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Job outlook for legal research analysts in the United States
Are legal research analyst jobs in demand?
Legal research analyst job and salary trends over time
Legal research analyst jobs over time
Legal research analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 438 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 423 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 422 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 413 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 404 | 0.00% |
Average legal research analyst salary over time
Legal research analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,033 | $27.90 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $56,218 | $27.03 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $55,281 | $26.58 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $54,522 | $26.21 | +0.9% |
| 2021 | $54,023 | $25.97 | +2.0% |
Legal research analyst jobs by state
Most common states for legal research analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 128 | 18% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 97 | 16% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 571 | 14% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 191 | 14% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 150 | 14% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 701 | 13% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 112 | 12% |
| 8 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 102 | 12% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 635 | 11% |
| 10 | California | 39,536,653 | 4,112 | 10% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,312 | 10% |
| 12 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 872 | 10% |
| 13 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 868 | 10% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 308 | 10% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 194 | 10% |
| 16 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 100 | 10% |
| 17 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 76 | 10% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 58 | 10% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 188 | 9% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 114 | 9% |
Legal Research Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of legal research analyst experts
College of New Jersey, The
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Lafayette College
University of Akron
University of Houston
University of Hartford
Lewis and Clark School of Law
Humboldt State University
University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
University of Mary Washington
Luther College
Florida Gulf Coast University
Menlo College
San Francisco State University
Rider University
Pennsylvania State University
Chrissy Daeschner OTD, MS, OTR/L
Capstone CoordinatorWhat general advice would you give to a Legal Research Analyst?
Chrissy Daeschner OTD, MS, OTR/L: By saying "Yes". Most companies have standard salaries or small scale for adjusting salary. Per Diem jobs, research interventionist, additional weekend on call, adjunct jobs, and other opportunities gives you the ability to increase salary and opportunities.
What Legal Research Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Chrissy Daeschner OTD, MS, OTR/L: Research skills will be extremely important as the use of evidence-based research in practice and value-based services are imperative. Leadership and entrepreneurship skills will also be important as we promote programming and services in community-based settings.
What general advice would you give to a Legal Research Analyst?
Dr. Piper Williams PhD: Students who major in AAS bring additional expertise and qualifications to any application - so a clear articulation of these could help to maximize salary potential. They will have: skills that will enable them to contribute to innovation in the workplace, a demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems, demonstrate ethical judgment and integrity; intercultural skills; and the capacity for continued new learning, critical thinking, complex problem-solving, written and oral communication, and applied knowledge in real-world settings.
What Legal Research Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Piper Williams PhD: I would advise a graduate to reflect on what they've learned about the contributions, experiences, history and present reality of people of African descent in the New World. In addition, thinking about the skills they developed related to the major in African American Studies, including but not limited to: Research and Analysis, Writing, Public Speaking, Project Development and Completion, Ethical Reasoning, Listening, Teamwork and Collaboration, Perspective-Taking, Awareness of Context and what they call 'Cultural Competence. Use this education, to make the case that in addition to all the skills you can bring, the education offered by AAS will allow you to distinguish yourself as a candidate who can meet the needs the current moment demands. Black Americans encounter implicit racism in all walks of life: medicine and healthcare, law, politics and gov't, business and industry, performing arts and entertainment, sports, education, news media and social, community and humanitarian services. With this degree, you can enter almost any field and be more equitable to everyone you meet. (And by the way, in the list above, there are a number of people with a degree in African American Studies.)
What general advice would you give to a Legal Research Analyst?
John Lyden: Research skills (ability to find and interpret information), oral and written communication skills (ability to present information clearly), data analysis and interpretation, language interpretation and translation. Computer facility will be highly valued. Employers will include those in higher education, government, non-profits, research institutes, and museums.
What general advice would you give to a Legal Research Analyst?
Brett Hendrickson PhD, MDiv (he/him): Remember that employers in many sectors want and need people with the skill set that Religious Studies teaches you. With a Religious Studies major, you have high levels of cultural competence and cultural empathy. Your critical thinking skills are matched by your ability to communicate your ideas in both oral and written formats. When it comes to problem-solving, you are highly skilled in studying and understanding the historical, political, and ethical contexts that guide people's decision making. You are an expert researcher, able to read and digest large amounts of text in a short amount of time.
What Legal Research Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brett Hendrickson PhD, MDiv (he/him): Religious Studies majors who wish to maximize their salary potential should be bold in articulating the digital research tools that they learned as part of their education. Religious Studies graduates know how to use and assess historical and cultural data from multiple online data sources. They should also emphasize their excellent interpersonal skills and that they are well-versed in interacting with diverse people on highly sensitive topics.
