Legal Records Clerk

What Is a Legal Records Clerk?

A Legal Records Clerk performs clerical duties such as organizing files and retrieving an entity’s paperwork, both physically and electronically. They are responsible for maintaining their company records in a complete and orderly manner, according to the organization’s filing systems. Using computers, scanners, copiers and other office equipment, they maintain, update, and create new files for the organization. Legal Records Clerks may be responsible for the intake and disposition of all documents, as well as for existing files. 

Job Responsibilities of Legal Records Clerks 

The job responsibilities of a Legal Records Clerk may depend on the type of employer you work for. For instance, if you work in a law office, you could be responsible for the physical client files, the electronic court files, or both. Here are some of the responsibilities of a Legal Records Clerk: 

• Scan or read incoming materials to determine how and where they should be classified 
• Input data, such as file numbers, new or updated information, or document information codes into computer systems to support document and information retrieval 
• Perform general office activities, such as typing, answering telephones, operating office machines, processing mail, or securing confidential materials 
• Sort or classify information according to guidelines, such as content, purpose, user criteria, or chronological, alphabetical, or numerical order 
• Answer questions about records or files 
• Keep records of materials filed or removed, using logbooks or computers and generate computerized reports 
• Add new material to file records 
• Create new records as necessary 
• Gather materials to be filed from departments or employees 
• Find, retrieve and make copies of information from files in response to requests and deliver information to authorized users 
• Track materials removed from files to ensure that borrowed files are returned. 
• Eliminate outdated or unnecessary materials, destroying them or transferring them to inactive storage, according to file maintenance guidelines or legal requirements 
• Perform periodic inspections of materials or files to ensure correct placement, legibility, or proper condition 
• Modify or improve filing systems or implement new filing systems 
• Design forms related to filing systems 

Career Outlook for Legal Records Clerks 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, legal records clerks and information clerks, in general, about 154,100 openings for information clerks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. 

In this job climate, you would do well to distinguish yourself from your competition. A legal office assistant diploma from Bryant & Stratton College could help you begin your career as a Legal Records Clerk and give you the edge you need to succeed. 

What can I do with a Legal Office Assistant Diploma? 

A legal office assistant diploma will prepare you for a career as a Legal Records Clerk in the legal field. You will be qualified to work for attorneys in private or government agencies, or even in business and corporate legal departments. Significant emphasis will be placed on case management, document and record maintenance, and the handling of correspondence. Key courses include: Law office management & technology, office technology software I, and computing skills. 

Having completed this diploma program, you will not only be able to manage case files, but also apply legal terminology correctly in legal documents. You will be able to read, analyze, interpret and prepare legal documents. Naturally, this skill will be invaluable to you as a Legal Records Clerk. Also, as you will be handling sensitive documents, you will learn to identify, interpret, and apply legal ethics. You will know how to provide support to legal teams in both private law firms and government entities. And, you will be able to research the law both online as well as with print materials. 

As a Legal Records Clerk, you must be organized, especially in the legal field. One misfiled document could mean a missed court deadline, and possible disaster. You must also protect client confidences, as you will be exposed to many sensitive documents. And, you need good interpersonal skills so that you can interact well with co-workers and employers as you go about your duties.