One of my favorite tasks to perform for clients is transcription. I can type out letters or court documents, or even perform tasks just based on instructions from the transcription, for example, a transcription might attach a number of documents that I’m asked to describe individually.

For lawyers or other business owners who are considering taking advantage of the benefits of transcription, there are a number of options available. Most valuable, in my opinion, is a digital dictation device. An individual can buy a digital recorder (available at pretty much any office or computer store), or use an application.

When purchasing a digital recorder, consider the following:

• ease of upload of digital audio files
• battery capacity
• ability to organize files on the recorder
• available recording time

When considering an application, such as Express Dictate, realize the differences inherent in using software versus a more traditional recorder. A bonus is that you won’t have to figure out uploading the files from your recorder onto your computer, but a negative is that you can lose portability.

Of course digital is not the only option. While in an article I recently read, Nicole Black noted that many lawyers “despise” the older methods of transcription, I actually have clients who prefer tape transcription and simply aren’t ready to embrace digital technology! I have a minicassette transcriber just for that reason and if needed may purchase a microcassette transcriber also. For me, it’s not just about my preference, but making sure the client is able to work in a familiar and comfortable way.

I know that another option offered by some virtual legal assistants is telephone dictation. This method is very easy to use for the client, as they simply call in to a toll free number and record their instructions.

Regardless of the transcription method chosen, dictation is still a very useful tool for a lawyer to have in their arsenal. It is quick and allows for easy delegation of a variety of tasks.