Legal transcription takes a particular set of skills, and it is very important that legal transcription is carried out to the utmost degree of accuracy. There may not be any set qualification procedure for a legal transcriptionist, but there are certain skills every successful legal transcriber must possess. The following aspects are very important when it comes to becoming a legal transcription professional.
1. Skills in Legal Terminology and Systems
A legal transcriber must be familiar with legal terminology, jargon, legal procedures, and common legal terms that are used in the judicial system, according to http://www.alphabetsecretarial.co.uk. A legal transcriber must also be familiar with the standards for preparing legal documents so that they are passable in court. A legal transcriptionist also needs to be able to put these legal terms into context.
2. Listening Skills
A good legal transcriber must be able to listen closely and carefully for detail, taking in everything and not omitting anything. Listening skills are an obvious must for any transcriptionist, let alone a legal transcriber. For it is not enough to simply listen – the transcriber must accurately record what they hear so it matches what happened.
3. Fast, Accurate Typing
As with all transcription services, a fast turnaround is crucial. Therefore transcribers must be able to type quickly and accurately, as well as listen to pick up as much detail first time round. As the level of accuracy required in legal transcripts is high, accurate typing at speed is also a requirement.
4. Familiarity with Transcription Software
In order to produce transcription documents quickly and accurately, a legal transcriber must be able to use transcription software efficiently. Different types of software exist so it is also important that a legal transcriber be a fast learner in order to adapt to different packages.
5. Grammar and Proofreading Skills
A legal transcriber, or any type of transcriber for that matter, should be able to edit and check documents quickly without sacrificing accuracy. Legal documents must be edited as well as proof-read in order to be passed onto the client. In order to maintain the accuracy of the final documents legal transcribers must take on the responsibility of accurate checks.
6. Native English Skills
It is best that a legal transcriber in the UK has British English as a mother tongue. This helps maintain quality and allows for a more accurate rendition of court proceedings and legal matters, since the transcriber has complete control over the English language and the slight differences and nuances there may be within British English. Native speakers are also more accurate when transcribing different UK accents, and more effective at picking up colloquialisms and other slang terms.
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