The strong projected growth of the legal profession means demand for qualified legal transcriptionists will also continue to increase. Legal transcriptionists listen to dictated legal recordings made by attorneys, paralegals and other legal professionals and translate them into legal documents.
The Certificate of Legal Transcription will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to work as a legal transcriptionist. This online legal transcription course will prepare you to work as a transcriptionist in a legal office or in a freelance capacity.
In this online legal transcription course, you will develop your keyboard skills with speed and accuracy using touch typing techniques and learn how to transcribe with speed and accuracy. You will also learn how to understand and use legal terminology and gather and organise information and learn how to plan, draft and prepare complex legal documents.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Keyboarding speed and accuracy
- Touch typing techniques
- Keyboard techniques
- Using the keyboard
- Identify and develop keyboard skills
- Speed and accuracy
- Use safe work practices
- Ergonomic requirements
- Workstations
- Health and safety (OHS)
- Mouse buttons and operations
- Alpha keys and numeric keypad
- Word screen
- The ribbon
- Quick access toolbar
- Creating a new document
- Document enhancement
- Check accuracy
- Proofread document
- Correct document
- Check spelling and grammar
- Proofreading documents
- Errors and corrections
- Typing Test Standard: AS2708-2001.
Unit 2 - Produce texts from audio transcription
- Prepare for audio transcription
- Style, presentation and storage
- Be organised and prepared
- Clarify purpose and requirements
- Requirements of audio transcription
- Transcribe from an audio source
- Produce texts
- Edited transcription
- Meetings and conferences
- Verbatim transcription
- Uses of dictations
- Unclear speech
- Clarify spelling of names
- Clarify technical terms
- Designated timelines
- Self check for accuracy
- Edit and revise text
- Return draft for checking
- Format name
- Store print and distribute
- Use templates
- Legislation codes
Unit 3 - Complex legal documents
- Produce complex legal documents
- Document type
- Budget
- Time frame and process
- Document management software
- Email programs
- Document design and structure
- Costings
- Legislative requirements
- Using precedents
- Design and layout
- Facilitate review process
- Quality documents
- Problem-solving and constraints
- Training and documentation
- Advanced software functions
- Linking data between applications
- Checking spelling grammar
- Numeric data and layout
- File numbers
- Numerical address information
- Spelling and grammar
- Format and style
- Proofreading
- Modifications
- Action plan
- Managing difficulties
- Timelines
- To do lists
- Flow charts
- Gantt charts
- Security and confidentiality
- Changes
- Final printing
- Watermarks
- Cover pages
- Naming documents
- The Australian standard
- Policies and procedures
- Maintenance and security
- Accessibility and safety
Unit 4 - Legal terminology
- Legal terminology
- Written and oral communication
- Model of communication
- Internal and external parties
- Appropriate legal terminology
- Policies and procedures
- Spelling and pronunciation
- Using correct legal terminology
- Parties involved in legal proceedings
- Court proceedings
- Civil procedure
- Criminal procedure
- Court documents
- Relevant terminology
- Other legal words and phrases
- Work task limitations
- Identify gaps in knowledge
- Seeking clarification of gaps
- What are gaps?
- Assess competency levels
- Methods for information collection
- Training coaching and mentoring
- Obtaining experience
- Skills required for research
- Using abbreviations
- Common abbreviations
- Acronyms
- Measurements
- Legislations and rules
- Barristers
- Judges
- Regular terms
- Other abbreviations
- Legal terminology questions
- Practical application
Unit 5 - Confidentiality and security within the legal environment
- Confidentiality and security
- Content
- Errors and grammar
- File / matters numbers
- Format
- Timelines
- Limitations
- Keeping paperwork up to date
- Polices procedures
- Codes of conduct
- Relevant state / territory legislation
- Trust money
- Cost disclosure and billing
- Progress reports
- Methods for organising a file
- Conflicts of interest
- Treating clients with respect
- Cultural differences
- Trust and respect in the workplace
- Honesty and integrity
- Professional conduct
- Firm policies and procedures
- Morals and ethics
- Trust account monies
- Cash payments
- Receipting methods
- Confidentiality procedures
- What is and what is not disclosable
- Privacy act
- Information that cannot be disclosed
- Australian privacy principles (APP’s)
- Non-disclosable information
- Discretion and judgement
- Preparing client records
- Power of attorney
- Following security procedures
- Store and secure information
- Electronically stored information
- Legal obligations
- Legislation for storage of materials
- Document retention
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
One (1) Typing Speed and Accuracy Test. This typing test is marked according to Australian Standards. Conditions apply.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 75 hours. Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
Yes! The cost for printed materials for this course is $50 per unit. Total cost for optional printed materials is: $250.00. Printed materials are optional and not required to complete the course. Everything you need to complete the course is provided online via our e-learning system.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Legal Transcriptionist
- Transcription Coordinator
- Legal Secretary
- Legal Administration Assistant