Court reporters are human, and as such, they make mistakes. A mistake on a report can alter the outcome of a case. So there must be an extra set of eyes to review the court reporter’s paperwork for errors.
The person responsible for examining and correcting transcripts is called a court transcript proofreader.
Court transcript proofreading is the process of reading back a court or legal proceeding and correcting any errors or mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other issues.
Opportunities for freelance proofreaders in the court reporter field are some of the best-paid jobs.
Court transcript proofreading is a bit different from general proofreading jobs for beginners.
The job typically requires attention to detail as the job can be very intense and challenging. If you are interested in this profession, the following article will provide information on becoming a professional court transcription proofreader.
What does a court transcript proofreader do?
Court transcript proofreading is a meticulous and challenging process. Law firms or court systems typically hire court transcription proofreaders to read back transcripts from trials, hearings, depositions, etc., for mistakes in grammar and other similar issues before the transcripts are released publicly.
Their job requires them to have excellent attention to detail as they will be reading through long documents multiple times. In addition, they must possess strong spelling skills so that they can correct any errors with accuracy.
Court reporter proofreaders monitor transcripts for errors, such as mistakes in names or typographical errors.
Court transcript proofreaders also edit and revise the text to correct grammar or spelling mistakes and make sure they are written in an easily understood way.
How to become a court transcript proofreader?
Court reporter proofreaders are people who have strong attention to detail and excellent spelling skills are most likely to excel in the role of Court Reporter Proofreader.
They must possess incredible attention to detail as they will be reading through long documents multiple times
Court transcript proofreaders need good grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills so that they can edit transcripts for errors with accuracy
Additionally, court transcription proofreaders must take care not to change or omit any words when editing text; this is because these changes may alter the meaning of sentences.
Editing vs. Court Transcript Proofreading
Court reporter proofreaders must possess incredible attention to detail as they read through long documents multiple times. Court transcript proofreaders need good grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills to edit transcripts for errors with accuracy.
Additionally, court transcription proofreaders must take care not to change or omit any words when editing text; this is because these changes may alter the meaning of sentences.
Generally speaking, Court Transcript Proofreading requires more experience than Court Reporting Editing. Court Reporter Proofreader’s job includes editing in addition to formatting the document correctly, so a Court Reporters’ work appears professional on paper (e.g., making sure all lines are straight). It takes time and dedication before someone becomes proficient at proofreading.
In contrast, editing may involve changing the sequence or the structure of the document.
Court Transcription vs. Court Transcript Proofreading
Court transcription involves listening to an audio recording of Court proceedings to produce a written transcript.
Court Transcription Proofreading is how Court Reporter’s work is edited for grammar and formatting errors before printing or digital distribution.
How to Become a Court transcript proofreader
As a court transcript proofreader, what does the job require? Do you need special training? Does the job require any special equipment?
Strong knowledge of spelling and grammar
Proofreading skills and a strong knowledge of spelling and grammar are just what one needs to become a court transcript proofreader.
Court reporters are experts at taking down what goes on in court, but proofing and editing errors can be a challenging task.
However, you can’t just zoom through the transcript and make corrections. Court transcript proofreading requires attention to detail because it’s not solely about correcting grammar and spelling.
Technical
Court transcript proofreading requires more than just a good understanding of grammar. Proofreading court proceedings are more complicated and technical than general transcription.
Becoming a court transcript proofreader takes practice, but with motivation, you can learn how to do it in a short time.
Computer and internet connection
It is essential to have a reliable internet connection to receive, download, send files, and market your services. Some court transcript proofreaders use an iPad in place of a computer for work. Furthermore, some apps will provide faster accuracy when reviewing transcripts.
Court Proofreader Certification
Court transcript proofreading requires more investment than general proofreading. Obtaining a court proofreader certification is the main requirement. Having a court transcription proofreader certification can be beneficial for reporting or transcribing jobs, even though not every agency will require it.
The best place to get a Certificate in Court transcript proofreading is the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). NCRA is the leading resource for court transcribe and proofreaders.
