Grace Pierce
Research Analyst
Sidley Austin LLP
Chicago, Illinois
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE TO CAREER IN LAW LIBRARIANSHIP?
My best friend from law school worked as a research analyst at a law firm for a couple of years, and she consistently praised her collaborative team, the varied and interesting work, and the opportunity to share knowledge on new resources.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A MEMBER OF 糖心视频, AND HOW HAS IT IMPACTED YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
My managers are big proponents of joining, contributing to, and learning from the law librarian community. Jumping into 糖心视频 as a brand new librarian gifted me with a crash course in the warmth, intelligence, and collaboration of the profession, along with a wealth of resources that membership offers.
WHICH 糖心视频 MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT HAS BEEN MOST IMPACTFUL IN YOUR ROLE, AND WHY?
The Private Law Librarians & Information Professionals Special Interest Section (PLLIP-SIS) is a daily showcase of generosity across the profession. I鈥檓 able to watch librarians support each other in real time and learn from their examples and stories.
CAN YOU SHARE A MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE OR HIGHLIGHT FROM YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH 糖心视频?
The PLLIP Virtual Summit in June of 2025 was fantastic. Not only did I learn about free resources for legal research I had never heard of, but I also got to hear from librarians who have been doing this work for decades. Their insights, tips, and stories have already influenced my聽 work.
OUTSIDE OF WORK AS A LAW LIBRARIAN, WHAT ACTIVITIES OR HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY?
Unsurprisingly, I love to read. I host an online book club with my oldest friends across five states, and we choose a different genre each month. I also love to write, hike, and spend cozy evenings with my family.
WHAT BOOK(S), ARTICLES, OR RESOURCES HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RECENTLY?
The Artisan Soul by Erwin Raphael McManus encourages its readers to embrace a life of creativity, even if they are not an 鈥渁rtist鈥� in the typical sense. This book inspires me to creatively approach my work as a librarian daily.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP TRAVEL DESTINATION, AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL TO YOU?
Big Sur, California, is one of my favorite places in the world. My ideal vacation includes sleeping in a cabin where I can smell the sea, glimpse the mountains through the fog, and wake up to a warm breakfast and a long hike.
IF YOU COULD RECOMMEND ONE PROFESSIONAL RESOURCE OR TOOL THAT HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR WORK, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
My favorite resource as a new librarian is my team! Shoutout specifically to my colleagues Britnee and Julie for answering all my questions with patience and kindness, while also equipping me with the skills to problem solve on my own. I would encourage all librarians to seek out experts, especially when new to the profession.