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File Clerk

Job Description

Legal File Clerks play an essential role in the day-to-day operations of law offices and legal departments. Their primary responsibility is to organize and maintain records, including case files, documents, invoices, and correspondence. Legal File Clerks need to have strong organizational and communication skills, along with the ability to handle confidential information.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  • Maintain and organize files
  • Answer phones and greet visitors
  • Sort and respond to mail
  • Handle schedules and calendars
  • Maintain office equipment
  • Order supplies
  • Pay invoices

Education and Background

Legal File Clerks need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. A college degree is not typically required, and most employers provide on-the-job training for their specific needs. It would be helpful for a job candidate to have computer skills and an interest in law.

Skills and Competencies

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others
  • Discretion and the ability to handle confidential information
  • Expertise in time management and multitasking
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Keen attention to detail

Compensation

According to Payscale the median annual salary of a Legal File Clerk with

1 Year of Experience:

  • Orlando, Florida: $35,000
  • Tampa, Florida: $36,000
  • Jacksonville, Florida: $34,000
  • Miami, Florida: $35,000
  • Atlanta, Georgia: $35,000
  • Chicago, Illinois: $38,000
  • Houston, Texas: $40,000
  • Los Angeles, California: $45,000
  • New York City, New York: $46,000
  • Seattle, Washington: $35,000
  • Overall: $39,000

5 Years of Experience:

  • Orlando, Florida: $41,000
  • Tampa, Florida: $42,000
  • Jacksonville, Florida: $40,000
  • Miami, Florida: $43,000
  • Atlanta, Georgia: $42,000
  • Chicago, Illinois: $46,000
  • Houston, Texas: $49,000
  • Los Angeles, California: $50,000
  • New York City, New York: $51,000
  • Seattle, Washington: $42,000
  • Overall: $45,000

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Career Path

Legal File Clerks must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Further education is not usually required, and most employers offer hands-on training that meets their needs. Legal File Clerks can use this entry-level position as a springboard to other jobs in the legal profession.

Position Trends

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many large companies are expanding their in-house legal departments to save money. Hiring outside counsel costs more. As a result, there could be opportunities for File Clerks in fields such as finance, insurance, consulting, and health care.

However, the demand for Legal File Clerks is dropping because files are being digitized.

Many law firms are offering employees flex time and telecommuting to accommodate a better work-life balance, although this might not apply to Legal File Clerks because of the work they do.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for Legal File Clerks should decrease by 13 percent over the next several years, which is much faster than average. This trend is fueled by paper files being converted to digital, and other workers at law offices picking up additional tasks.

Typical Hours

Legal File Clerks usually work regular weekday hours in an office setting, but sometimes they might need to log more than 40 hours a week.

Where You Can Find Jobs

  • 4 Corner Resources
  • Career Builder
  • Glassdoor
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Monster
  • Law Jobs
  • Law Crossing

Are You Interested in Becoming a Legal File Clerk?

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