Everything You Need To Know About Legal Transcription Services

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If you have any audio files that relate to court proceedings, contracts, or any other legal content, you may want to consider looking for legal transcription services to help you convert the files into written documentation. 

What Are Legal Transcription Services?

Legal transcription services are provided by qualified transcription companies. The company will take an audio or video file and convert it into a written document according to legal standards. In general, these services are provided for any type of legal document, usually for lawyers or other legal professionals. Most services will provide deliverables in a format that is specifically designed for legal documents and that can be read by court reporting software. 

Difference Between Legal Transcription and Court Reporting or Dictation

There are three common types of legal reporting services: transcription, court reporting, and dictation. So, what is the difference between the three and how are they used for legal documentation? 

Legal Transcription Vs Court Reporting

Court reporting is a process that generally happens in person during court proceedings, while legal transcription takes place in a digital setting. Both professionals use a similar skill set; however, transcriptionists are not bound by such tight time limits. This allows them to spend more time focusing on accuracy. 

Legal Transcription Vs Dictation

Dictation is the verbal recording of legal reports that can be transcribed later. While dictation is considered faster and easier than transcription, transcription is considered more accurate and more useful than dictation because it is delivered as a typed document. 

Are Legal Transcription Services In Demand?

Legal transcription services are an essential part of the legal reporting and documenting process. As such, these services are considered a high-demand industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for legal transcription services is expected to increase by 9 percent until 2029. 

How Much Do Legal Transcription Services Cost?

There are many factors that contribute to the cost of legal transcription services, but the average rate is estimated at $90 to $180 per audio hour, or $1.25 to $3.00 per audio minute. 

Factors that could impact pricing include the following: 

  • Bad audio
  • Multiple speakers
  • Special requirements
  • Expedited turnaround time
  • Specialized transactions

Alternative pricing structures may include the following: 

  • Per audio minute or audio time
  • Per line
  • Per page
  • Per hour

How Long Does It Take To Get A Legal Transcript?

Turnaround time varies, but most transcripts are delivered in 24 to 48 hours. 


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