Legal Transcription Jobs – What It Is & Where to Apply

If you have a background in the legal field and you're looking for a way to work from home, legal transcription could be worth exploring. It involves listening to audio recordings from law offices or courtrooms and typing out what you hear with accuracy and proper formatting.

If you have a legal background and type fast enough to make it worthwhile, you can try one of the established companies below or seek freelance work on platforms like Guru, Freelancer, Upwork, or Amazon Mechanical Turk.

There are also courses available if you want to build your skills first.

Before we get to the companies, here's a quick note on what you'll need for most of these roles: a Windows-based PC, a reliable high-speed internet connection, and a quality headset.

Some companies also require foot pedals or specific transcription software, so always read the requirements carefully before applying.

You may also want to check out our related posts on general transcription, medical transcription, and scopist work if you want to compare your options before committing to legal transcription.

5 Companies Occasionally Offering Legal Transcription Jobs

1 – eScribers

eScribers has experienced significant growth over the last few years, which has created a steady workflow for their transcribers.

Pay is calculated on a per-page basis and is described as competitive, though it is not publicly disclosed. Reviews from workers suggest pay can be on the lower end while you are still learning the platform's formatting requirements, which have a noted learning curve.

Transcriptionists are paid weekly via direct deposit. You will need to be US-based to qualify, though 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 there is generally a steady flow of that work as well.

Go here to apply with eScribers, or read our eScribers review first.

2 – TranscribeMe

TranscribeMe is one of the more accessible options on this list because they accept beginners with no prior experience required. Work involves transcribing short audio clips, typically under four minutes each, which makes it easy to fit into spare moments throughout the day.

Their work includes general, legal, and specialized content.

Pay starts at around $15 to $22 per audio hour and increases after you pass specialist 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 are located outside the US.

Go here to apply with TranscribeMe.

3 – Daily Transcription

Daily Transcription works with full- and part-time transcribers across legal, medical, and general transcription. They only hire US residents and pay rates vary by client and experience level, though they are willing to consider less experienced applicants.

Go here to apply with Daily Transcription, or read our Daily Transcription 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 US and Canada, but cannot contract with residents of California due to California law AB-5.

SpeakWrite requires a Windows-based PC with Windows 10 or newer, a minimum of 6 GB 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 does accept beginners. Pay is approximately half a cent per word ($0.005), and how much you earn per hour depends heavily on how fast you type. Most transcribers report earning roughly $8 to $11 per hour. Tigerfish pays weekly via PayPal.

Important to know before you apply: Tigerfish requires a Windows-based computer. Macs are not compatible with the video timecoding software the company uses.

You will also need to download a free program called Express Scribe for the test 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 approximately $200. Factor that in before committing.

Once you sign up, 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 hear back.

Go here to apply with Tigerfish, or read our Tigerfish review.

Keep in mind that every company has different requirements, and style guides may vary along with the equipment needed.