Legal Transcriptionist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of law, the need for Legal Transcriptionists has never been more crucial.

As legal proceedings and documentation evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can accurately transcribe, organise, and safeguard our legal transcripts grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Legal Transcriptionist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of legal transcription,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Legal Transcriptionist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Legal Transcriptionist Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Transcriptionists are responsible for transcribing recorded or spoken information into written form for legal records, proceedings, and services.

Their job requires a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and knowledge of legal terminology.

Legal Transcriptionists have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Listen to legal recordings and transcribe them into written form, ensuring accuracy
• Use transcription equipment or software to facilitate work
• Read and review transcriptions for spelling and grammar errors, as well as legal terminology accuracy
• Ensure the confidentiality of all information
• Transcribe court proceedings, depositions, testimonies, investigations, legal briefings and pretrial preparations
• Ensure transcriptions are formatted according to legal documentation standards
• Manage work schedules to meet deadlines
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and other legal professionals to ensure all written records are precise and professionally handled
• Perform document management including printing, organizing, and filing of legal documents

 

Legal Transcriptionist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Legal Transcriptionist to convert spoken or recorded information into a written format.

The Legal Transcriptionist’s responsibilities include transcribing legal audio files such as court hearings, depositions, interviews, and other legal proceedings.

The candidate should have a strong understanding of legal terminology and be able to accurately and efficiently transcribe legal documents.

Our ideal candidate is a fast typist with a keen eye for detail, and is familiar with legal proceedings and terminology.

 

Responsibilities

• Transcribing spoken or recorded information into a written format.
• Listening to recordings carefully to ensure accuracy.
• Reviewing transcriptions to correct errors and ensure high-quality documents.
• Understanding and applying the correct legal terminology.
• Meeting strict deadlines for transcriptions.
• Ensuring the confidentiality of all information.
• Performing administrative tasks as required.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a legal transcriptionist.
• Experience with transcription software and equipment.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and proceedings.
• Excellent typing speed and accuracy.
• Strong listening skills.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines.
• High school diploma or equivalent. A certification in legal transcription is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Legal Transcriptionist
• Work Environment: Office setting. Remote work may be available.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Legal Department Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Legal Transcriptionist Do?

Legal Transcriptionists work primarily within the legal field, in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies.

They may also work as independent contractors or for transcription service companies.

Their primary role is to convert spoken or recorded language into a written format, specifically for legal purposes.

This could involve transcribing court proceedings, depositions, legal briefings, and attorney-client meetings, among others.

Legal Transcriptionists must have a keen understanding of legal terminology, procedures, and jargon to ensure accuracy in their transcriptions.

They also have to ensure strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.

They may also be required to proofread and edit transcriptions for clarity and correctness, and to ensure they accurately reflect the original recordings.

In some cases, Legal Transcriptionists may also be tasked with organizing and maintaining records of transcriptions, and may have to retrieve and provide transcriptions as and when needed.

 

Legal Transcriptionist Qualifications and Skills

A competent legal transcriptionist should have a range of technical skills, soft skills and legal knowledge to accurately transcribe legal proceedings, including:

• Typing skills to accurately transcribe spoken words into written format, often requiring a typing speed of at least 60 words per minute
• Comprehension skills to understand and transcribe complex legal terminology and jargon
• Exceptional listening skills to decipher multiple speakers, accents, and speak volumes accurately
• Computer skills to operate transcription software and other tools necessary for the job
• Attention to detail to ensure the transcription is accurate, complete, and conforms to legal documentation standards
• Communication skills to liaise with attorneys, court personnel, and other relevant parties to clarify information or correct inconsistencies
• Proofreading skills to review and correct transcriptions for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
• Understanding of legal terminology, court procedures, and legal documentation formats
• Confidentiality and ethical standards to handle sensitive legal information responsibly
• Time management skills to meet strict deadlines and manage multiple assignments simultaneously

 

Legal Transcriptionist Experience Requirements

Legal Transcriptionists typically require 1 to 2 years of experience for entry-level roles.

