Scopist
Also known as: freelance scopist
About this occupation
Scopists edit the transcripts created by court reporters in order to make of them a readable professional legal document. They listen or read to the reports given to them in order to apply punctuation, missing words, format, and improve the accuracy of the document.
Essential skills and knowledge
- legal terminology
- stenography
- type error-free documents
- observe confidentiality
- type texts from audio sources
- transcription methods
- apply grammar and spelling rules
- study court hearings
- use free typing techniques
- use dictionaries
- grammar
- provide written content
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Paralegals and Legal Assistants (O*NET 23-2011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
- Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
- Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
- Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases.
- Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Investigative, Enterprising
Top skills: Writing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Learning
US median pay: US$62,890 a year (2025), 392,880 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentExtremely important (4.8)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.9)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
- Correspondence Clerks
- Office Clerks, General
- Medical Records Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.