Colin McEwen
Director of National Media RelationsWhat general advice would you give to a Legal Research Analyst?
Colin McEwen: Maximizing your salary potential when starting your career in legal research and advanced professional studies requires a combination of strategic planning, skill development, networking, and salary research.
What Legal Research Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Colin McEwen: For a graduate beginning their career in the field of legal research and Advanced Professional Studies, here are some general pieces of advice.
What will help Legal Research Analysts increase their earning potential?
Colin McEwen: In the next 3-5 years, several skills are likely to become increasingly important and prevalent in the field of legal research and advanced professional studies.
What general advice would you give to a Legal Research Analyst?
Lori Bruce MA, MBE, HEC-C: Multidisciplinary partnership is critical, since bioethicists can be “gatekeepers;” their policies may influence which members of the public receive certain health services, and which do not receive them. Knowledge, applied cautiously! It’s important to have a nuanced understanding of many bioethics principles and theories, and apply them with caution, so that the most relevant values are influencing your work.
What will help Legal Research Analysts increase their earning potential?
Lori Bruce MA, MBE, HEC-C: Multidisciplinary partnership is critical, since bioethicists can be “gatekeepers;” their policies may influence which members of the public receive certain health services, and which do not receive them.
Knowledge, applied cautiously! It’s important to have a nuanced understanding of many bioethics principles and theories, and apply them with caution, so that the most relevant values are influencing your work.
Martha Taylor
Professor and Chair of ClassicsWhat Legal Research Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Martha Taylor: Stay abreast of new trends. Read broadly and be widely curious. Keep up with advances in English literature (since so much of interpretation of Classical texts follows similar lines).
Alisa Benedict O’Brien
Assistant Dean for Career Services, Strategic Initiatives & External AffairsUniversity of Akron
Dispute Resolution
What general advice would you give to a Legal Research Analyst?
Alisa Benedict O’Brien: Make yourself indispensable to your employer. Be timely and demonstrate your enthusiasm for your job and your work ethic. Offer to jump in on a project or stay late to get your work done. Get involved in your community and network. Getting out and building relationships will lead to clients and generate business. Never stop learning and asking questions as your goal is to become an expert in your field; this includes attending continuing legal education programs, seminars, lunch and learns, webinars, writing a blog post or article, etc.
What will help Legal Research Analysts increase their earning potential?
Alisa Benedict O’Brien: Make yourself indispensable to your employer. Be timely and demonstrate your enthusiasm for your job and your work ethic. Offer to jump in on a project or stay late to get your work done. Get involved in your community and network. Getting out and building relationships will lead to clients and generate business. Never stop learning and asking questions as your goal is to become an expert in your field; this includes attending continuing legal education programs, seminars, lunch and learns, webinars, writing a blog post or article, etc.
What skills stand out on Legal Research Analyst resumes?
Katherine Butler Brem: From the 30,000 foot view, the things that stand out on a new lawyer's resume are things that reflect work ethic and intellect. This is why lawyers, perhaps more than any other profession, are "credentials conscious." To an employer, GPA is important because it reflects both intellect and a good work ethic. Of course, where you go to law school is also important. But there are other things students can do to enhance these qualities of work ethic and intellect on their resumes. Journal work reflects a strong work ethic and is, typically, derivative of a student's GPA. Participating in moot court and mock trial also indicate strong work ethic and a student's willingness to think hard about difficult problems. Employers also appreciate things that reflect practical skills: judicial internships, summer clerkships, and other work experience, as well as clinic experience. Clinics offer a wealth of real-world experience. I always tell students that even if they don't intend to do work similar to the work they do in a clinic - immigration work, for example - the people skills they learn dealing with real-world clients are invaluable, and the knowledge they take away will be useful for a lifetime.
And if students have any unique characteristic that sets them apart from the average law student, definitely include that on your resume. If you were a fishing guide in the summers, for example, or a zip line instructor at a summer camp, include it. Our career counselors usually advise against including this sort of non-legal experience but, when I was in practice and interviewing law students, it was the first thing my colleagues and I looked for. A lot of resumes look more or less the same - making your resume memorable may move your resume to the top of a pile. On two occasions, students have told me this advice was very helpful. One was a ballerina for a professional company in Poland before emigrating to the United States and attending college and then law school. The other had an FFA scholarship in college that required her to castrate hogs as part of a work-study experience. Each told me they left these experiences on their resumes against Career Development's advice, yet it was all anyone ever asked about during interviews. And, interestingly, both were offered employment at firms that typically looked for students with better traditional qualifications.
