Legal transcription may not be an area of interest for most transcriptionists, but if you have a flair for all things legal, then this is quite a hot career choice to opt for. But first, what does a legal transcriptionist actually do? Transcription simply requires ‘transcribing’ or typing while simultaneously listening to a pre-recorded audio file. In this case, an audio file could mean anything with a legal aspect to it for instance like legal memos, legal dictation notes, any interviews with regard to a case, legal discussions etc. However, one must remember that any document that is transcribed needs to be 100% error free, as these documents could be used in future in a court of law as well. A single word that has been wrongly transcribed could lend an entirely different meaning to the rest of the text.
There is no formal course or program that is readily available for legal transcriptionists, and usually proper formal training in transcription itself is more than enough. However, since legal transcription does involve the use of many abbreviations and terms that are not commonly used in everyday language, pursuing a short term course in legal office administration can be very helpful.
Or, you could also take up an administrative job in a legal firm in order to familiarise yourself better with legal jargon. Law books can be intimidating, but investing in the right reference books will prove handy in your job as a legal transcriptionist.
Don’t forget that at the heart of transcription lies a stringent requirement of impeccable typing skills as well as sound proofreading skills. Purchasing good transcription software which works with popular audio file formats is a must. Remember that practice does make you perfect and it makes sense to start off with small projects which you are certain can be completed in a short period of time. Legal transcription is certainly a niche area, and once you build a name for yourself, the sky is the limit! in order to familiarize yourself better with legal jargon. Law books can be intimidating, but investing in the right reference books will prove handy in your job as a legal transcriptionist.
