Cameron Miranda
Making the switch from a public librarian to a law librarian is possible, but it may depend on the type of law library and the specific job requirements. Academic law librarian positions at universities typically require both a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. However, for law firms or government positions, an MLIS may be sufficient. Law librarianship programs offer legal research and law-specific competencies, and scholarships are available for aspiring law librarians. Gaining legal research experience, joining professional organizations, and networking at conferences can also aid in making the transition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Transferring from a public librarian to a law librarian role is not easy. |
| Transferable skills | People skills and research skills are transferable. |
| Job availability | Law librarian jobs are available in academic law libraries, law firm libraries, government law libraries, court law libraries, university libraries, and legal technology companies. |
| Qualifications | A JD is not required for most law librarian jobs, but some universities require it. An MLIS is sufficient for some roles. |
| Salary | Salaries may be lower in academic roles. |
| Work hours | Private law firms tend to have a workweek of more than 40 hours. |
| Training | Training is often provided for government jobs. |
| Job titles | Some law firms have moved away from the title "librarian" to "analyst" or "specialist." |
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What You'll Learn
Law librarian qualifications
To become a law librarian, you will need a master's degree from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution. The names of the degrees vary, including MLS, MLIS, and MSIS. Obtaining an MLS will qualify you for many more positions in law libraries and better prepare you for the challenges of law librarianship.
While a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is not necessary for law firm librarianship, it can be beneficial and may qualify you for additional professional positions. Only about one-third of law librarians have a JD, and fewer than 20% of law librarian positions require both an MLS and a JD. However, some positions, such as academic reference and library director roles, consistently require a JD.
In addition to a master's degree, subject specialization in the law is essential for law librarians. This includes an understanding of the legal system, knowledge of legal terminology and literature, and skills in legal research, bibliography, and library administration. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Lexis, Westlaw, and Bloomberg Law is also highly valuable.
The University of Washington offers a unique Law Librarianship MLIS program that can be completed in one calendar year. This program includes a fellowship at the UW Gallagher Law Library, providing students with valuable experience working in a law library while earning their degree.
While making the switch from public to law librarian is possible, the availability of positions may depend on your location and the size of the firms in your area. Large firms, government agencies, and law schools are more likely to hire law librarians, as smaller firms may not have the resources for specialized roles. Networking and gaining relevant experience, such as through internships or volunteer work, can be advantageous when pursuing a career in law librarianship.
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Law librarian job sectors
Law librarians typically work in law firms, law schools, and government libraries. However, some also work in academia and corporate settings. The job market and specific requirements vary depending on these different sectors. For example, academic reference and library director positions in academia consistently require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, while law firms and government libraries may hire candidates with just a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree.
Law librarians in the corporate sector assist employees of private businesses in conducting research and finding information. They work for a wide range of organizations, including insurance companies, consulting firms, and publishers. In contrast, law librarians working in law firms or law school libraries often conduct research and help lawyers, judges, law clerks, and law students locate and analyze legal resources.
Government law librarians may serve judges, agencies, and state libraries. They can also work in public law libraries, which are open to the public and may be found in major cities. These positions may not require a JD, but a strong understanding of legal research and information systems is beneficial.
Academia is a more competitive sector, often requiring a combination of MLIS and JD degrees. Academic law librarians may teach and conduct research, in addition to assisting law students and faculty in locating legal information.
Overall, the job sectors for law librarians offer a range of opportunities, from traditional library settings in firms and schools to more specialized roles in government and academia. The specific requirements and job duties can vary, but a strong foundation in library science and legal knowledge is essential for success in this field.
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Law librarian salaries
While it is possible to switch from being a public librarian to a law librarian, the salary you can expect to earn varies. The average annual pay for a law librarian in the United States is $69,347, with the salary range going as low as $31,500 and as high as $112,000. The majority of law librarian salaries range between $58,500 and $80,000, with the top 10% earning $112,000 annually. However, the average salary for a law librarian in Maryland is $2,260 less than the national average at $66,087 per year.
The salary of a law librarian also varies depending on the institution. For example, the average salary of a law librarian at the CUNY School of Law in New York City is 5% more than that of faculty members, while the University of Indiana (McKinney) pays its law librarians 58% less than its faculty. Academic law librarians are generally paid 47% less than their faculty counterparts, with an average salary of $84,740 compared to $159,995 for faculty. The average salary for a law librarian position, including the library director, is $102,316, while the average faculty member salary, including law school deans, is $166,115, a 38% difference.
