Law Firm Runner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s fast-paced legal world, the importance of law firm runners has never been more critical.
As the legal field evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can smoothly navigate and efficiently execute the operational tasks within a law firm grows.
But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a law firm runner?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
- Or simply intrigued by the inner workings of a law firm,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable law firm runner job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s get started.
Law Firm Runner Duties and Responsibilities
Law Firm Runners, also known as Law Office Couriers or Legal Couriers, play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of law firms by performing tasks that support attorneys, paralegals, and other legal staff.
Their duties and responsibilities primarily involve logistical and administrative tasks, including:
- Pick up and deliver legal documents to clients, opposing law firms, courthouses, and other locations as needed
- File legal documents with the court clerk and ensure that all paperwork is properly processed
- Assist in document preparation, photocopying, scanning, and organizing
- Run various errands for the office such as depositing checks, making bank runs, and purchasing office supplies
- Assist with office mail distribution, both incoming and outgoing
- Maintain vehicle maintenance and cleanliness if a company car is provided
- Ensure the confidentiality and security of all legal documents in transit
- Help with reception duties, answering phone calls, and scheduling appointments if needed
Law Firm Runner Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are in search of a dependable and efficient Law Firm Runner to assist with various administrative tasks within our firm.
The responsibilities of the Law Firm Runner include delivering documents, handling mail, and performing errands outside the office.
Our ideal candidate is highly organized, possesses excellent time management skills, and has a valid driver’s license.
Understanding of the legal profession is desirable but not mandatory.
Ultimately, the role of the Law Firm Runner is to ensure smooth operation of the law firm by providing administrative support to our attorneys and legal staff.
Responsibilities
- Deliver legal documents to courts and other legal offices
- Handle incoming and outgoing mail
- Perform various errands such as bank deposits, post office runs, and supply pick-up
- Maintain cleanliness and organization within the office
- Assist with filing and document management
- Provide administrative support to attorneys and legal staff as needed
- Ensure confidentiality of sensitive information
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion
- Experience in a legal office environment is a plus
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
Additional Information
- Job Title: Law Firm Runner
- Work Environment: Office setting with some travel required for errands.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Office Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Law Firm Runner Do?
A Law Firm Runner, also known as a Courier or Office Runner, is an entry-level position in a law firm.
They are responsible for a wide range of tasks that keep the office running smoothly and efficiently.
A significant portion of their job involves delivering and picking up legal documents to and from clients, courthouses, and other law firms.
They may also be tasked with filing legal documents and ensuring they are correctly stored in the firm’s record system.
Additionally, Law Firm Runners assist with general office tasks such as photocopying, scanning, faxing, or shredding sensitive documents.
They may also help in setting up meeting rooms, preparing materials for trials or hearings, and restocking office supplies as needed.
In some cases, a Law Firm Runner might be asked to conduct basic legal research or provide administrative support to lawyers and legal secretaries.
Their role is crucial in ensuring the seamless operation of the law firm by performing these critical duties promptly and efficiently.
Law Firm Runner Qualifications and Skills
Law firm runners require a variety of skills and qualifications to help them fulfill their roles effectively.
These include:
- Good communication skills to liaise with various individuals in the firm, including partners, associates, paralegals, and staff
- Strong organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, often under tight deadlines
- Attention to detail to ensure all tasks are completed accurately and thoroughly, whether that involves filing documents, delivering messages, or setting up meeting rooms
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
- Reliability and punctuality, as they are often tasked with time-sensitive duties such as court filings or important deliveries
- Physical fitness, as the role may involve considerable moving around, carrying files, and delivering documents in various locations
- Basic knowledge of legal terminologies and office operations can be beneficial
- Excellent customer service skills for interaction with clients, whether in person or on the phone
Law Firm Runner Experience Requirements
Law Firm Runners, also known as Legal Couriers or Legal Messengers, often start their career with no specific experience requirements.
However, some law firms may require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Entry-level candidates can gain experience by starting as an intern or working part-time in a law firm environment.
This can provide a basic understanding of legal procedures, documentation and the overall working environment of a law firm.
Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience as a Law Firm Runner may have developed their skills in document delivery, court filings, administrative support, and understanding legal documentation.
They might also have gathered experience in dealing with clients, attorneys, and court staff.
Those with more than 3 years of experience may have developed advanced skills such as handling critical legal documents, managing deadlines, and understanding complex legal procedures.
They might also have experience in coordinating with various parties involved in a legal case.
Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may possess excellent multitasking skills and may have developed a strong professional network in the legal community.
These individuals may be ready for a supervisory role or might transition into other legal roles within a law firm, such as a legal assistant or paralegal.
Law Firm Runner Education and Training Requirements
A Law Firm Runner, also known as a legal courier or legal assistant, typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent education.
Some law firms may prefer individuals with some level of post-secondary education, such as an associate or bachelor’s degree, particularly in legal studies or a related field.
While not always required, taking courses in law, business, or office management could be beneficial for understanding the legal terminology and procedures involved in this role.
Training for this role usually occurs on the job, where the runner learns about court filing procedures, court locations, the organization of law firm documents, and the law firm’s operations.
A clean driving record is often required since a significant part of the role involves delivering documents.
Some runners may opt for certification in paralegal studies or legal assisting, which can enhance their qualifications and expand their career opportunities in the legal field.
Besides the formal education and training, excellent communication, multitasking, and organizational skills are crucial for success in this role.
Familiarity with office equipment and software, such as word processors and databases, is also advantageous.
Law Firm Runner Salary Expectations
A Law Firm Runner can expect to earn an average salary of $30,000 (USD) per year.
However, the actual earnings may fluctuate depending on the size of the law firm, the runner’s level of experience, and the geographic location of the firm.
Law Firm Runner Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Law Firm Runner need?
Law Firm Runners should possess excellent organizational and time management skills as they will be handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
They also need to be good communicators, as the role involves liaising with different departments within the firm and occasionally with clients.
Runners should have a basic understanding of legal terminology and procedures.
Finally, as a runner may need to transport confidential documents, they must be trust-worthy and reliable.
Do Law Firm Runners need a degree?
A degree is not typically required for a Law Firm Runner position, but a high school diploma or equivalent is generally necessary.
If a runner is looking to progress into other roles within the firm, relevant education in law or legal studies could be beneficial.
What should you look for in a Law Firm Runner resume?
When reviewing a Law Firm Runner’s resume, look for previous experience that demonstrates their ability to manage multiple tasks, navigate a professional environment, and handle sensitive information.
Any exposure to a legal environment, even if it was not in a runner role, could be beneficial.
Additionally, look for any relevant coursework or training in legal studies.
What qualities make a good Law Firm Runner?
A good Law Firm Runner is reliable, punctual, and highly organized.
They have a good understanding of their role within the law firm and are committed to facilitating the smooth operation of the office.
Good runners are discreet and understand the need for confidentiality in a legal environment.
They also have good interpersonal skills, as they often serve as a point of contact between different departments within the firm.
Is it difficult to hire a Law Firm Runner?
Hiring a Law Firm Runner is not typically difficult, but finding the right candidate may take time.
The role often attracts individuals interested in law who are seeking entry-level positions within a firm.
However, it’s important to ensure candidates understand the role and its responsibilities, particularly the need for confidentiality and professionalism.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve uncovered the real essence of being a law firm runner.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about running errands.
It’s about ensuring the smooth functioning of a law firm, one task at a time.
With our tried-and-tested law firm runner job description template and true-to-life examples, you’re now prepared to make your move.
But don’t just stop there!
Go further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every task accomplished contributes to the overall success of the firm.
Let’s strive for that success. Together.
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