Legal Research Assistant

At Porter Dodson, we're investing in a new and exciting capability within our Marketing & Business Development team and have an opportunity for a Legal Research Assistant to work on a hybrid basis in either our Taunton, Yeovil or Exeter office on a full time, permanent basis. We're looking for a curious, analytical and commercially minded individual who loves working with data, uncovering insights and helping shape business decisions. This is not a traditional sales or networking role. Instead, you'll become the driving force behind the market intelligence and data analysis that supports our future growth. Key Responsibilities Collect and analyse client, market and sector data. Identify trends, opportunities and competitor activity. Build and maintain dashboards and reports using Power BI and Microsoft tools. Conduct market research and targeted prospect analysis. Support strategic business development initiatives through data-led insights. Monitor tender and bid opportunities. Provide meaningful intelligence to support decision-making across the firm. Help identify new ways to use technology, data and AI to improve business development activity. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise We’re interested in hearing from candidates who enjoy solving problems, finding answers in data and helping others make informed decisions and have a real interest in the legal sector. You’ll be naturally curious and enjoy asking questions, investigating information and working things out. You’ll have a genuine interest in the legal sector and be keen to develop your understanding of how research, data and technology are used within a professional services environment. You’ll ideally be: Analytical, inquisitive and comfortable working through problems to find answers. Research-focused, with strong attention to detail. Confident working with information and able to identify what is relevant and useful. Comfortable learning new systems, tools and technologies. Able to work independently and take ownership of research tasks. A clear communicator who can explain findings in a straightforward way. Proactive, adaptable and willing to explore new approaches. Interested in developing a broader understanding of the legal and commercial environment. Experience You don’t need to have experience across all of the areas below. The role is designed to give you the opportunity to build this knowledge and experience. Exposure to, or an interest in, any of the following would be beneficial: Legal research or academic research. Data analysis, business intelligence or working with datasets. Market intelligence, competitor research or sector analysis. CRM systems, databases or information management. Microsoft 365 applications, Power BI or similar technology. Reporting, dashboards and data visualisation. Professional services, legal, financial services or other commercial environments. AI tools and emerging technologies, such as Co-pilot. Desirable Previous experience or an interest in: Conducting structured research and presenting findings. Market or competitor intelligence. Working with data to identify trends or insights. Creating reports, dashboards or visualisations. Using AI tools to support research and improve efficiency. Understanding how organisations make commercial decisions and how customer or client journeys influence those decisions. Benefits In addition to a competitive salary, you will also get: Flexible Working 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays Extra Day of Holiday for your Birthday Private Healthcare Pension Scheme(s) Life Assurance Eye Tests Flu Jabs Corporate Gym Membership Discounts Legal Support Opportunities to get involved with charity fundraising, sports teams and office socials