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Law librarian job applications
The transition from a public librarian to a law librarian is possible, but the path depends on the specific job and sector. Most law librarians are hired by big law firms, government bodies, or law schools, as smaller firms often cannot afford to hire librarians. Some sources suggest that only 25-30% of law librarians have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, and that a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree may be sufficient for certain roles. However, others advise that a JD is necessary for academic positions, and some firms may prefer candidates with both an MLIS and a JD.
Job Searching
When searching for law librarian jobs, it is important to note that many law firms have started using different job titles, such as "analyst", "specialist", "knowledge management specialist", or "knowledge management paralegal". Therefore, it is recommended to also search for these terms when looking for law librarian positions.
Qualifications
While qualifications vary depending on the specific job and sector, there are a few general qualifications that can be beneficial when applying for law librarian jobs. These include:
- A Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree.
- A Juris Doctor (JD) degree, especially for academic positions.
- Paralegal certification or experience.
- Legal research experience.
- Experience with legal research tools such as Westlaw or Lexis.
Example Job Postings
- LA Law Library is seeking a Librarian for Cataloguing who will be responsible for creating and maintaining a current catalog of the library's collection. Candidates should be vibrant, energetic, and passionate. Applications should include a cover letter and resume submitted via ZipRecruiter.
- The Harris County Law Library in Houston is hiring an Assistant Law Librarian and is open to librarians with no law experience.
- The Samuel M. Fineman Law Libraries at the School of Law is hiring a Legal Information Librarian and a Senior Research Librarian.
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Law librarian job roles
Law librarians are responsible for managing and providing access to legal resources within a law library. They work in various settings, including law schools, law firms, government agencies, and court libraries. Their primary role is to support the legal research needs of attorneys, judges, law students, and other legal professionals.
Law librarians are responsible for acquiring, organizing, and maintaining legal materials such as statutes, case law, regulations, legal treatises, and other relevant documents. They ensure the collection is comprehensive and up-to-date by continuously assessing the relevance and currency of the legal materials. They also develop accurate bibliographic records for these materials, adhering to cataloging standards and classification systems.
In law firms, law librarians contribute to the efficient functioning of legal teams by conducting research and providing critical support to attorneys. They need to be adept at handling various legal databases, research tools, and information retrieval systems. Law librarians in government agencies or courts assist legal professionals in accessing legislative materials, case law, and administrative decisions. They often work with electronic databases, online research tools, and digital archives to ensure the accessibility and accuracy of legal information.
Law librarians can specialize in different areas, such as academic law librarianship, government law librarianship, court law librarianship, or law firm librarianship. Academic law librarians work in law school libraries, providing research support and instructional sessions to law students, faculty, and researchers. Government law librarians work within government agencies, providing legal research support to attorneys, policymakers, and government officials. Court law librarians work in court libraries, supporting judges, attorneys, and court staff. Law firm librarians work directly with attorneys and legal staff within a law firm setting.
The job market for law librarians varies depending on location and sector. Generally, only big law firms, government agencies, and law schools have the resources to hire law librarians. Smaller firms and sole practitioners typically do not employ dedicated law librarians. It's important to note that some organizations may use different job titles, such as analyst or specialist, for law librarian positions. While a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is not always required, it may be beneficial for certain roles, especially in academia.
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Frequently asked questions
Qualifications vary depending on the type of law library. For most academic law librarian jobs, you will need both a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. If you want to work at a law firm or for the government, you might not need a JD, and an MLIS will be sufficient. You can gain legal research experience by taking a class such as 'Intro to the Legal System' or teaching yourself how to use legal databases like Westlaw or Lexis.
The basic job is the same as a public librarian, assisting patrons and answering reference questions. However, there is more research involved, and the patrons are different. Many law firms have started moving away from the term "librarian" and are instead listing jobs as "analyst" or "specialist".
You can join professional organizations such as the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). You can also earn a post-graduate certificate in law or earn another master's degree in law. You can also take a part-time job in a law library to gain experience.
Generally, only big firms, government bodies, and law schools hire law librarians as smaller firms cannot afford to hire them. Most law librarian jobs are posted on the AALL website. The job market for law librarians in Seattle, for example, is very competitive.