This can be gained through internships or part-time roles within legal, paralegal or secretarial fields.

Familiarity with legal terminologies, documents, and procedures is a must and can be acquired through educational programs or professional experience.

Candidates with 3 years of experience usually have a well-rounded understanding of legal transcription, including creating accurate transcriptions of court proceedings, depositions, and other legal meetings.

They may also have experience with proofreading and editing transcriptions to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal documentation standards.

Legal Transcriptionists with more than 5 years of experience often possess advanced skills in legal transcription and have a deeper understanding of legal terminologies and court procedures.

They may also have experience in managing or training junior transcriptionists and could be considered for supervisory roles.

Additionally, certification from an accredited legal transcription or court reporting association is often considered valuable in this field and can substitute for some experience requirements.

 

Legal Transcriptionist Education and Training Requirements

Legal Transcriptionists typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Many also complete a post-secondary training program in legal transcription or court reporting.

These programs often include coursework in legal terminology, grammar and punctuation, and transcription skills.

They may also cover the legal and ethical aspects of the profession.

While it’s not universally required, many employers prefer legal transcriptionists who have earned certification from a professional organization such as the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT) or the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).

To become certified, transcriptionists must typically pass an examination that tests their knowledge and skills.

They may also need to submit proof of work experience.

Continuing education is important in this field, as legal transcriptionists must stay updated on changes in legal terminology and procedures.

This might involve taking online courses, attending workshops or seminars, or pursuing further certifications.

Familiarity with legal documents and strong typing skills are also essential for this role.

Some legal transcriptionists may also need specific knowledge of the legal area they’re working in, such as criminal law, family law, or real estate law.

 

Legal Transcriptionist Salary Expectations

A Legal Transcriptionist typically earns an average salary of $55,140 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, certifications, the complexity of the work involved, and the geographical location.

 

Legal Transcriptionist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a legal transcriptionist need?

A Legal Transcriptionist should have excellent listening skills and be detail-oriented to accurately transcribe legal proceedings.

They must have strong typing skills, ideally above 60 words per minute, and have a good command of legal terminology.

They should also have good comprehension skills to understand complex legal language and proceedings.

 

Do legal transcriptionists need a degree?

A degree is not strictly necessary to become a Legal Transcriptionist, but a background in legal studies or paralegal studies can be beneficial.

Most employers require high school education and a certification in transcription, which can be obtained through several online and in-person programs.

Experience working in a legal environment can also be advantageous.

 

What should you look for in a legal transcriptionist resume?

Key things to look for in a Legal Transcriptionist resume include certification in transcription, experience in legal transcription, and proficiency in using transcription software.

Additionally, a good understanding of legal terminology and a high typing speed are important.

It’s also beneficial if the candidate has experience working in a legal environment such as a law firm or court.

 

What qualities make a good legal transcriptionist?

A good Legal Transcriptionist is detail-oriented and accurate, ensuring that transcriptions are error-free and reflect the proceedings faithfully.

They must be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Good listening skills and the ability to understand complex legal language are also essential.

They must also be dependable and respect the confidentiality of the information they handle.

 

What is the career growth for a legal transcriptionist?

Legal Transcriptionists can progress to more senior roles such as transcription supervisors or managers.

Some may also choose to specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law or corporate law, which may lead to opportunities for higher pay.

Further training and education may open doors to other roles in the legal field, such as paralegal or legal assistant.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve lifted the veil on what it truly means to be a legal transcriptionist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about transcribing legal proceedings.

It’s about being the backbone of legal documentation, one transcript at a time.

With our go-to legal transcriptionist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make your next career leap.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job postings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every transcribed word contributes to the larger narrative of justice.

Let’s build that narrative. Together.

How to Become a Legal Transcriptionist (Complete Guide)

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