Introduction
If a legal career interests you, there are several job titles to keep in mind. Those who have a good typing speed and are detail-oriented can get success as legal transcriptionists. This role is an important part of making sure all members know what was said when essential legal and courtroom proceedings or recordings are going on. In this article, we will share with you five skills that every legal transcriptionist needs.
Legal Transcriptionist – Definition
A legal transcriptionist is a person who is given the responsibility of producing written records of vital legal recordings. Typing and listening skills are used to create written documents that legal professionals can refer to as required. In this role, the person is responsible solely for producing typed forms of prerecorded documents. It is different from court reporters, legal transcriptionists are not responsible for producing written records of conversations that are life, they can use more time to create well-written transcriptions which are free of errors.
Legal Transcriptionists- What They Do
A legal transcriptionist has to execute the tasks given below:
- Hear dictated recordings created by legal professionals like attorneys and paralegals
- Recordings are transcribed into different legal documents which have motions, legal memorandums, agreements, correspondence, pleadings, time entries, interrogations, and discovery.
- Produce error-free documents that legal professionals can refer to later
- Make use of headsets and computer software to hear and create transcriptions
- Meeting with legal professionals to get dictation which they would like to provide in court.
Skills Every Legal Transcriptionist Needs:
A legal transcription requires the following skills to succeed in the role:
- Good attention to detail – You have the crucial task of creating legal papers and documents. Good attention to detail can help make sure there are no errors.
- Tech skills/Computer Skills – When working as a transcriptionist, you will have to use the computer for the majority of the tasks. In this role, the person has to be able to use word processors, spreadsheets, and billing software.
- Good knowledge of legal terms – In this role, you will have to take the words of paralegals and attorneys and convert them to legal documents. With this background knowledge, you make sure you are labeling the transcriptions correctly and using the right words.
- Linguistic Skills – You will need to have a good knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and syntax to work well in this role.
- Listening – Major part of this role involves hearing recordings. You have to decipher and make out every word the individual in the recording speaks.
How do you become a Legal Transcriptionist?
1. Have a Degree
When you apply for an entry-level legal role in the capacity of a transcriptionist, you have to have a high school diploma and needed experience in a formal or legal setting. If you want to increase your chances of getting a job as a transcriptionist, you need to pursue added education in a vocational school, community college, or technical school.
Such programs can give you access to more job opportunities and impart the skills which you need in this role. You can learn a lot about word processing, court reporting theory, legal dictionary building, and editing for transcription. Those wishing to pursue this position and make it their career will want to think of completing a legal transcriptionist program or getting their Associate Degree in Legal Transcription Technology.
2. Develop Important Skills
When pursuing this career, you have to work on typing and listening skills. You should practice hearing recordings and then transcribe what you have listened to. Make it a habit to type without looking at the keyboard. The more quickly you can type without making any major errors, the more will you be qualified for this position. You can also time yourself to know how many words are transcribed in a minute. This may be a good skill to include in your CV.
3. Get Certified
Aside from getting the degree, you can distinguish yourself from other candidates by becoming a legal transcriptionist with certification. A CET or Certified Electronic Transcriber designation can be earned from the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT). To get this certificate, you have to pass a test that has multiple-choice questions. These important questions cover court procedures and practices, formatting, vocabulary, and proofreading. A practical section has to be passed which needs you to produce a 15-page transcription of a proceeding that is recorded.
4. Get training on-the-job
A lot of people in this field begin with an entry-level legal transcriptionist position. In this position, you can receive the major share of your training for the designation. In most cases, an attorney, office manager, or paralegal is in-charge of the training. Ensure you take notes and ask smart questions to acquire the skills and knowledge you require for this role. This on-the-job training is vital to perform well in this role.