Now let us discuss the actual process of Legal Transcription. The most basic type of Legal Transcription is the transcription of audio files (mini cassettes, cassettes, CDs and DVDs) of legal proceeding in a digital format by attorneys or law firms. These audio files are recorded in a digital format and send via e-mail from the client to service provider. The Transcriptionist will download the files and play them and basically type them out as they listen to the files. Sometimes a client finds freelance transcriptionists who have undertaken course as discussed earlier and give them the transcription work. They are better than the young attorneys the Legal firms employ. The files sent to be transcribed should also include the information such as court information, docket number, dates attorneys and correct spelling of witnesses. The general rule is the more information the client gives, the better is the final Transcript.
There are many software which may be used for transcription purposes. These state of the art dictation and transcription software is a state of the art system which provides for computer based recordings, storage, transmission and transcription of all the voice dictation. There are some hardware such as headset and microphone which help in this process. Legal Transcription has various shades such as Court Proceedings transaction, Trials transaction, Wire Trap transaction, Legal letter transcription, Proof reading, Legal Pleadings, Witness Statements, Advice Transcriptions, Instructions to Counsel, Affidavits, Probate Forms, Particulars of Claims, Leases , wills Contracts, Disciplinary Hearings, Tribunal Transcriptions, Adjudication Panel Hearings, Reports, Briefs, court transcripts, Court proceedings, and so on. Transcription is not limited to any one special law but all law including real estates, criminal, family, personal injury, business, corporate family, Patents, trial laws and so on.
The need for Transcription of Medico-legal documents is on the rise these days. The other transcriptions related to medical and legal fields are Psychiatric Evaluations, Expert Witness, operative and procedure notes, drug trial studies, Outpatient and Inpatient summaries.
The property law Transcriptions may include Schedule of Dilapidations, Schedule of conditions, building surveys Reports, and Sales Particulars. The normal speed of a Transcriber is that he will take about one hour to transcribe a clear 15-20 minutes of quality digital audio. Generally the transcribed material reaches the client after 24 hours from the time it is send to a Transcriber; this time also depends upon the client's needs, state of the audio and the volume of work. The transcription service providers customize the services as needed by the clients.
Let us take a sample of a Transcription of a Legal Proceeding. A is to be read as Attorney and W as the Witness.
A. Did You receive the copy of the same letter? W. Yes I did.
A. Do You remember the Date of receiving it? W. According to the records of our Office it was received on 25th of January, 2005.
A. Did the other company receive the same letter? W. Same letter? Ok Umnn. Yes they also received the copy of the same letter. But at that time we were not aware of the financial conditions of "L&M Co."