Legal Archivist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of law, the significance of legal archivists is more pronounced than ever.

As legal frameworks and legislations evolve, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can accurately organize, preserve, and protect our legal archives.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a legal archivist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of legal archiving,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable legal archivist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Legal Archivist Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Archivists perform tasks related to the organization, preservation, and access of legal documents and records.

They play a significant role in ensuring that crucial legal information is easily retrievable and well-maintained.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Collecting, cataloging, and preserving legal documents and records
• Creating and implementing systems for organizing and retrieving documents and files
• Assessing the importance of documents to determine their preservation priority
• Digitizing records and implementing digital archives and databases
• Providing access to legal records for staff, clients, and researchers
• Ensuring the security and confidentiality of sensitive and classified information
• Developing and enforcing policies for archiving and preserving documents
• Maintaining knowledge of legal documentation requirements and compliance standards
• Coordinating with legal team to identify and obtain necessary records
• Conducting regular audits of the legal archives to ensure accuracy and completeness

 

Legal Archivist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a meticulous and experienced Legal Archivist to join our team.

Your primary responsibility will be to manage and maintain our company’s legal documents, historical records, and other important files.

The role includes duties such as creating effective classification systems, digitizing records, ensuring data privacy, preserving records in case of disasters, and helping the staff to access documents efficiently.

Our ideal candidate has a thorough understanding of document and record management processes, including the use of database systems and also possesses a solid understanding of legal terminology.

 

Responsibilities

• Organize, categorize, and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing systems.
• Provide access to records and legal documents as authorized.
• Create and implement effective methods for managing legal records.
• Collaborate with IT staff to create and maintain electronic document management systems.
• Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, or computer formats as necessary.
• Prepare statistical reports on the types and quantities of records processed.
• Assist in the development of disaster recovery plans.
• Document and maintain software functionality.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a legal archivist or in a similar role.
• Knowledge of document management and archiving procedures.
• Experience with legal terminology and documentation.
• Familiarity with electronic document management systems.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A degree in Library Science, Information Management or relevant field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Legal Archivist
• Work Environment: Office setting with the option for remote work. Occasional travel may be required for conferences or training.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Legal Records Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• 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 Legal Archivist Do?

Legal Archivists work primarily within legal organizations such as law firms, courts, or government agencies.

They can also be hired by universities, museums, and corporations that possess significant legal archives.

Their main responsibility is to manage, organize, and preserve a wide range of legal documents including case files, contracts, court transcripts, and legal correspondence.

They use indexing and cataloging systems to arrange these documents, making them easily accessible for legal professionals, researchers, and other relevant personnel.

Legal Archivists also assess the value of documents for historical and legal purposes, deciding which records to retain and which to discard based on retention schedules and legal requirements.

They may also be involved in digitizing physical documents to create electronic records, which involves scanning, cataloging, and storing digital copies in a database.

This also includes ensuring the digital archives are backed up and protected against data loss.

Additionally, Legal Archivists assist researchers and legal professionals in locating specific documents, providing detailed information on the content and context of the archives.

They also ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the documents are maintained, adhering to ethical standards and privacy laws.

In some cases, Legal Archivists may also be responsible for developing and delivering educational programs or workshops related to the archives, as well as contributing to historical research projects.

 

Legal Archivist Qualifications and Skills

A competent Legal Archivist should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job requirements, such as:

• An understanding of legal terminology, documents, and procedures to accurately identify and categorize materials.
• Strong organizational skills to effectively manage and maintain large volumes of data and records.
• Advanced knowledge of digital archiving software and technology to streamline the storage and retrieval of legal documents.
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy in the preservation and documentation of legal records.
• Research skills to effectively locate specific documents and data when requested by legal personnel.
• Good communication skills to liaise with legal staff, clients, and external agencies.
• Understanding of data privacy laws and regulations to ensure that sensitive information is handled and stored correctly.
• A degree in Library Science, Information Management, or a related field, preferably with a specialization in archival studies.
• Experience in a legal setting or familiarity with legal processes and documentation is beneficial.

