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Legal transcriptionists are responsible for transcribing dictation from attorneys and using these word-for-word records to create legal documents. They usually listen to recordings, though sometimes they may take notes in real time. Legal transcriptionists must be attentive listeners, fast and accurate typists, and have a strong knowledge and understanding of legal terminology. They may have duties similar to those of court reporters, who often work in courtrooms, transcribing civil or criminal proceedings.

It's important to note that professionals in this field may be required to honor a confidentiality agreement. The reason for this is that legal transcriptionists may be required to transcribe sensitive, privileged information, including depositions, wire taps, or conversations between attorneys and their clients.

Legal transcriptionist salaries

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not publish salary information for legal transcriptionists specifically, it does have salary information for court reporters. Reports show that the median annual salary (as of May 2010) for a court reporter is $47,700, with the middle 50 percent earning between $35,030 and $69,140. Your salary may vary depending upon your level of certification, your prior experience or the type of job you hold. A legal transcriptionist who is employed as an official court reporter may earn a full-time salary, however the National Court Reporters Association reports that 64 percent of their members are employed as freelancers who are paid either by the job or by the page.

According to a May 2010 report from the BLS, the states with the highest employment level of court reporters and their mean annual salaries are:

• Maryland ($44,260)
• California ($80,490)
• Florida ($35,460)
• New York ($81,660)
• Texas ($58,350)

Of these, Texas has the lowest cost of living followed by Florida and Maryland.

Employment outlook

The BLS reports job opportunities for court reporters are expected to grow by 18 percent between 2008 and 2018. People who hold professional certifications from trusted organizations such as the National Court Reporters Association, the United States Court Reporters Association, or the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers may experience an advantage in finding full time or part time work. These certifications may also elevate your earning potential. Career options for people with legal transcription skills can include:

• Court reporter
• Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART): assists learning-impaired clients with transcriptions of classes, meetings and/or lectures
• Broadcast captioner
• Scopist: edits transcripts for content, clarity and accuracy

Becoming a legal transcriptionist

While a formal education isn't necessary to become a legal transcriptionist--and many people employed in this profession end up learning many duty-specific skills while on the job--these careers can require advanced knowledge of language, grammar, computer science and technology. Innovations in electronic reporting are introducing an influx of new computer hardware and software to the court reporting profession, so pursuing legal transcriptionist training online can be a smart choice for aspiring professionals.