Senior Information Specialist-London/Sheffield/Edinburgh
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We are looking for a Senior Information Specialist to join our central Knowledge team responsible for the delivery of legal research and general information services.
About us
CMS is a Future Facing firm with more than 80 offices in over 45 countries and 5,800+ lawyers worldwide. We combine deep local market understanding with a global perspective. We are passionate about building strong relationships with our clients, our people, and the communities we work in.
We take a bold, dynamic, and agile approach to ensure our clients are able to face the future with confidence. We are driven by emerging technologies such as generative AI and readily embrace the possibilities it opens up for developing new and better ways of working. Our aim is to inspire, impact and support our clients and our people, helping them to maximize their potential and thrive.
About the role
In this interesting role, you will research and assess information using traditional printed materials, commercial electronic sources as well as the internet and internal sources to support our fee-earners in both client/matter and non-chargeable work.
As a Senior Information Specialist, your responsibilities will be varied and include:
Supplying research exploiting all available information sources and facilitate user access to relevant content
Advising key stakeholders on research strategy
Delivering horizon scanning and current awareness services to include commercial press alerts delivered via email or dashboards using contracted services (Lexis NewsDesk, Vable) and other relevant resources both commercial and freely available
Delivering face to face research and resource training as well as contribute to the design and delivery of the wider Knowledge training and induction programme for Trainees, New Joiners and Practice Groups to include presentation, guidance and information Proactively contribute to the continuous review and improvement of processes
Knowledge resource procurement and budget work as required
Capturing research know-how for future use and contributing to the team knowledge bank and internal pages on the intranet as appropriate
Specific projects as required
About you
We will invest in your ongoing training and development to support your professional goals and help you to thrive in your role from day one. Our opportunities are open to all suitably qualified applicants, so to be considered for this role, you must meet the following skills and experience:
Excellent interpersonal skills able to develop and maintains effective professional relationships internally and externally
Commercial and professional approach.
Excellent IT skills with some experience of AI and to include key Microsoft software in particular PowerPoint, Excel (advanced skills desirable - pivot tables, data manipulation) as well as the firm's Document Management System (FileSite / WorkSite/ I-Manage).
Strong organisational skills. Ability to plan workload and meet deadlines. Ability to prioritise tasks and remain calm when working under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Work efficiently on multiple tasks without direct supervision
Attention to detail - research output is accurate reflecting original request. Ability to condense and summarise complex information accurately
Flexibility - ability to adapt to changed responsibilities and new situations
Customer focus - Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external clients
Creativity - has new, creative and unique ideas. Encourages the creative initiatives of others. Is highly pro-active and focuses on continuous improvement of processes and procedures.
Self-motivated - anticipates and resolves problems before they happen
Previous Experience
Minimum of 3-5 years' experience in Information Services is essential, in the legal or professional services sector
Significant experience of undertaking research and/or answering enquiries.
Extensive knowledge and experience of wide range of legal data sources both hard copy and core online (Lexis+, Practical Law, Westlaw Edge, Nexis, Lexis NewsDesk, Vable).
Awareness of key company and business research databases (Mergermarkets, Infralogic, BvD Orbis, FT) and an excellent ability to search across publicly available sources, as well as the ability to use and review core internal data sources
Experience of delivering training and induction sessions
SharePoint and intranet maintenance skills desirable.
Professional/Educational Qualification
A degree or post-graduate qualification in Information and Library Management, or Information Science is essential. Chartered CILIP Status, membership of BIALL or similar desirable
What's in it for you?
We want to reward you today and help you plan for tomorrow. We appreciate that everyone is different, therefore we have designed a benefits system that offers choice and flexibility based on individual needs and lifestyles. To name a few, these include:
• Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
• Flexible, hybrid working policy
• Generous bonus scheme
• Up to 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with service)
• Holiday exchange scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced parental leave
• Reasonable adjustments and accommodation for disabled talent in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
If you would like to read more information regarding our range of benefits, please visit our Rewards & Benefits page on our website.
Equal opportunities
At CMS, we place diversity and inclusion at the centre of our culture and the heart of our organisation. As a firm we recognise, celebrate, and embrace the diverse talent our society has to offer because we know that to solve big problems, we need the best and brightest minds available to us. In support of this goal, we commit to actively breaking down barriers which stand in the way of those from diverse backgrounds and play our part in levelling the playing field.
As a Future Facing Firm, we strongly believe that a career in law should be open to people from all walks of life, because not only does diversity of thought and experience make our firm a stronger and more sustainable business, but it also makes it a more rewarding place to work.
When recruiting, we prioritise attracting talented people and we actively promote a flexible working environment which enables all our team members to thrive. If you see a role you are interested in, but don't feel you meet 100% of the criteria we encourage you to still consider making an application. We also welcome applications from those who may be looking to return to the workforce after a career break.
We are proud to say our leadership in creating an inclusive working culture has been celebrated and recognised externally, including being listed for a number of years in the Times Top 50 Employers for Women and the Social Mobility Index.
We are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer, and we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities, whether visible or invisible. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity throughout our recruitment process and in every element of the employee life cycle. If you require assistance, or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements or adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please contact Steve Paine at TalentAcquisition@cms-cmno.com who will be happy to support you.
Ready to apply? Here are the next steps.
We look forward to receiving your application online via the CMS careers site. Please contact our Talent Acquisition team if you have any questions.
Please note that we have a preferred agency panel in place. Only applications submitted via the portal at the point of instruction will be accepted.
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