Legal and specialist transcription

Small law firms, solo attorneys, paralegals, court reporting agencies, insurance investigators and media production companies.

Per audio minute or per page, at higher rates than general transcription. Rush jobs and certified or formatted transcripts can bring more, and law firms often send repeat work.

• Very high accuracy and attention to detail
• Knowledge of legal or technical terminology
• Consistent formatting
• Discretion with sensitive material

• Client confidentiality and data security: check what your clients require for storing and sending files
• Some courts or clients may require specific formats or certification, so check requirements with the people you work for
• Check whether your city or county requires a general business license, and consider professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance
• Medical transcription involves health privacy rules such as HIPAA, so research the requirements before taking that kind of work

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300 to $2,000, depending on your equipment, software, secure file handling and insurance. Treat this as a rough estimate and check what clients expect before you buy anything.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many law firms or agencies you work for, the volume of recordings and the hours you put in. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check what data security and confidentiality your clients require, and whether courts or clients need specific formats or certification. Also check any city or county business license, professional liability insurance, and HIPAA requirements if you take medical work.