What Is a Legal File Clerk and How to Become One

A legal file clerk performs a variety of administrative and clerical duties for a law firm or criminal justice department. Your duties include filing legal documentation, preparing documents for signing, answering telephone calls, and doing legal transcription. Qualifications for the job include a mix of career experience and skills. You need a high school diploma or GED certificate, and postsecondary education will improve your opportunities. Skills gained from prior work in a clerical or administrative role, such as filing, computer proficiency, and written and verbal communication, are all helpful.

The qualifications that you need to become a legal file clerk include a high school diploma and organizational skills. Most employers prefer applicants who have taken some college courses or earned a certificate in a relevant subject, such as legal studies. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but they generally prefer applicants with previous administrative or office support experience. Your duties include performing data entry and handling other computer-based responsibilities, so you need strong computer skills. Employers may also prefer clerks who have experience using Microsoft Office and systems like PACER and Case Management/Electronic Court Filing (ECF).