A legal transcriptionist documents testimony in court proceedings and meetings, providing accurate written records. They may use a stenotype or voice recording equipment, and must edit and distribute the final document. Attention to detail and manual dexterity are important, and training is available through colleges, technical institutes, and on-the-job programs.
A legal transcriptionist, also known as a court reporter, documents testimony in court proceedings and meetings related to those proceedings. Your transcript is typically required to accurately reflect everyone’s testimony. His job might be a staff position at a court or law firm, or he might contract his services with different courts and attorneys.
Most legal proceedings usually require a written record of every word spoken, along with a record of non-verbal gestures and physical reactions that can affect the meaning and impact of the words spoken. A legal transcriptionist provides this service. He typically records transcripts of trials, depositions, hearings, and meetings related to legal proceedings.
For many years, a legal transcriptionist was only offered a tool to carry out his job. This stenographic engraving machine, called a stenotype, has a small keyboard with coded keys to engrave phrases instead of letters. Codes are immediately translated into words that are transmitted to a computer. This allows the reporter to record testimony more quickly and accurately. Some stenotype templates allow the user to program specific words and phrases before each job for even greater speed and efficiency.
In recent years, voice recording equipment has been used by a number of legal transcriptionists. The reporter speaks into a recording device called a stenomask, inaudible to the courtroom, and the words are transcribed onto the computer screen using voice recognition software. This method of transcription is accepted by fewer courts and lawyers than the stenotype.
At the end of each proceeding, a legal transcriptionist is usually required to edit the proceeding record. He must usually correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as syntax and style. When the document is error-free, copies of it are normally distributed to all parties involved, with one copy submitted to the court’s archives.
Success as a legal transcriptionist typically requires excellent listening in addition to a high level of manual dexterity. Your ability to distinguish voices that often overlap is important. Attention to detail is a common requirement for this position. Being well organized is a common attribute of successful transcriptionists.
Colleges and technical institutes often offer legal transcription courses. Some court systems offer on-the-job training for the position. Online courses are also available. Jurisdictions in some regions require training certification before hiring a legal transcriptionist.
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