1. What does a legal proofreader do?
2. How much does a legal proofreader earn?
3. What skills do I need in order to get the most out of the course?
4. Will the proofreading course really help me to get work as a proofreader?
5. What types of proofreading are available?
6. What shifts are available?
7. What teaching materials are used in the course?
8. Do you provide placement counseling?
9. Will you help me with my resume?
10. Which temp agencies should I sign-up with?

1. What does a legal proofreader do?

In the simplest of terms, proofreaders make sure that everything in a document is correct. In a legal environment, this means checking the grammar, spelling, and certain format elements found in legal documentation. An attorney may revise an existing contract, for example, or add new text to it. The job of the proofreader is to make certain that the word processors have accurately entered the new text and/or revisions. In a financial printing environment, the proofreader makes certain that newly typeset materials are true to the original. In a financial printing environment, however, the proofreader must also be aware of and maintain the accuracy and consistency of the style elements of the document–this means he must understand printer's measurements, terminology, format, and document types, among others. Both legal and financial proofreaders must be able to communicate effectively with word processors and typesetters to ensure that they correct any mistakes that have been found.

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2. How much does a legal proofreader earn?

Generally, proofreaders earn between $15 - $25 per hour. A proofreader working first shift (8am-4pm) could expect to earn around $15 per hour. A proofreader working second shift (4pm-12am) could expect to earn around $17 per hour. A proofreader working third shift (12am-8am) could expect to earn around $20 per hour.


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3. What skills do I need in order to get the most out of the course?

A good knowledge of English grammar is helpful. If you feel you must, brush up on your English grammar. Otherwise, don't worry. We know where the problem areas lie and are ready to help you out.


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4. Will the proofreading course really help me to get work as a proofreader?

Yes. The course can play an important role in your success as a freelancer or temp.
Once you have completed the course, you will have gained a practical understanding of proofreading,
how the industry works, how to get your foot in the door, and how to make it all work for you.

Remember, however, that you yourself are the only one who can guarantee that you get the work
you want!


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5. What types of proofreading are available?

Our course focuses on the legal proofreading skills needed for work at law firms and the financial
proofreading skills needed to work at financial printing companies and other financial firms–legal
and financial firms create the greatest demand for skilled proofreaders and offer.

Opportunities also exist, however, in advertising agencies, publishing companies, and management
consulting firms.


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6. What shifts are available?

Many large law firms and financial firms in New York operate 24/7. Thus, there are three shifts per day.
Generally they are 8am–4pm, 4pm–midnight, and midnight–8am. Exact hours will vary according
to the firm. Weekend shifts are available as well. Four-hour minimums are guaranteed and it is not
uncommon for some proofreaders to work a double-shift on occasion or to work 12-hour shifts on
weekends with weekdays free.


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7. What teaching materials are used in the course?

We have created the most effective, up-to-date course for our students. Our course materials have
been created from actual legal and financial documents–exactly the type of documents you will be
working with. They consists of litigation documents, agreements, contracts, SEC documents, EDGAR
filings, etc.

During the class you will encounter these documents in the form of practical exercises done
in class, exercises to be done at home, sample documents for familiarization, and practice tests.
The materials we use are designed not only to help you pass proofreading exams, but also to give you a
long-term advantage over students from other schools–as well as other proofreaders!


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8. Do you provide placement counseling?

Yes. You will leave the course knowing which temporary agencies, law firms, and financial firms to contact.
We will also provide you with hints on how to manage your relationships with agencies and how to seek
free-lance work, and we will gladly answer any questions you may have.


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9. Will you help me with my resume?

Certainly! Bring a copy with you to the first class so that we may review it, see where your strengths
lie, and get to know you better.


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10. Which temp agencies should I sign-up with?

Contact the following legal proofreading agencies (arranged in no particular order):

Segue Staffing
Asset Legal Staffing
Hudson Global Resources
Forum
Custom
Carol O'Neill Staffing/New York Legal Temps
Peak Legal
Adecco
Forrest Edwards
Spherion
Delta
Personnel Express
Daybreak Staffing
Continental Staffing
Metroproof
Wall Street Services
Bond
Winston Resources
Staff One

Visit our Agencies page to see the addresses and phone numbers of these legal proofreading agencies.