Reference Librarian

Southwestern is looking for an enthusiastic, forward-thinking lawyer interested in becoming a law librarian to join our Los Angeles team! Reference librarians are the engine that drives Southwestern Law School’s Leigh H. Taylor Law Library forward. Our team of reference librarians:

  • Teach, including in our first-year legal analysis, writing, and skills course, advanced legal research classes, and guest lectures.
  • Provide research assistance, in person and virtually, to students, faculty, alumni, and staff.
  • Create asynchronous learning opportunities, including LibGuides and online tutorials.
  • Collaborate with Southwestern community members on various projects and committees, in the library and across campus.
  • Engage with the legal research community via membership in professional organizations.

Our library leadership also works with our reference librarians to provide growth and professional development opportunities targeted to each librarian’s specific interests. We want all our team members to feel supported and valued for their contributions to our library, school, and the profession as a whole.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Southwestern is looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

  • Ability to exhibit legal research methods and experience.
  • Strong customer service orientation.
  • Interest in teaching.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and in person, with diverse groups of people.
  • Forward-looking, innovation-focused mindset.
  • Enthusiasm for problem-solving in a fluid and dynamic environment.
  • Ability to work occasional evening or weekend shifts.

All candidates must have a JD from an ABA-accredited school (or foreign equivalent) and must obtain an MLS (or its equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution within the next four years. 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Candidates with the following will be prioritized:

  • Completed some form of advanced legal research course(s) while in Law School.
  • Law Review, Journal, or Faculty Research Assistant experience.
  • Legal research teaching experience.
  • State or federal practice experience.

How to Apply and Salary Information:

For full consideration, submit a cover letter, CV, and three professional references to jobs6@swlaw.edu

Pay range: $75,000 - $80,000/yr. Salary is commensurate with experience.