What is a document review?
A document review is the process by which a high-volume of legal documents are scrutinized and categorized according to specific criteria. Typically, a document review consists of determining whether or not documents are responsive or non-responsive. In addition, if a document is determined to be responsive, additional categorization may be required such as whether the document corresponds to particular specifications and, most importantly, whether the document is privileged. The documents under review can be either hardcopy or electronic.
A document review project can take place at a law firm office or a client controlled off-site location. Compliance Inc. offers its clients document review facilities equipped with computers, a robust IT infrastructure, and thousands of feet of review space to facilitate high-volume document reviews.
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How do I become a review attorney?
If you are an attorney with “good standing” with your bars, then you should apply to work as a contract reviewer for Compliance Inc. Generally speaking, to be in “good standing” means that you are duly admitted to practice law, are not disbarred or suspended and your bar dues and/or registration fees are not in arrears. It is important that you maintain your ability to practice law by meeting the necessary good standing requirements of the jurisdictions in which you are admitted. For purposes of performing contract document review work, be sure to ascertain whether or not it is necessary to be a member of the bar in good standing in the jurisdiction in which the document review will be performed. Additionally, in order to maintain your qualifications to practice law after gaining admission to the bar, you must satisfy the continued legal education requirements for the jurisdictions in which you have been admitted to practice.
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Will I improve my marketability?
Compliance Inc. is committed to advancing the skills of its reviewer attorneys. Through a series of strategic business partnerships, reviewers who work for Compliance Inc. are eligible to participate in various certification programs. Most recently, Compliance Inc. has become the first legal staffing and project management firm in the country to launch a training and certification program to qualify attorneys in the use of Attenex® Patterns® E-Discovery Software. Compliance Inc. is continually collaborating with new business partners to deliver the most leading-edge training and certification programs to its attorneys.
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Are there other benefits?
As an attorney, document reviews provide a great opportunity to learn more about the area of law involved in the review. In addition, electronic discovery is the leading-edge technology of document management and gives you first-hand knowledge of the process. Also, attorneys looking to break into particular geographic legal markets, often times, participate in projects to cover bills while conducting job searches. Moreover, in light of the short-term nature of many document review projects, you are able to earn a substantial income and then have a break between projects, if you so desire. Many attorneys enjoy the flexibility offered by
document review assignments allowing you to vacation, pursue other interests, or continue earning money as a contact reviewer on another assignment.
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What are the dos and don’ts during a document review?
Conduct: Conduct yourself as the professional you are. More specifically, treat everyone with the courtesy you expect from others. You should be mindful that you are working in an environment with other professionals in close proximity; therefore, keep non-work related conversations to a minimum to avoid distracting others. You should be attentive to given instructions and general professional office decorum. Think of the temporary project job as a long interview.
Attire: Most document review clients permit business casual attire.
Time & Attendance: Adhere to the time and attendance schedules by arriving on time and satisfying the established daily minimum hour requirements. Expect the unexpected, plan for delays by attempting to arrive early. An early candidate is merely an eager candidate.
HR Issues: Direct all questions, comments, or concerns regarding billing, timekeeping, time off, personality conflicts, and general non-substantive issues to the staffing agency.
Confidentiality: Always bear in mind that you are occupying a position of trust and confidence and you will be reviewing information that is confidential, privileged, and proprietary. You have an obligation not to disclose any information acquired in the course of your work and your obligation of non-disclosure continues after your participation on the project.
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What are my career options?
Prior to conducting a job search, first determine how you would like to use your law degree and in what type of setting. The career opportunities for an attorney are broad and finding your niche can be overwhelming. Explore your options:
Big Firms: Many online job search engines and print classified ads have listings for positions at large law firms. In addition, document review projects are a great way to get an insider’s glimpse on the types of matters many large law firms are handling.
Smaller Firms: A small law firm provides many associates with the opportunity to work on a diverse caseload and can assume considerable responsibility on a matter. Online and print ads are wonderful job searching resources.
In-House: In an effort to control legal expenses, many companies seek to minimize the use of outside counsel and prefer to hire their own internal full-time attorneys. The benefits, among many, of being in-house are that there are no minimum billable hours and you may receive stock options and other employee benefits from the corporation.
Government: Government attorney positions provide the challenging legal work of law firms however; the hours are typically less demanding. The legal matters handled by government agencies and affiliates often have far-reaching policy implications.
Non-Profits: Attorneys involved with the non-profit sector offer legal services to a wide variety of non-profit organizations. This is a great means for staying current on non-profit legal issues, non-profit law, and governance. Daily legal matters may include managing grants, donations, and bylaws.
Other Uses for a Law Degree: As an attorney, your career options are not limited to practicing law. More and more corporate employers are recognizing the value a law school graduate brings to areas such as management, sales, human resources, marketing, advertising, training, negotiations and dispute resolution. Other careers non-practicing attorneys pursue are teaching, real estate, investing, publishing, and writing. The list of
career options available to JDs is endless and there are several books published on the topic of alternate career paths for attorneys and other uses for a law degree to help you find the right career. Document review provides the flexibility for non-practicing attorneys to keep one hand in the legal field and still have time to write the Great American Novel or the next major screenplay.
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What makes a great resume?
