For legal transcriptionists, it is a rewarding career. This is a rewarding career that opens up to many opportunities in the legal field. It can be overwhelming to start a legal transcription business.

This guide will explain the requirements for becoming a legal transcriber and give you some tips on getting started.

What’s legal transcription?

The process of translating spoken words into written text is known as legal transcription. This can be done for many reasons, such as creating legal transcripts and converting audio files to text files.

A typical legal transcriptionist will listen carefully to audio or video recordings of testimony or depositions and then transcribe the information into written documents. This type of work requires attention and listening skills.

The job of legal transcriptionists is to transcribe spoken words into written documents. They need to be able understand the spoken word and can write it down in a manner that can be understood by others. These can include business contracts, depositions, and testimony in court cases.

Why legal transcription?

Many reasons legal transcription is hot work are numerous. There is a lot of demand for legal transcription. Individuals, businesses, and government agencies all need audio files transcribed as fast as possible.

This is a highly specialized occupation, and it is not something most people can do. This is why there are many opportunities for people who want to enter this field of work.

Legal transcription is a highly lucrative career. Average annual salary for transcriptionists in the United States is $67,000. The field is expected to grow 17% by 2026.

Required skills

You will need some skills to be a legal transcriber. First, you need to have a solid knowledge of English. To accurately transcribe legal terminology, you will need to be able understand it and how to use it.

It is also necessary to understand how to translate spoken words without making mistakes in grammar or spelling.

Here’s a list of skills that you will need to learn if you wish to be a legal transcriber.

1 Confidentiality

You will work with sensitive information, which is not meant for public consumption, as a legal transcriber. You have to ensure that the information is kept private and secure. Clients trust you. It’s your job to protect their secrets.

Transcriptionists have access to sensitive information and must therefore be trusted 100%. Legal transcripts can include information about everything from sexual harassment cases to murder trials. Therefore, transcriptionists should not disclose this information to anyone who isn’t authorized.

Sharing information is important for your company’s reputation and to protect your clients from potential legal problems.

2: Proficient in listening to and typing

Transcriptionists must be able listen carefully and accurately. It is important to be able understand the meaning of what is being said, regardless of background noises and if someone speaks too slowly or too fast.

Excellent typing skills are also required because you will spend most of your time typing up recordings.

To keep up with lawyers dictating on the phone and in person, you should be able type at least 70 words per hour without error.

3: Understanding legal terms

A law college diploma is not required to be a legal transcriptionist. Understanding legal terms can help you succeed as a legal transcriber.

Legal transcriptionists must be able quickly to research new terms and concepts. They also need to know how these concepts work in the context of the case. This is particularly important as most cases involve multiple parties with different interests.

It is also important to know the types of documents used in court. These documents include motions, briefs, and orders.

4 – Outstanding grammar

Legal transcriptionists need to have an eye for detail and be able spot even the smallest grammatical errors in documents they are transcribed.

Because you are not only transcribing audio files, but you also create documents that can be used in court and evidence in legal proceedings.

Any mistakes in your transcriptions, even if you misspell one word, could lead to someone being charged with perjury and/or another crime.

5: A certificate of legal transcription

Although a certificate of legal transcription is not required, it will allow you to stand out from your competitors and charge higher rates.

Online courses or attending accredited schools can help you get certified. Working as a legal secretary can help you gain these skills.

There are many organizations that offer certification programs to legal transcriptionists. These include the National Court Reporters Association and the American Association of Professional Legal Transcribers.

Final thoughts

Legal transcription is a profession that offers a lot of flexibility and freedom. Flexible work hours allow you to work from anywhere you like, as long as there is an internet connection and a computer.

If you have dependents, it can be adapted to your life. A legal transcriber can be a smart choice if you are serious about saving money and not only paying your bills every month.