How to Apply

Please reach out to Lorenzo Luisetto (lorluis@umich.edu) with a CV and a statement of interest, along with your availability for the rest of the academic year (including over holidays).

Summary

Professor J.J. Prescott is looking to hire law, grad student, undergrad, or other temp RAs to help collect code, organize, and analyze data as well as conduct legal research for an empirical research project. The project involves learning about franchising and intellectual property. The research project explores how firms that operate through franchises protect their valuable information contractually, i.e., through covenants in franchise contracts such as non-compete agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and non-recruitment agreements. The research assistant will work with J.J. Prescott (Michigan Law and Economics), Professor Francine Lafontaine (Ross Business School), and Lorenzo Luisetto (Michigan Law). We expect that this research will lead to other empirical projects on similar topics involving contracting and market power.

Responsibilities*

Document Collection and Organization: 

• Collect and organize documents available online, focusing on contract-related materials
• Download under supervision and guidance, ensuring completeness and accuracy

Data Preparation for Analysis: 

• Prepare collected documents for analysis, following established procedures
• Assist in manually extracting relevant information and exploring automated data processing methods

Legal Research Support: 

• Under supervision, conduct traditional legal research, primarily focused on case-law analysis
• Develop a strong understanding of legal research methodologies and contribute to the project's empirical legal research goals

Technology Integration: 

• Utilize basic knowledge of Excel/Python for data management tasks (Prerequisite not required; training will be provided if needed)
• Explore and implement technology solutions to enhance efficiency in data processing

Communication and Collaboration: 

• Communicate effectively with the project team, asking questions and seeking guidance as needed
• Meet all deadlines with a commitment to delivering high-quality work

Skill Development: 

• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to new tasks and technologies
• Engage in ongoing training to enhance data management and legal research skills

Required Qualifications*

- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail

- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

- Ability to work under supervision and collaborate effectively within a team

- Basic knowledge of Excel/Python is helpful but not required; willingness to learn is essential

- Interest in legal research, particularly empirical, is a plus

- Flexibility to handle tasks of varying complexity, from document downloading to legal research

- High degree of reliability and commitment to meeting project deadlines

Work Schedule

Flexible schedule Monday through Friday up to 15 hours per week.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.