Document coding is also known as data entry, but this is harder than data encoding. Document coders or coders usually check pictures of things like letters, emails and reports. They write information out of those images. This may sound quite easy and might be true in some cases. But you need to memorize different manuals to familiarize all rules governing the various projects possible for document coding. There are of different guidelines depending on the project.

If you have some basics of the law, this could be suited job for you. Some companies hire entry level lawyers or those with basic knowledge. They have more ideas and better understanding on the documents.

Special skills need you to do objective coding and subjective coding. Objective coding is the recording of data such as author, date and document type from a document to database whereas subjective coding is a broad coding process wherein there are additional information such as keywords and some relevant data coding aside from recording of authors, date etc.

To become an efficient coder, you must learn the filling system of the law firm and can type at least forty words per minute or even better than that.

If you choose to work in the comfort of your home as many coders do, perfect tools are required like computer, internet connection, printer, fax and scanner for transferring of important documents. But some offices request to deliver them via mail since some files are confidential.

Some law firms are in need of freelance document coders. You can contact companies near you or find small law companies which need occasional assistance.