 

Legal Archivist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Legal Archivist candidates typically possess a bachelor’s degree in history, library science, law, or a related field.

They often have 1 to 2 years of experience, which could be gained through an internship or part-time role in an archive, library, or legal setting.

These professionals might have experience with tasks such as cataloging, preservation, or digital archiving, which are crucial for the role.

Additionally, experience with legal documents, terminologies and research can provide a solid foundation for this role.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often possess a master’s degree in library science, archival science, or a related discipline, along with more specialized knowledge in areas such as legal research, digital information management, or records management.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have substantial familiarity with legal environments, significant expertise in archival processes and standards, and might have managerial or supervisory experience.

They may be prepared for senior roles or leadership positions within an organization’s archival department.

In addition, certifications such as Certified Archivist (CA) or Certified Records Manager (CRM) can add to the professional experience of a Legal Archivist.

 

Legal Archivist Education and Training Requirements

Legal Archivists require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in library science, history, law, or a related field.

In addition to their undergraduate degree, many employers prefer candidates with a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS), Archival Science, or a related field.

A legal archivist should also have knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.

This can be gained through additional coursework, a certificate program, or work experience in a legal environment.

Many legal archivists choose to pursue professional certification, such as the Certified Archivist (CA) credential from the Academy of Certified Archivists.

This certification demonstrates a candidate’s knowledge, skill, and professional commitment to the field of archives.

Legal Archivists also need strong technical skills, including proficiency with database management software and digital preservation technologies.

Some employers may also require experience with specific legal software or databases.

Therefore, additional training or certification in these systems may be beneficial.

Continued education is important in this field to keep up with changes in laws, technology, and best practices for records management.

 

Legal Archivist Salary Expectations

A Legal Archivist earns an average salary of $51,907 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary depending on the archivist’s level of experience, specific expertise in legal documents, the size and type of the employing organization, and geographical location.

 

Legal Archivist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Legal Archivist need?

Legal Archivists need to possess strong organizational skills to manage and categorize a vast amount of legal documents efficiently.

They should have a good understanding of legal terminology and procedures to accurately archive files.

Attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to use archiving software are also essential.

 

Do Legal Archivists need a degree?

While it’s not mandatory, many employers prefer Legal Archivists to hold a bachelor’s degree in History, Library Science, or a related field.

Specialization or certification in archival studies, particularly those focusing on legal documentation, can provide an advantage.

Some roles may require knowledge of legal proceedings, which can be acquired through law-related courses.

 

What should you look for in a Legal Archivist resume?

A Legal Archivist’s resume should showcase their proficiency in records management and archival procedures.

You should look for experience in the management of legal documents, indicating their ability to handle sensitive information.

Check for their knowledge of digital archiving systems and any relevant certifications.

Prior experience in a law firm or legal department would be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good Legal Archivist?

A good Legal Archivist should demonstrate a keen eye for detail and meticulous organizational skills.

They should have an excellent understanding of confidentiality and data protection regulations.

They must be able to work independently and maintain a high degree of accuracy in their work.

They should also be adaptable and able to learn new archiving software or systems quickly.

 

How challenging is it to hire a Legal Archivist?

Hiring a Legal Archivist can be challenging as it requires finding a candidate with a unique combination of skills – a deep understanding of legal documentation, excellent organizational skills, and proficiency in archiving software.

It can be easier to hire if the organization offers competitive benefits and a work environment that values the role of archiving in maintaining legal integrity.

 

Conclusion

So, there it is.

Today, we’ve unearthed the true essence of being a legal archivist.

And you know what?

It’s not just about sifting through old records.

It’s about maintaining the historical backbone of our legal system, one document at a time.

With our ready-to-use legal archivist job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-prepared to make your next move.

But why limit yourself?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating precision-crafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every document is a piece of the larger legal narrative.

Let’s preserve that history. Together.

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