Legal Transcriptionist
Legal transcriptionists use verbatim methods and specific equipment to store, recover, and record legal information, and pre-trail and trial proceedings. He or she uses computerized stenographs, prerecorded information, and written material to compile easy to follow reports. Legal transcriptionists transcribe material that has been dictated or recorded in courtrooms, closed hearings, law offices, or through personal interviews. He or she accurately documents all testimony, pleadings, interrogations, meeting minutes, and hearings.
Transcriptionists often have to transfer information that has been dictated at an earlier time to computer programs, or word processing software. He or she may also be responsible for preparing legal documents from recorded or written information, as well as drafting or filing legal documents, scheduling appointments, tracking case progress, and maintaining an up to date calendar. Other duties may include: researching case precedents, helping attorneys prepare for trial, organizing case files, documenting important case information, preparing documentation of particular laws, and some minor paralegal duties.
Certification is required to become a legal transcriptionist. A good overall knowledge of the legal system, knowledge of particular jurisdiction laws, business law training, research skills, computer skills, typing skills, proper grammar, exceptional spelling skills, the ability to multi-task, time management skills, and the ability to retain information are all highly recommended.
The typical average salary of an experienced legal transcriptionist is about $37,500 per year. Starting salaries pay an average of about $24,000 per year.
