How to Be Legal Document Preparer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 30, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increased use of legal document preparers has caused a dramatic rise in the cost of legal services. As more people turn to document preparers to create legal documents, the demand for these services has skyrocketed and led to an increase in prices. This has had a direct effect on the availability and affordability of legal services, forcing people who cannot afford to hire an attorney to use the services of document preparers instead.

certain types of legal documents can only be created by a licensed attorney, leading to even greater cost increases. the rise in legal document preparers has made it more difficult for people to access quality legal services.

Steps How to Become

Determine if you meet the qualifications to become a Legal Document Preparer. Most states require you to have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years old and pass a background check.
Obtain any required permits and licenses. Most states require you to obtain a permit or license in order to practice as a Legal Document Preparer. Visit your states website to find out what is required in your area.
Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations for Legal Document Preparers in your state. Check with your states governing body for any specific regulations and guidelines you must follow.
Take courses or complete a certificate program in legal document preparation. Many community colleges and online programs offer courses specifically designed for Legal Document Preparers.
Gain experience by working as a Legal Document Preparer for an established law firm or attorney. This will help you build your skills and gain professional references.
Obtain malpractice insurance. This will protect you in the event of any mistakes or errors that may occur while preparing legal documents.
Develop a network of contacts within the legal field, including attorneys and other Legal Document Preparers. This will help you stay informed on industry trends and provide you with potential referrals.
Set up your own office and create a website to promote your services. Consider offering online services to make it easier for clients to access your services.
Advertise your services in local newspapers, directories, and online job boards. You may also want to contact local attorneys and law firms to let them know about your services.

The role of a legal document preparer is to provide skilled and competent services to clients in the area of law. To be successful in this role, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the relevant legal principles, be able to interpret and apply them to the client's situation, and have excellent organizational and communication skills. Additionally, familiarity with the court system, legal procedures, and filing requirements is essential in order to properly prepare documents. Once these skills are acquired, it is possible to provide timely, accurate, and comprehensive services to clients that can help them navigate their legal matters efficiently and effectively.

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Job Description

Legal Document Reviewer: Responsible for reviewing and verifying the accuracy of legal documents such as contracts, wills, divorce agreements, and other legal documents.
Legal Document Processor: Responsible for processing and organizing legal documents, including filing and scanning documents into an electronic database.
Legal Document Editor: Responsible for proofreading, editing, and formatting legal documents to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Legal Document Writer: Responsible for researching and drafting legal documents in accordance with the specific legal requirements of each case.
Legal Document Clerk: Responsible for maintaining and organizing legal documents, as well as filing documents with the appropriate court or government office.
Legal Document Consultant: Responsible for providing legal advice and guidance on the creation and submission of legal documents.
Legal Document Administrator: Responsible for overseeing the management and processing of legal documents, ensuring that all paperwork is handled in a timely and accurate manner.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of legal terminology and principles.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to understand complex legal documents.
Knowledge of document formatting and citations.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to work independently and follow instructions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
Ability to meet tight deadlines and manage time effectively.
Problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Professionalism and discretion when dealing with confidential information.

Having a good understanding of the law and legal processes is the most important skill to have as a legal document preparer. Being able to read and interpret legal documents, such as contracts and other legal agreements, is essential for ensuring accuracy in the preparation of documents. having strong organizational and problem-solving skills is essential for managing the creation and maintenance of legal records.

Having excellent communication skills is also important for effectively communicating with clients and other key stakeholders in the process. Finally, being comfortable with technology is key for working with online platforms and databases that are used to store and share legal documents. All of these skills together help to ensure that legal documents are prepared accurately, timely, and in accordance with the legal requirements.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in document preparation?
How well do you understand legal terminology and principles?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy of documents?
What is your experience with document management systems?
How would you handle a difficult client or situation?
How do you stay organized when preparing documents?
What challenges have you encountered while preparing legal documents?
Describe a time when you had to take initiative to complete a task.
How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects at once?
What steps do you take to ensure compliance with the law?

Common Tools in Industry

Word Processing Software. a computer program used for creating, editing, formatting, and printing text documents. (e. g. Microsoft Word)
Document Management Software. software that allows legal document preparers to store and organize documents in one location. (e. g. DocuSign)
Legal Research Software. software that helps legal document preparers research laws and regulations more quickly. (e. g. LexisNexis)
Template Software. software that allows users to create documents more quickly by using pre-set form templates. (e. g. HotDocs)
Automation Software. software that uses automation techniques to help automate repetitive tasks in legal document preparation. (e. g. PactSafe)
Cloud Storage Services. services that allow users to store documents in an online cloud-based system for easy access and sharing. (e. g. Dropbox)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Federation of Paralegal Associations
National Association of Legal Assistants
American Association for Paralegal Education
American Alliance of Paralegals
National Notary Association
National Association of Professional Process Servers
National Association of Legal Document Examiners
International Association of Professional Process Servers
International Association of Legal Assistants
National Association of Document Examiners

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Common Important Terms

Notary Public. A Notary Public is a public officer who administers oaths, certifies documents, and performs other official duties.
Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives one person the authority to act on behalf of another.
Trusts. A trust is a legal arrangement in which assets are held by one party for the benefit of another.
Wills. A will is a legal document that outlines how a persons assets are to be distributed after his or her death.
Deeds. A deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real estate from one person to another.
Contract Drafting. Contract drafting is the process of creating a legally-binding document outlining the terms and conditions of a relationship between two or more parties.
Litigation Support. Litigation support is the process of providing legal assistance to attorneys in the preparation and handling of cases.
Bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals and businesses to reorganize or eliminate their debts.
Tax Preparation. Tax preparation is the process of preparing tax returns for individuals or businesses in compliance with tax laws.
Legal Research. Legal research is the process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information related to the law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Legal Document Preparer?

A Legal Document Preparer is a professional who assists individuals with creating and filing legal documents without the assistance of an attorney.

What services do Legal Document Preparers provide?

Legal Document Preparers typically provide services such as preparing legal documents, filing documents with the court, providing information and resources to clients, and providing legal advice in certain areas, such as family law and bankruptcy.

How much does it cost to hire a Legal Document Preparer?

The cost of hiring a Legal Document Preparer varies and depends on the type of services needed. Many Legal Document Preparers charge an hourly rate, but some may charge a flat fee for certain services.

Are Legal Document Preparers regulated?

In some states, Legal Document Preparers are regulated by the court system or other state agencies. In other states, Legal Document Preparers are not regulated and are not required to be licensed.

What qualifications should I look for in a Legal Document Preparer?

When looking for a Legal Document Preparer, it is important to ensure that they have the necessary experience, qualifications, and knowledge to assist you with your legal needs. It is also important to make sure that they are properly insured and bonded.

Web Resources

What is a Legal Document Preparer? - Lakewood University lakewood.edu
Legal Document Preparer | Legal Document Preparer Near Me lakewood.edu
legal papers | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute www.law.cornell.edu