What soft skills should all Legal Research Analysts possess?
Katherine Butler Brem: Whether trial or transactional, a lawyer's ability to spot issues and think critically about those issues is crucial to success. The world moves fast, and I think that has encouraged all of us to look for the "quick" answer. We're conditioned to think if we need to know something, we can just look it up. But the law doesn't work that way. First, lawyers have to have a sufficient knowledge base to spot not just the obvious issues but those that are not so obvious. And then the lawyer has to be willing to spend the time and intellectual capital to think hard about the issues, do some research, and then think even harder about them. In a world where "action" represents the typical coin of the realm, it can be difficult for lawyers to exercise the discipline required to slow down and think before they act. But those who do develop a reputation as excellent strategists, and this is a very marketable skill.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Research Analysts?
Katherine Butler Brem: Two things: Research skills, especially research skills specific to a particular specialty area like tax or immigration. If you're looking for work in these fields, you need to be knowledgeable about where and how to research law relevant to these specialties. Secondly, just minimum competence in the technology you need to practice law in the absence of significant administrative assistance - things like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and billing software.
What skills will help Legal Research Analysts earn the most?
Katherine Butler Brem: Both a strong work ethic and well-developed intellect are critical for advancement. It's not likely that who you know or fate will allow you to stumble into a windfall. The most successful lawyers are the ones that work the hardest. This doesn't mean that you can't take time for yourself, but you have to be disciplined with your time. Also, good client communication skills and an ability to understand client needs and motivations are equally critical for advancement. When a client contacts you, they're looking for a quick response - even if that response is simply to say that you are working on the problem and will get back to them at a specific time.
What soft skills should all Legal Research Analysts possess?
Regina Graziani: Soft skills can be referred to in generic groups: employability skills, interpersonal skills, transferable skills, and people skills. Some of these skills overlap with technical skills. The five most important soft skills for a successful legal professional are organization, communication (written and oral), the ability to multitask, continuously pay attention to detail, and the ability to work as part of a team. Of course, skills such as being professional, pleasant, and punctual are important, as well.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Legal Research Analysts?
Regina Graziani: Again, there is a long list of technical or hard skills important for a legal professional. Some depend on the practice area, but some are generic. Five of the most important hard skills that a successful paralegal should have are computer skills (ability to use software relevant to the practice area, word processing, eFiling, digital organization, document management, and digital conferencing, to name a few), research (online and print), communication (written and oral), critical thinking, and resourcefulness.
What skills will help Legal Research Analysts earn the most?
Regina Graziani: Much of this answer depends on the practice area. Knowing the technology, processes, and the ability to research the law in a particular area of law are extremely important. Also important are professionalism, the ability to work independently and anticipate what is needed, always seeking to learn more and streamline processes, and is conscientious about their work.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Research Analyst job market given the pandemic?
Joel Silverman: I believe that the biggest trend we will see in the job market is that job seekers are going to have to become more flexible. Not only are they going to have to think about what is going to get them a job, but what are they going to bring to the table for an employer in a rapidly changing market? How can the recent graduate bring more than just the same old legal knowledge? Do they have marketing and sales experience? How can a new attorney help a firm with their social media presence? IT experience and remote learning/educating? Technology continues to evolve and shape the way in which we practice our craft and market our skills. The new graduate has the potential for a set of skills that the employer does not have and therefore, the graduate has to make that part of their practice shine.
What's a day at work look like for a Legal Research Analyst?
Dr. Anne Paulet Ph.D.: I am sorry but I don't think I have the ability to describe a day of work. Too much of that rests on the field the grad goes into. Many jobs will likely involve more online time but that does not apply evenly across fields. Some companies or institutions may reconsider the way they configure or use indoor and outdoor space, but that again is dependent on varying factors. The best advice is be flexible, innovative, friendly and willing to learn.
What soft skills should all Legal Research Analysts possess?
