Are you having trouble finding the perfect legal transcriptionist? Do you want to know the essential traits that you should search for? Well, in that case, continue reading!
A legal transcript is the written form of an audio or video recording of any legal proceeding in or outside the court. Legal transcriptionists translate the audio or video recordings into a written document.
The written copy is either digital or on paper. Therefore, legal transcriptionists are an essential part of the legal system.
Legal transcriptionists transcribe records of all kinds of legal proceedings. It includes courtroom instructions, police interrogation, cross-examination of witnesses, and maintaining the record in a case.
Hiring the best legal transcriptionist
Why Is a Legal Transcriptionist Mandatory for a Successful Firm?
Court proceedings and legal documents are complicated. Keeping a record of all things is even more difficult. However, legal transcriptionists provide an excellent service.
Legal transcriptionists present audio and video records in the best format. Formatting greatly helps trial lawyers in presenting the case.
Audio or video evidence in written form helps clear confusion.
The formatting helps remove misinterpretations by jury or judges. Therefore, having a credible legal transcriptionist on your side is a great help.
Hire a credible legal transcriptionist
Top 5 Rules to Finding a Credible Legal Transcriptionist
The legal transcriptionist market will saturate. A 9% growth is expected in the number of legal transcriptionists by 2029. Therefore, it is essential to assess and find a credible legal transcriptionist for the job.
Relevant Certification
A general qualification of a high school diploma or any equivalent qualification is mandatory for a legal transcriptionist.
However, the legal profession is a technical and professional field.
Therefore, an employer must look for relevant certifications like courses or diplomas in legal transcription or languages services industry.
A standout or credible legal transcriptionist has invested in accreditation.
Work Experience
Court processes are speedy and technical. As a result, there is less time for firms and attorneys to train and hand-hold a legal transcriptionist. Therefore, some previous work experience in any relevant capacity is a bonus.
To avoid any inconveniences in search of a credible legal transcriptionist, look out for work experience.
Computer Skills
Computer skills are vital for legal transcriptionists. Transcriptionists use several tools and software like Microsoft Word and Excel. It makes transcription easy and fast.
Therefore, computer skills and literacy tops the list of requirements for credible legal transcriptionists.
Typing Speed
Typing fast is a handy skill generally. However, legal transcriptionists need to master it. A professional transcriber can type between 80 to 100 words per minute.
Typing speed is slower than the rate of speaking. Therefore, a good typing speed makes it easy to catch up with videos and audio. A good typing speed is synonymous with a credible legal transcriptionist.
Understanding of Legal and Court Proceedings
Only typing is not enough. Court language and legal terminologies are difficult to understand for a layperson. Therefore, an understanding of legal language and court processes is vital for a transcription job.
Understanding legal terminologies makes it easy to understand and type audio and video recordings. Therefore, a command over the working of the justice system is a must for a legal transcriptionist.
Having the right legal transcriptionist
The Bottom Line
The more technical the job requirements are, the harder it is to find the perfect individual. The same goes for having the right legal transcriptionist.
Therefore, if you’re on the outlook to find a decent transcriptionist, make sure that they possess the qualities mentioned above!