Specialist legal or academic transcription

Law firms, university researchers, consultancies, market research agencies and public sector bodies.

Higher price per audio minute than general transcription, often with repeat work from a few regular clients and extra charges for rush jobs.

• Strong grasp of specialist terminology
• Careful proofreading
• Discretion with sensitive material
• Clear communication with clients

• Confidential and sensitive recordings: check data protection duties and what security clients expect
• Some clients may ask for confidentiality agreements or professional indemnity insurance, so check before you pitch
• Do not claim qualifications you do not have, for example in medical or legal work
• A few large clients can make income uneven if one leaves

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £200 to £1,200, depending on your equipment, software, security setup and any insurance you take out. Costs vary with the niche you choose and what your clients expect.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on your niche, how many clients you have and the hours you put in. The estimate assumes at least about 12 hours a week.

Check your data protection duties and what security clients expect for sensitive recordings. Some clients may ask for confidentiality agreements or professional indemnity insurance. Do not claim qualifications you do not have, for example in medical or legal work.