Dr. Anne Paulet Ph.D.: In terms of soft skills, those probably won't change much, they will simply be practiced differently. Being flexible is important since jobs may switch between home and office and since one may be dealing with someone else working from home and the challenges that can present-what cat owner hasn't had their cat walk in front of the camera or step on the wrong computer key? The ability to work in groups will continue to have importance as well as the ability to manage your own time and meet deadlines. At the same time, the nature of computer camera interaction means that people will have to learn to "read" others differently than they would in an in-person environment. Many recent articles have talked about how it is harder to read facial cues or detect emotional responses on the computer. Again, those presently taking synchronous classes have the opportunity to practice these skills--providing students turn on their cameras rather than relying only on audio. If the past year has demonstrated anything, it is that people need to be more culturally aware and sensitive and also be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds. History classes are a great way for students to better understand what others have gone through and how that might impact interaction today. Additionally, history classes-as well as college in general-should provide students with the skills to help create the kind of changes in institutions and companies that need to be made to make them more inclusive. Perhaps the greatest skill college students have is the ability to learn. I never intended to teach online, yet here I am doing just that. It required learning new ways to approach teaching, reconsideration of the ways students learned in the new environment, and figuring out new online programs to make all this happen. I was forced to do this as a result of the pandemic but most students will find that this sort of adjustment-whether foreseen or not-will be a regular part of their career path. The ability to learn these new skills, to apply new methods and to approach issues in new and innovative ways will help them stand out when it comes to looking for a job.
Hanna Royce
Assistant Dean of Career ServicesUniversity of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
Career Services Department
What general advice would you give to a Legal Research Analyst?
Hanna Royce: Graduates should keep their network active. This includes them taking the time to re-engage with the members of their network on a regular basis and continuing to make new contacts. They should make it a priority to stay in touch with their classmates and professors. They might be looking for a new position in the future, and their legal network can help them locate opportunities through the hidden job market.
Many graduates are securing remote positions. To be successful in a remote environment, employees need to make the extra effort to communicate and stay connected with colleagues. Even when employees are telecommuting, they should dress as if they are going into the office. This can help them with productivity and illustrate their professionalism when meeting with colleagues or clients.
Dr. Jackie Gallagher
Associate Professor, ChairUniversity of Mary Washington
Department of Geography
What skills stand out on Legal Research Analyst resumes?
Dr. Jackie Gallagher: Students need to be able to communicate well, in writing and by speaking - I think these are the most important skills for anyone. It can be hard to demonstrate on a resume, so a portfolio or web page is incredibly useful! Beyond that, the ability to find good, reliable, information, to be able to do research, to think critically, and to assess information critically. Again, these are hard to demonstrate on a resume, but individual research, internships, presentations at a conference, these are the ways that a student might really stand out.
GIS skills are incredibly valuable for geography majors, but are not absolutely essential. One or two classes in GIS are useful; our undergraduate certificate, especially if it includes Python programming language, is very valuable.
Hard skills like word processing, use of spreadsheets, production of slide shows and posters, and creation of web pages round out my list!
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Legal Research Analysts to find work opportunities?
Dr. Jackie Gallagher: Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
I have always heard that there are more jobs in geography in the greater D.C. region than any other part of the county. There are more job titles including "geographer" here than elsewhere. I don't know how to assess that or find that information, but it makes sense given the large U.S. agencies that hire geographers (NGA, CIA, FBI, USGS, NOAA, etc.) and all of their contractors, plus the various branches of the military. For this reason, UMW is in a phenomenally good location for geography majors: our students can work on internships while attending classes by working locally or by taking the train north toward D.C. or south toward Richmond. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists geospatial technologies as hiring at a rate higher than average, and earning more than average; this is one aspect of geography. We have had alumni move to Texas and to California for work: these are other "hot spot" places for GIS, in particular.
Dr. Charlotte Kunkel
Professor of SociologyLuther College
Department of Sociology
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Research Analyst job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Charlotte Kunkel: The newest trends given the pandemic of Covid19 and its aftermath is in both the study of public health and institutional racism. While the jobs won't change per se, the foci on the impacts of systemic inequalities will be foremost - perhaps more than they have ever been before. Therefore, a background in the sociology of inequalities may be the biggest factor in being competitive in the job market.
Nearly every field is experiencing and confronting the effects of systemic inequalities - educational systems are confronting unequal access to resources and technology since the move to distance learning, parents are confronting the inequities of double and triple shifts as schools and daycares close, social services are being overwhelmed with newly poor and struggling families. The fields of healthcare, housing, policing and unemployment, etc., may all have to take a look at how services can meet future needs as well as address the inequities in the distribution of resources. A background in Sociology and the ability to see systems at play rather than only individual agency will be the key to making organizations successful.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Legal Research Analysts to find work opportunities?
Dr. Charlotte Kunkel: The obvious places are in social research organizations, like the Census Bureau, however, I think anywhere in the healthcare and criminal justice systems (lawyers, probation, and policing) will be looking for candidates who can understand the larger patterns of social inequalities that are present in society.
What general advice would you give to a Legal Research Analyst?
