Law Student Doc Review: Is It Possible?

A document review attorney evaluates, reviews, and codes documents for other lawyers. This work is often done on a contract basis, with projects lasting from weeks to a year. While it can be a good source of income for law students, it is considered grunt work that can be boring and tedious. It is generally not a career goal for lawyers and is instead a way to earn money while gaining experience or looking for better work.

Document review as a stepping stone to other legal work

Document review is often seen as a tedious and low-level job, and some people believe that it does not provide valuable experience for working in a law firm. However, for law students or recent graduates, document review can be a stepping stone to other legal work.

Document review, also known as document review projects, involves examining documents relevant to pending litigation and regulatory investigations. Document reviewers are usually attorneys, paralegals, or litigation support staff. They may review hundreds of documents, including memos, letters, emails, and other electronic documents, to determine whether the information should be shared with the opposing party during the discovery process. While the work can be repetitive and boring, it can provide a steady income and be a foot in the door to the legal industry.

For LLB/LPC law graduates, document review can be an excellent way to gain practical experience within a commercial law firm. It can be a first step towards becoming a paralegal and can lead to greater opportunities. Undertaking document review work can demonstrate interest and commitment to a firm, increasing the chances of gaining further legal work experience in different departments or teams. It can also provide exposure to various practice areas and interesting cases, helping individuals explore their preferred area of specialisation.

In addition to providing valuable experience, document review work can also offer networking opportunities. Working with other legal professionals can help individuals build connections and gain insights into different areas of the law. It can also be a way to gain experience while searching for a permanent role, as contract work allows for flexibility in choosing projects. Overall, while document review may not be the most glamorous aspect of the legal profession, it can be a valuable stepping stone for law students or graduates looking to gain experience and build a career in the legal field.

The pay and working conditions of document review

Document review is often seen as a menial job, offering a steady income and easy work, but not much in the way of career progression or skill development. It can be a good option for those looking for a temporary position or a way to pay off loans while looking for something more permanent or challenging. The work itself tends to be simple and repetitive, and many find it tedious and boring.

The pay for document review varies depending on location and the specific role. In the US, the average annual salary for document review is around $48,500, with an hourly rate of approximately $23.33. However, there are opportunities to earn more, with some cities, such as Nome, AK, and Cupertino, CA, offering salaries above the national average. Additionally, certain roles related to document review, such as eDiscovery and Remote Document Review Attorney, can pay significantly more than the average document review position.

The working conditions for document review can vary as well. Some companies may have teams of lawyers working in individual stations within rooms, with each room assigned to a specific project. There may also be a designated contact person within each room to answer questions and ensure consistency. In some cases, document review may involve carrying out workplace inspections and audits, as well as ensuring compliance with health and safety procedures.

While document review may not provide the same experience as working in a law firm, it can still offer a steady income and a chance to network and build connections in the industry. It is important to keep in mind that the work may not be intellectually stimulating, and it may not provide the same marketable skills as other legal positions. However, for those seeking a temporary position or a way to gain financial stability, document review can be a viable option.

The monotony of document review work

Document review is a tedious and monotonous task. It involves sitting at a desk and reading through large batches of documents, often financial spreadsheets or sales reports, and making quick, consistent decisions. The work is repetitive and can be stressful, with little room for error. The pay may be decent, but the work is not intellectually challenging and can be mind-numbing.

The nature of the work means that document reviewers are often expected to make consistent decisions, again and again, with no mistakes. This can be difficult and tiring, both for the eyes and the mind. It is easy to get lost in the monotony of the task, and it can be hard to stay motivated. The work is often simple and steady, but it is not glamorous and can be a far cry from the optimism and possibilities that come with starting law school.

The impact of monotonous work on productivity is well-known. The repetitive nature of the tasks can lead to stress and worsening emotional states, which in turn affect productivity. Taking breaks and restarting your brain with new impulses can help combat this. Changing your habits, such as shifting break times or going to a new place for lunch, can also bring some variety to an otherwise predictable day.

While some people may find document review a good fit, especially as a stepping stone to management roles in alternative legal services, it is not a replacement for the experience of working as a lawyer. It is a skill in itself but does not provide the same marketable experience as working in a law firm. For some, it is a means to an end, a way to pay the bills while looking for better work.

The flexibility of contract work

The legal profession is evolving faster than ever before, with a noticeable shift from traditional law firm jobs to contract legal work. This change is driven by younger attorneys who value flexibility, autonomy, and modern work practices. Contract legal work offers a more controlled environment, allowing lawyers to take on projects that align with their lifestyle and career goals, improving work-life balance and reducing the risk of burnout.

One of the main advantages of contract work is the flexibility it provides. Contract attorneys have the freedom to choose the type of projects they take on and enjoy flexible work hours. While some firms may require a set number of hours during a project, most are accommodating when it comes to scheduling. For example, they may offer a 12-hour window to complete the required hours or allow for overtime if desired. This flexibility means that contract attorneys can often leave their work at the office and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to scheduling flexibility, contract work also offers financial flexibility. Unlike salaried positions with fixed incomes, contract attorneys can often set their own rates based on the complexity and urgency of each case, allowing for higher earning potential, especially for those skilled in niche areas of law. This financial control is a significant benefit, along with the potential for cost savings in other areas.

Contract work also provides the benefit of expanded networking opportunities. With each new project, contract attorneys meet and connect with various attorneys and legal professionals, enabling them to build a valuable network that can facilitate securing other positions at different firms.

In summary, the flexibility of contract work in the legal field is a significant advantage, offering scheduling freedom, financial control, diverse experiences, and enhanced networking prospects. It empowers attorneys to take control of their time, achieve a harmonious blend of professional and personal fulfillment, and ultimately design a career path that aligns with their individual goals and aspirations.

The networking opportunities in document review

Document review is often seen as a tedious and repetitive job, but it can be a great opportunity for law students to network with other legal professionals. While the work itself may not be intellectually stimulating, the social aspect of the job can provide valuable connections.

Law students can benefit from networking with other document reviewers, who may be licensed attorneys, paralegals, or other law students. These connections can lead to future work opportunities, as individuals in your network can forward job links or mention your name to staffing agencies. It is also a chance to gain insight into the industry and learn about the day-to-day realities of working as a lawyer.

Additionally, document review can provide experience working with a team of lawyers on a project, which can be a valuable skill for future legal work. The work may also help law students develop important soft skills, such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, time management, and working independently.

To make the most of networking opportunities in document review, law students should focus on building genuine relationships with their colleagues. This can be done by finding common interests and goals, offering help or knowledge, and maintaining a positive attitude. Joining online communities or forums for legal professionals, attending virtual conferences or webinars, and participating in industry events can also expand networking opportunities beyond the document review team.

While document review may not be the most glamorous work, it can be a great stepping stone for law students to make connections and gain experience in the legal field.

Frequently asked questions