2. Key Skills To Become A Legal Transcriptionist
The serious nature of legal documentation requires a legal transcriptionist
to have certain specific skills.
Legal Transcription is a challenging job that requires a specific set of skills and the
ability to multi–task. The role of a legal transcriptionist is similar to that of a court
reporter. The serious nature of legal documents makes it important for
transcriptionists to have certain key skills to carry out this job efficiently. The legal
transcription task involves different
components and it is extremely
important for transcriptionist to pay
attention to minute details and have
a good working knowledge of legal
discourse and terminologies. The
following skills are crucial to ensure
good legal documentation:
• Good listening skills – As legal transcription involves the conversion of
digital recordings to text format, transcriptionists should have good listening
skills. This is necessary to convert digital recordings accurately and precisely.
• Knowledge about legal terminologies, judicial procedures, and other
legal systems – It is important for a legal transcriptionist to have good
knowledge about prominent legal terminologies and other important
procedures. As there are many words and jargons used in legal circles, a
comprehensive knowledge of these will greatly help in preparing specific legal
documents as per statutory requirements.
For example, legal transcription covers a wide range of subjects from meeting
with lawyers, court hearings and depositions. Knowledge of legal terminology
and procedures is a must to be able to transcribe in this industry. A reliable
legal transcription company offers the services of experienced
transcriptionists who have good knowledge about different legal techniques
3. and procedures, and the ability to put them into context with quality legal
writing skills.
• Good and fast typing skills – The job of the transcriptionist involves
preparation and conversion of different legal documents and the delivery of
the final transcripts within the client’s specific time frame. For this,
transcriptionists should have fast keyboard typing skills. A good command
over language - formal as well as colloquial, grammar, and punctuation - is
also important. Reliable legal transcription companies deliver transcripts with
accuracy levels of 99%.
• Expertise with transcription software – Reputable legal transcription
companies utilize advanced software technologies for transcription. It is
important for the transcriptionist to acquire the skills necessary to utilize the
transcription technology in the best possible manner.
• Editing and proofing skills – Editing and proofing skills are a must. The
transcripts have to be checked for errors in spelling and grammar as well as
proofread and edited before delivery to the client. With a reliable service
provider, these processes are a key element in the quality control process.
Lawyers and legal firms looking for transcription services can find specialists with all
these skills as well as experience in a professional legal transcription company.