If you have a background in the legal field and are looking for a way to work from home, legal transcription might be worth exploring. This involves listening to audio recordings from law offices or courtrooms and typing what you hear accurately and in an appropriate format.
If you have a legal background and type fast enough to make it worthwhile, you can try one of the established companies below or look for freelance work on platforms like Guru, Freelancer, Upwork, or Amazon Mechanical Turk.
There is also courses available if you want to develop your skills first.
Before we get into business, here’s a quick note on what you’ll need for most of these roles: a Windows PC, a reliable high-speed internet connection, and a quality headset.
Some companies also require pedals or specific transcription softwareso always read the requirements carefully before applying.
You can also check out our related articles at general transcription, medical transcriptionAnd scopist work if you want to compare your options before committing to a legal transcription.
5 Companies Occasionally Offering Legal Transcription Jobs
1 – Online editors
eScribers has seen significant growth over the past few years, which has created a stable workflow for their transcribers.
Salary is calculated per page and is described as competitive, although it is not publicly disclosed. Worker reviews suggest that pay can be low while you’re still learning the platform’s formatting requirements, which have a noted learning curve.
Transcribers are paid weekly by direct deposit. You will need to be based in the United States to qualify, but note that eScribers is currently unable to accept applicants from California or Massachusetts due to state laws regarding independent contractors.
In addition to transcribers, eScribers also hires remote proofreaders, and this work is generally constant.
Go here to apply with eScribers, or read our eScribers Review First of all.
2 – Transcribe to me
TranscribeMe is one of the most accessible options on this list because it accepts beginners with no prior experience required. The job involves transcribing short audio clips, usually less than four minutes each, making it easy to fit in free moments throughout the day.
Their work includes general, legal and specialized content.
Pay starts at $15 to $22 per audio hour and increases once you pass specialized exams to qualify for higher-paying content. Payments are made weekly via PayPal.
TranscribeMe is open to applicants worldwide, which is a bonus if you live outside the United States.
Go here apply with TranscribeMe.
3 – Daily transcription
Daily Transcription works with full-time and part-time transcriptionists for legal, medical and general transcription. They only hire US residents and pay rates vary by client and experience level, although they are willing to consider less experienced candidates.
Go here to apply with Daily Transcription, or read our Daily Transcript Review.
4 – SpeakWrite
SpeakWrite hires remote transcribers with experience in legal, general, and Spanish transcription. You must have at least one year of relevant experience within the last five years.
They accept applicants from the United States and Canada, but cannot contract with California residents due to California’s AB-5 law.
SpeakWrite requires a Windows PC with Windows 10 or later, a minimum of 6 GB of RAM, and headphones. A foot pedal is optional. You must also be able to type at least 60 words per minute with 90% accuracy and be proficient in Microsoft Word.
Go here to apply with SpeakWrite, or read our SpeakWrite Review.
5 – Tigerfish
Tigerfish handles both general and legal transcription and accepts beginners. Pay is about half a cent per word ($0.005) and the amount you earn per hour depends heavily on how fast you type. Most transcribers report making between $8 and $11 per hour. Tigerfish pays weekly via PayPal.
Important to know before applying: Tigerfish requires a Windows computer. Macs are not compatible with the video timecoding software used by the company.
You will also need to download a free program called Express Scribe for the testing period. If you are accepted and continue working with them, you will need to purchase a copy of Start Stop’s Power Play for Windows Media, which costs around $200. Take this into account before committing.
Once registered, download the style guide and study it before taking their test. The test involves transcribing three audio segments and emailing the results to the company. Response time can be slow, so don’t be discouraged if you wait a while to receive a response.
Go here to apply with Tigerfish, or read our Tigerfish Review.
Keep in mind that each company has different requirements and style guides may vary depending on the equipment needed.
Want to learn more about work from home transcription and how to get started?
If you’ve read the above and want more information on how to get started in transcription as a work-from-home career, I recommend this one from Janet Shaughnessy. 7-lesson free transcription email mini course.
This one explores how to start a business using your typing, writing and editing skills. You’ll learn how much you can earn, where work comes from, how to determine if you’re cut out for it, and much more.
Featured image credit – © armypicca, 123RF Free images
Leisa Good has worked in the corporate world and has also managed and operated a full-time virtual assistant business since 2006.. She wrote the eBook on this one! She is also a PFYP certified career coach and owner of the blog, Powerfully designed for success. It allows people aged 50 and over to find fun, flexible and financially rewarding work, now and in retirement. However, this time it will be work/life on their terms.