Dr. Glenn Whitehouse: -Think of yourself more as a bundle of skills than as an expert in your major - and while you're at it, think of job titles that way as well. Too many liberal arts students never pursue careers they might be very good at, because they couldn't imagine themselves in that job title. But consider: the most common career type for Philosophy BAs without graduate study is Management, and the most common job for Philosophy BAs with graduate study is Lawyer. Those might not sound like "philosophical" jobs, but what do lawyers do? They make arguments, apply ethical principles, and read and write very carefully. What do managers do? They persuade people, analyze problems into parts so they can be solved, synthesize the viewpoints of team members, and mediate between details and the big picture. Does that sound more like your philosophy studies? Learn to see the ways your academic skill set matches real world roles.
-Know the value - and rarity - of your skill set. As you enter the workforce you may encounter peers who walk in knowing business lingo or specialized knowledge you didn't encounter in school. But as a philosophy major, it is likely that you can write clearly, read carefully, think precisely, persuade effectively, imagine alternatives, and assess issues. These are not common skills, and they can be the key to rapid advancement and career mobility. As an entry-level employee, seek out opportunities to showcase your skills, and you won't be in that entry-level position for long.
-Treat your early career as a learning experience. It's very unlikely that your first job will be your forever job, and that means it's OK to try something that will help you develop professionally, even if you don't intend to stay with that employer. You chose a major that called you to do research and stretch your mind to unfamiliar places. Carry that spirit into your first job, and you'll quickly erase any advantage that peers from so-called practical walked in with. You may need to teach yourself some business knowledge and skills as you get started, but I promise nothing you have to learn in the professional world is harder than reading Kant and Hegel!
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Research Analyst job market given the pandemic?
Shalini Gopalkrishnan: Remote work is here to stay. Don't wait for it to become the normal of 2019; it will never be. Short-term work will also become the norm.
Matthew Fisher SFSU, Hult, SMC
Business InstructorSan Francisco State University
Department of Marketing, Management, and Economics
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Legal Research Analysts?
Matthew Fisher SFSU, Hult, SMC: Perhaps. For engaged students committed to learning, there is not likely to be too profound of an impact. Students that have mastered the material in their coursework should be armed with robust critical thinking skills, theories, and frameworks that enable them to confidently apply to positions and succeed. However, I would anticipate that some employers may be more skeptical of recent grads and their capabilities stemming from online course delivery. It is undeniable that some students are less engaged with remote learning and may be retaining less. Additionally, employers may take this critical view from their own experiences with children and remote learning. While there are many that are thriving in a remote learning environment, there are also many that are realizing that there are many challenges to neutralizing distractions, budgeting time, and remaining accountable when surrounded by distractions of the home.
For firms that might be embracing remote work on a more permanent basis, then it is very likely that time management skills will become much more important. Young professionals that can emphasize their capability to manage multiple projects and self-motivate are apt to find employers receptive. Additionally, writing skills may also be more important for the fact that there is less face-to-face interactions.
Lindsay Alvarado
Career Advisor and Adjunct Instructor of ManagementRider University
Norm Brodsky College of Business
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Legal Research Analyst job market given the pandemic?
Lindsay Alvarado: The pandemic has accelerated a lot of trends that were already in motion, most notably flexible work arrangements such as telecommuting and virtual interviewing, hiring, and onboarding. Organizations that were already set up for virtual work transitioned smoothly, and those who hadn't were forced to adopt new technologies and processes for conducting business. Instead of being seen as a perk, employees will come to expect this benefit and level of technological agility from their employers.
Stephen A. Matthews Ph.D.
Liberal Arts Professor of Sociology, Anthropology, Demography and Geography Director, Graduate Program in Demography Faculty Director, Graduate Programs in Applied Demography Editor, Spatial Demography Associate Editor, Mathematical Population StudiesPennsylvania State University
Department of Socilogy na Criminology
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Legal Research Analysts to find work opportunities?
Stephen A. Matthews Ph.D.: Anywhere and everywhere - academia, government (local to national), NGOs, INGOs, private sector, and applied research - in the US and overseas!
What skills stand out on Legal Research Analyst resumes?
Stephen A. Matthews Ph.D.: Our program is too broad and complex to answer this in any meaningful way (see my opening paragraph). I hope our Ph.D. graduates have both soft skills (e.g., people skills, communication (writing/speaking), team science/work skills, critical thinking skills) as well as the technical skills (e.g., data analysis, data visualization, data ethics, IRB experience, etc.). As mentioned, I also hope they are flexible and adaptive vis-a-vis other perspectives (interdisciplinary outlook).