In today’s law firms, accurate, updated data has never been more critical. A legal data entry specialist plays a vital role, assuring that all data is entered accurately, thoroughly, and on time.
The legal data entry specialist role is one for motivated people with excellent computer and typing skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to manage their time well with minimal supervision.
As a legal data entry specialist, you’re a valuable “behind the scenes” member of the team, adding, reviewing, and fact-checking information, fixing errors when found, and maintaining documentation or logs of the work you do. Now more than ever, a firm’s data helps to drive the decisions it makes, and your role as a legal data entry specialist is central to that process.
Sample job description
Legal data entry specialists ensure that data is accurate before it has been entered. They also may have to correct prior data entry errors by comparing data with source documents. They may review and process invoices and maintain activity logs. By having up-to-par time management skills and proficiency in clerical tools, they will be able to successfully handle the completion of tasks assigned to you. [Your Company Name] is hiring experienced legal data entry specialists to help the company grow to higher heights. If you have experience with problem-solving and critical thinking and a track record of resilience and flexibility, a position at our company may be a good fit for you.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Compile, sort, and verify the accuracy of data before it is entered
- Locate and correct data entry errors, or report them to a supervisor
- Compare data with source documents, or re-enter data in verification format to detect errors
- Review, fact-check, and process invoices
- Index invoices and file them in the appropriate places
- Maintain logs of activities and completed work
- Read source documents such as reports or bills, and enter data in specific data fields or onto tapes or disks for subsequent entry, using keyboards or scanners
Education and experience
- This position requires a high school diploma or GED. General knowledge of law firm operations is a plus.
Required skills and qualifications
- Excellent computer skills including typing
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Excellent time management
- Close attention to detail
- Ability to complete tasks with little to no supervision
Preferred qualifications
- Efficient ability to use a computer
- Moderate knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Excel
- Strong attention to detail
- Consistent and reliable work ethic
- Excellent time management
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for a legal data entry specialist is $35,000 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $34,800 | $47,100 |
| Los Angeles, California | $39,250 | $53,150 |
| Denver, Colorado | $32,750 | $44,300 |
| Washington, DC | $39,850 | $53,950 |
| Miami, Florida | $32,600 | $44,050 |
| Orlando, Florida | $30,050 | $40,650 |
| Tampa, Florida | $30,350 | $41,050 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $31,850 | $43,050 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $36,600 | $49,500 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $39,550 | $53,550 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $31,550 | $42,650 |
| New York City, New York | $41,650 | $56,350 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $33,900 | $45,900 |
| Dallas, Texas | $33,000 | $44,700 |
| Houston, Texas | $32,750 | $44,300 |
| Seattle, Washington | $38,100 | $51,500 |
| National Average | $29,750 | $40,250 |
Typical work environment
Most legal data entry specialists work in an office setting, but this may vary depending on the situation. Law firms often make use of data entry specialists. The daily work of a legal data entry specialist may involve compiling and sorting information and reviewing and fact-checking data as it comes up.
Typical hours
The typical work hours for a legal data entry specialist are from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, in an office setting. However, longer or different hours can be necessary, depending on the needs and hours of an individual firm.
Available certifications
Receiving certifications can really set you apart from the rest of the crowd. Check out the following:
- The Data Entry Course. This is a course offered by Coursera and is created by faculty members of Macquarie University. It is part of the specialization program – Excel for Business. This course will help its participants learn the essentials of Microsoft Excel, which is often necessary for data entry.
- Data Entry Course for Beginners. This is the perfect course for those who want to become confident in data entry. It’s offered through Udemy. Students become acquainted with live examples and learn to complete professional skills from video lectures, practice files, and more.
Career path
The career path for a legal data entry specialist entails first obtaining a high school diploma or GED. This path can often start as an entry-level position but can have opportunities for advancement, based on experience and performance. Also, legal data entry specialists can seek to further their career through completing courses that can bolster their skills in typing, computer knowledge, legal and medical office procedures, and more.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 49-9021
| 2020 Employment | 151,520 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 154,398 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 2% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 2,878 increase |
Position trends
With digital information being the lifeblood of virtually every industry, data entry jobs exist at many legal firms. Data entry may not be the flashiest role, but it can be a steady one for someone with the skills and drive to excel at it.
Sample interview questions
- How do you work independently?
- Tell me about a past job challenge and how you approached it.
- What do you do when you can’t understand the data you’ve been asked to handle or report?
- How do you handle deadlines?
- How fast can you type?
- What job experiences have you had in the past and how will they contribute to this current position?
- Why are you choosing to pursue a career in data entry operations?
- Which office tools are you most comfortable with using?
- What are three defining characteristics of yours?
- How do you ensure typing accuracy?
- How do you handle confidential information?
- What is your biggest weakness?
- What is the difference between data entry and data filing?