NCRA is internationally recognized as the premier educational and informational resource for its members as it provides information on how to become certified in this field. The National Court Reporters Association has been around since 1937, with exams accepted nationwide. What’s more, 22 states accept some association certificates in place of the state licensing exams.
Court Transcriptionists
Anyone who wants to pursue a career as a court transcript proofreader should be proficient at typing.
Court transcriptions also require licensing, which is not necessary for proofreaders. Court reporting licenses come from national court reporting associations, including rules like accuracy requirements and pass marks.
There are still many opportunities in transcription and copy editing for freelancers who want to specialize. One such opportunity is Caitlin Pyle’s transcript proofreading course.
In this online transcript proofreading course, you’ll begin by learning some basic grammar techniques that apply to spoken language. The training also teaches freelancers to search for clients as well as build a freelance proofreading business.
If you want to learn more about becoming a court transcript proofreader, I highly recommend Caitlyn Pyle’s Transcript Proofreading Theory and Practice.
Court Transcript Proofreader Salary
A remote job board is the best place to look for those who offer proofreading services.
According to Ziprecruiter.com, as of Jul 18, 2021, the average annual pay for a Legal Proofreader in the United States is $48,439 a year. The breakdown works out to be $23.29 per hour.
The report states that the highest court transcript proofreaders earn a salary between $37,000 and $59,500 annually. Some of the most successful court transcript proofreaders earn up to $70,500 annually.
How can one earn the top dollars?
Court transcript jobs can take up to 48 hours to complete, but when faced with a time crunch, there is an option for charging higher rates.
You can also charge a higher fee for transcripts that are difficult to read. You can set better prices by consistently scoring high in accuracy ratings for all your proofreading jobs.
Benefits of working as a court transcript proofreader
If you have a part-time schedule or work from home as an independent contractor, being a court transcript proofreader can be advantageous. It’s a flexible career choice because you can work whenever and wherever.
One of the advantages of this type of work is independence and flexibility. There is no set schedule for deadlines like with full-time employment.
Minimal investment
Court Transcript proofreading is an independent job that requires minimal start-up costs. There is very little needed to get started as a court transcript proofreader.
You’ll need reliable internet access is required. Other essential requirements are a computer or iPad and an app subscription fee.
Free Marketing
Client referrals are the best way to get started as a Court Transcription Proofreader. Word-of-mouth referrals are essential for Court Reporter Proofreaders, so always be sure to provide high-quality work and customer service.
How to Find Proofreading Jobs?
You can find Court Reporter Proofreading jobs on reputable online job boards. It is important that you double-check the reputation of the employer before accepting any Court Transcript proofreading offer.
First, begin by creating a LinkedIn account.
The platform displays your profile like a C.V., including published work and accomplishments for everyone to see. You have the ability to self-define their skills and qualifications, which will trigger notifications when a job opportunity is available that meets those characteristics.
Create a professional LinkedIn page for yourself as a court transcript proofreader and connect with court reporters. Creating an impressive bio is vital to grab the attention of potential customers and establish credibility. Your bio should detail your work experience and showcase skills that prove you have a background in proofreading court transcripts.
Additionally, you may look for court transcriptionists on LinkedIn looking for someone with your skills and interests. You could reach out to them and make connections, which could empower you to find new jobs.
Besides LinkedIn, a website is another way to showcase and promote your business. You can showcase your skills and abilities with a testimonial page. Your goal is to increase your web exposure for all of your professional social media pages and websites.
Once you have accumulated a few new customers, developing marketing strategies will be less of an issue. Continually exceeding the expectations and standards of your clients will lead to additional new clients.
Final Thoughts
Court transcript proofreading is difficult and more lucrative than other types of proofreading.
Court transcript proofreading may not be for everyone, but those who are dedicated and have the ability to focus should consider it. There are online training materials available to help familiarize yourself with the profession, which may spark your interest as a potential career.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
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Charles E Wyatt says
Great article, I really enjoyed reading this post. It was very informative. I never knew that a court transcriptionists and court transcript proofreader was done by different people. Thanks for sharing.