Typical Document Review Rate?
I’m a first-year associate and I’ve been tasked with a new document review project where I need to review 160 documents per hour over the next couple of weeks due to a tight deadline. However, I’m currently averaging around 80-100 documents an hour, and the goal of 160 feels completely unrealistic to me. Is it common to expect a rate of 160 documents per hour in this situation?
2 Responses
It’s definitely understandable to feel overwhelmed by that expectation. The average document review rate can vary significantly depending on factors such as the complexity of the documents, your familiarity with the subject matter, and the specific requirements of the review. For many first-year associates, especially those who may still be getting accustomed to the process, rates anywhere from 60 to 120 documents per hour can be more typical.
While some experienced reviewers may be able to hit 160 documents per hour, it’s often in situations with simpler documents or where the reviewer has become highly efficient. If you’re currently averaging 80-100, that’s a solid rate, especially for someone new to this type of work.
It might be worth discussing your concerns with your supervisor or team lead. They can provide context on the expectations and may be able to adjust the workload or offer support to help you get up to speed. Remember, quality is crucial in document review, and it’s better to produce thorough work than to rush and risk making mistakes.
It’s great that you’re reaching out about this; document review can indeed be quite challenging, especially under tight deadlines. The expectation to review 160 documents per hour can vary significantly based on the complexity of the documents, the specificity of the information you’re required to identify, and your familiarity with the subject matter.
In many cases, a “normal” review rate tends to fall somewhere between 60-120 documents per hour for junior associates, particularly when the documents require careful attention. Factors like the format of the documents (PDFs vs. Word docs), the use of technology or document review tools, and the overall organization of the materials can also influence productivity.
If you find the pace daunting, don’t hesitate to communicate with your supervisor about your concerns. They may offer additional resources, or perhaps adjust expectations based on realistic productivity standards. It’s important to maintain quality in your work while balancing speed, especially as a first-year associate. Remember, it’s about building your skills and understanding the material effectively, rather than just hitting a number. Good luck!