Director of Library Services

Job Summary

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in Los Angeles or New York, the Director of Library Services is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the firm’s global research and information services. This position ensures that attorneys and business professionals have access to timely, high-quality legal research, business intelligence, competitive intelligence, and knowledge resources. The Director will develop and execute a forward-looking vision for the library function that leverages technology, innovation, and cost-effective resource management to support client service, business development, and firm operations.

This role reports to the Chief Legal Operations Officer.

Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the firm’s library and research services strategy in alignment with overall knowledge management, innovation, and client service goals.
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of library professionals across multiple offices; foster a culture of collaboration, service excellence, and professional growth.
• Resource Management: Oversee acquisition, evaluation, and renewal of electronic databases, print collections, and research tools. Negotiate vendor contracts to ensure optimal value and cost-efficiency.
• Research Services: Ensure delivery of high-quality legal, business, and competitive intelligence research to attorneys, business services teams, and clients.
• Technology & Innovation: Identify and implement innovative tools, AI-powered research platforms, and emerging technologies that enhance research capabilities and operational efficiencies.
• Collaboration: Partner with practice groups, business development, knowledge management, and information governance teams to maximize the value of library resources.
• Budget Oversight: Develop and manage the department’s annual budget, including forecasting, spend analysis, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Policy & Compliance: Establish policies and best practices for research services, copyright compliance, and information governance related to library operations.
• Training & Outreach: Develop training programs to enhance attorney and staff proficiency with research tools, databases, and resources.

Qualifications

• Professional demeanor and excellent communication skills paired with a service-oriented attitude.
• Strong organization skills with a focus on attention to detail, problem solving, and the ability to multitask.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness, creativity, and self-directed behavior.
• Strong vendor management and contract negotiation skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets and deliver cost savings while maintaining service excellence.
• Proven success in leading change initiatives and implementing innovative solutions within a professional services environment.

Experience

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent required; JD preferred but not required.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in large law firm library, research, or knowledge services, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of legal research tools, databases, and emerging technologies in the legal information field.

 

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.

Compensation & Benefits:

The annual compensation range for this position is $250-300k. The salary offered within this range will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

Benefits offered for this position include health care; retirement benefits; paid days off, including sick time, and vacation time; parental leave; basic life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; as well as discretionary, performance-based bonuses.

Locations:

New York, Los Angeles

EEO Statement

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all partners, employees and applicants and, in accordance with the applicable federal and state laws, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, religion, matriculation or political affiliation, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status or partnership status, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, personal appearance, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, arrest or conviction record, or on any other basis prohibited by law.