AddressOsler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is one of Canada’s leading business law firms. Advising many of Canada’s corporate leaders, as well as U.S. and international parties with extensive interest in Canada, our more than 1,000 firm members are based in offices in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and New York.
Osler prides itself on attracting and maintaining some of the brightest talent in the legal arena. Our lawyers, students, management and business professionals have created a unique firm culture which nurtures mentoring and the exchange of ideas. Osler is a dynamic and exciting place to begin a career or carve out a new path.
Osler is seeking a Senior Manager, Knowledge & Research Services to direct and manage library services Firm-wide, as part of the Firm's Legal Operations team. This role will be instrumental in continuing the development and delivery of content and services to our practice teams, operating in an increasingly mobile and dynamic work environment. The Senior Manager will play a key role in the digital strategy of our Legal Operations team. They will be responsible for ensuring that knowledge and research services adhere to Firm quality standards and align these services with market best practices.
Major Responsibilities
- Works with the Chief, Enterprise Strategic Initiatives to set the strategic direction for the delivery of knowledge and research services by the Firm’s library team
- Manages externally produced information resources in all formats, as purchased or licensed for use by the Firm’s practice and administrative teams
- Manages the development and maintenance of a portfolio of reference and research resources aligned with the needs of the Firm in support of its clients and business
- Works to optimize the accessibility of knowledge and research resources on Firm systems to support mobile legal professionals in the Firm’s hybrid working model
- Works directly with practice leaders and senior administrators to identify research and resource needs
- Oversees the design and delivery of research orientation and training sessions for legal professionals, legal assistants, and other administrative staff as appropriate. Leverages people, processes, and technology to deliver knowledge and research services in an efficient and scalable manner
- Collaborates with other members of the Firm’s Legal Operations team to support their respective management and delivery of Firm knowledge resources
- Supports the Firm’s data stewardship model by supporting management of data related to our legal practice.
- Manages all aspects of Firm library team, including hiring, workload, and professional development
- Establishes policies and procedures for efficient delivery of knowledge and research services. Strives for continual improvement and adjusts procedures accordingly
- Establishes metrics and key performance indicators for measuring the effectiveness of the resource collections and services offered by the team. Directs the development of relevant measures and provides regular reporting to management
- Oversees budgeting and expense management for the department. Works with vendors to ensure advantageous pricing and licensing arrangements. Prepares annual budget and works with Finance & Accounting on any adjustments
- Fosters positive relationships with all of the library services resource vendors. Works with each to ensure advantageous pricing and consistent delivery of service. Assists Acquisitions & Resource Services team in troubleshooting issues with invoices, claims, renewals, and other related matters
Position Requirements:
Education and Experience
This position requires a Master of Information Science or equivalent, plus ten years’ of progressive experience in a law library or similar environment. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be acceptable.
Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge of government structure, legal practices and legislative processes
- Knowledge of electronic database management and proficiency with relevant technology including MS Office, DBTextworks and Presto or other similar library and content management systems
- Demonstrated proficiency in process improvement in a professional setting
- Understanding of legal research methodology & process
- Knowledge of legal research tools and online searching systems
To protect the health and safety of firm members and visitors and to comply with the recommendations of public health authorities, employment at Osler will be conditional on the candidate submitting evidence of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
We are currently working in a hybrid work arrangement, with a requirement to work partially in the office and an opportunity to work remote.
Accessibility and Accommodation
We thank all applicants for their interest in Osler; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. Osler is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all phases of the selection process.
Background and Reference Checks
Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon background and reference checks, including a criminal record check, credit check, and employment and educational verifications.
If you have the required background with the ability to provide exceptional customer service and wish to work in one of Canada's leading law firms, please reply in confidence with a cover letter and résumé by the closing date.
No agencies or phone calls please.
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