How Do I Become a Court Transcript Proofreader?

If you have a keen eye for detail and a passion for the legal field, becoming a court transcript proofreader may be the perfect career choice for you. But how exactly do you go about becoming a court transcript proofreader?

You can become a court transcript proofreader by possessing the skills and training necessary to understand the grammar and writing styles of court transcripts and legal proceedings. 

Court Transcript Proofreading Skills

To become a proofreader, you will need a standard collection of grammatical and practical skills to succeed.

General proofreaders need:

• A strong attention to detail
• A firm understanding of grammar and punctuation rules
• Effective time management
• An enjoyment of reading
• An understanding of major style guides

However, proofreading court transcripts is different from traditional or general proofreading because you need to understand how legal documents differ from other written work — like blogs or books. 

Legal transcripts are verbatim records — written versions of spoken words. This means that proofreaders need to be aware of how people talk and how grammatical patterns and rules change based on context. 

Also, transcript proofreaders need to understand the legal jargon and vocabulary of the court system. This knowledge will help proofreaders avoid misunderstandings and mistaken marks. 

Learn How to Be a Court Transcript Proofreader

Transcription proofreading may seem daunting, but there are many resources available to help you gain the skills and experience you need to begin proofreading transcripts. 

While you may be able to find online resources about legal transcripts and types of transcripts, taking a professional transcript proofreader course will speed up the process and give you a community of students and graduates that will help you on your journey. 

Transcript Proofreading Courses

Taking a transcript proofreading course helps to explain legal phrases, expectations, and grammar rules in ways that beginners can understand. 

For example, Proofread Anywhere’s transcript proofreading course, created by Caitlin Pyle, is designed to give students the experience and training they need to start their legal proofreading business with confidence. 

The course includes practice transcripts, quizzes, a new AI module, and even a graded exam. With this online training, you’ll have everything you need to understand grammar and punctuation errors, how to work with reporting agencies and law firms, and how to start a transcript proofreading business. 

While competitive proofreading may seem common, at Proofread Anywhere, we believe in community. With entry into our proofreading courses, you also gain access to our proofreading community filled with fellow students and graduates ready to cheer you on. 

To start your journey towards becoming a legal proofreader, we are offering 7 days of the Transcript Proofreading: Theory & Practice course for FREE. Get access here. 

Court Transcript Proofreader FAQs

Are you still looking for more information? Here are some answers to the most common questions about legal transcript proofreading.

Is there a demand for court transcript proofreaders?

Yes, there is a high demand for court transcript proofreaders. According to the State of Texas, unedited transcripts cannot be certified or used in rebuttals. This means that all court transcripts need to be proofread for formatting, bad grammar, and other issues. 

With Federal cases in 2021, there were over 500,000 court cases recorded, and those only account for the  CIVIL trials. This also doesn’t account for state courthouses. Essentially, for every trial, there is a transcript and for every legal transcript, they need a proofreader. 

How much can you make proofreading court transcripts? 

You can make up to $70,000 per year proofreading court transcripts. Pay will depend on experience, hourly rates, and how often you are working. Some proofreaders make a lower salary because they work part-time or are just starting out. 

Legal transcript proofreaders can make more money by improving their turnaround times, speaking more than one language fluently, and increasing their experience and training. 

Can you be a court transcript proofreader worldwide? 

Yes, you can be a court transcript proofreader from anywhere in the world! Our founder, Caitlin Pyle, spent months in Latin America while still making a sustainable income proofreading transcripts. 

However, some court reporters will need quick turnaround times or may ask you to meet online during normal US business hours. If you are hoping to proofread while you travel, it’s important to consider your client base and what they expect from you.