librarianship, information science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Who is Orrick? Orrick is a global law firm focused on delivering innovative solutions for four sectors: Technology & Innovation, Energy & Infrastructure, Finance and Life Sciences & HealthTech. Founded more than 150 years ago in San Francisco, Orrick today has offices in 25+ markets. We are recognized globally for delivering the highest-quality legal advice and for our culture of innovation and collaboration.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected salary range for this position:

• New York City, Silicon Valley, and San Francisco $255,000 - $300,000
• Washington DC, Los Angeles, Orange County, Santa Monica, Sacramento, Boston, and Seattle $240,000 - $300,000
• All Other US Locations $210,00 - $300,000

Orrick is committed to providing a comprehensive, competitive, and thoughtful total compensation package to our attorneys and staff, wherever they work. This compensation and benefits information is based on the Orrick's estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant experience or education, particular skills or expertise, geography. Other compensation may include an annual discretionary merit bonus, which would be determined by Firm and individual performance.

We offer a full range of elective health benefits including medical, dental, vision and life; robust mental well-being programs; child, family, elder, and pet care benefits; short- and long-term disability and industry leading parental leave benefits, health savings account contributions (w/applicable medical plan), flexible spending accounts, and a 401K program. This role will receive compensated time off through our Flexible Time Off program, and paid holidays.

Please visit www.orrick.com for more information about the firm.

How to Apply: If you are searching for a chance to create an impact, you have a little grit and you love working with a team, we want to talk with you. To submit your resume and cover letter for this position, please visit our Staff and Paralegal Opportunities Listings at www.orrick.com/Careers. Orrick accepts applications for this position on an ongoing basis, until filled.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Consistent with the SF Fair Chance Ordinance, an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for the position in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

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