Your resume should be the vehicle that grabs the attention of the decision-maker in less than thirty seconds. Always assume that your resume will be among countless others, so it must shout, “Hire me! I am the best candidate for the position.” The goal of your resume is to quickly and efficiently highlight your experience, accomplishments, and strengths, and prompt the decision-maker to want to meet you. At the interview, you can then “wow” them into a job offer. A resume that is verbose or scant will not grab the attention of the reader and will not be given the consideration that it deserves. Format is as important as substance. The resume should be aesthetically pleasing so as not to bore the reader. As first impressions make lasting memories, your resume should make a lasting and favorable memory that will differentiate it from others.
Do & Don’ts of Resume Writing
- Proofread your resume for typographical errors
- Formatting must be consistent
- Explain all gaps in employment
- Clearly list where you are licensed.
- Your admissions/licensed should not be grouped with education
- Do not embellish!
- Accentuate your strengths first. If your legal experience is your best asset, experience should be first. If you attended a top-tier school, your education should be first. If you are #1 in your class, or a published, editor-in-chief of your law journal, this should be highlighted first.
- If possible, keep your resume to one page.
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What makes a great cover letter?
Always tailor your cover letter to the appropriate recipient. Depending on the recipient, there will likely be different key points you want to make in your cover letter. Make it clear and concise. The cover letter is your opportunity to grab the recipient’s attention and interest them in your resume, so do not use it to merely repeat facts already listed in your resume. Whenever possible, address the cover letter to someone specific even if it requires additional research and a phone call or two to learn whom you should address the letter. Referencing someone’s name in your introduction will have a greater impact than a generic greeting. Lastly, for a more professional look, make sure the stationery and heading of your cover letter matches that of your resume.
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Where do I find job leads?
Online Searches: Online search engines are one of the most commonly used type of employment search tool. These searches allow you to cast a broad net and place your credentials before countless employers.
Your Alma Mater Career Center: Your law school has a wealth of job searching resources in its career center. Career centers often have full-time personnel available to assist with traditional and non-traditional legal career options.
Alumni Network: Do not overlook this very valuable resource. The adage, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” is popular for a reason. While nothing substitutes for competency and experience, networking is a very effective means for letting potential employers know that you are in the legal job market and may grant you access into positions that are not public.
Professional and Volunteer Groups: Bar associations, professional organizations, and community groups are good networking vehicles.
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How do I prepare for an interview?
Pre-Interview Research: You want to know what you’re walking into when you step into an interview. The first step toward preparing for an interview is getting to know a little bit about the interviewer (if possible). Research the firm and/or the interviewer online prior to the interview. Try to remember any details (i.e. where the interviewer went to college or law school, or what activities they were involved in) that will help establish a connection. Any way to establish a bond with your interviewer will make you more memorable and will greatly increase your chances of landing the position.
At some point during the interview the interviewer will turn the tables and ask if you have any questions for them. This is when you can set yourself apart from the pack and show that you’re genuinely interested in the firm. Review the firm’s website to help generate questions. Some areas you might think about are:
- Ask about Clients of interest and what types of work the firm does for them.
- Engage the interviewer by asking questions about what brought them to the firm.
- Ask the interviewer what they like most and least about their job.
- Ask what types of assignments you will be given.
- Customize a list of questions based on the position you are looking for and the history that firm has within that area.
Remember, you wouldn’t be in the interview if you weren’t qualified. An interview is really a time for the interviewer to decide if you have enthusiasm and interest in the position and a personality that fits well with your potential colleagues.
Interview Preparation: In an interview it is crucial to appear extremely prepared – even if you don’t feel prepared.
References: Be sure to call all of your references ahead of time. An unexpected call can be embarrassing for all parties and can ultimately hurt you.
Dress to Impress: One of the most important parts of the interview, and one that you have the most control over, is your appearance. It is very important to look polished and professional. A plain, dark suit is always a safe bet. Try to avoid patterns that will distract the interviewer from your face, voice, and professional message. For women: a skirt suit is still the safest, most conservative choice for an interview with legal employers. Jewelry should be simple and elegant and makeup should not be too heavy. Both men and women should be sure to have suits looking crisp and fresh, and shoes should be polished and in good condition. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
What to Bring:
- Extra copies of your resume.
- Extra copies of writing samples (if required).
- An organized list of references with a heading designating them as such.
- Business cards, if you have them.
- Legal pad and pens.
- Carrying your documents in a portfolio always makes a nice impression.
Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to the interview. This will give you time to relax and get focused. Also, remember to be polite and friendly to receptionists – they often have more input than you think, and you might end up working with them every day. It’s important to get off on the right foot.
Interview Challenges: Know your weaknesses and be prepared to answer tough questions during your interview. For example, if you do not have as sufficient experience as compared to other candidates or took time off, be prepared for questions in these areas. Do not panic. You should have your answers prepared ahead of time and do your best to accentuate your positive attributes when responding. In answering challenging questions, you should always turn the focus to positive examples from your past.
Sell Yourself: Although a large part of the interview is about how you present your personality, you must also be able to highlight the qualities that explain why you will be an asset to the firm and why you are ultimately the best choice for the position. Tell the firm what you have to offer them.
Keep Your Cool: Always remain polite and friendly. Don’t be rattled by a gruff interviewer who might be having a bad day. Again, remember, you are there because the prospective employer wants to hear what you have to say.
Follow-Up: Always send a thank-you note. Get it in the mail the day after the interview. Follow-up calls and letters can be effective but assess the situation before utilizing this option. You want to appear eager, not desperate or annoying.
Don’t Get Discouraged: Finding the right job takes time. There are many reasons why candidates are not selected for certain positions. Don’t take rejection personally. Keep your head up and stay focused and you will find the perfect fit. Perseverance and dedication are the keys to a successful future.
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Career Development 
