Chesapeake Scoping School
WORK FROM HOME
WORK FOR YOURSELF
This in-person scoping class with flexible payment plans is designed to prepare you for a rewarding career working from home as a professional scopist, a vital role in legal transcription editing. Through hands-on training, you’ll learn how to skillfully edit legal transcripts for court reporters with precision and accuracy, ensuring high standards of clarity and professionalism.
WHAT IS A SCOPIST?
What is a Scopist?
A scopist is a professional transcript editor who assists court reporters in editing to ensure that legal transcripts—records of courtroom proceedings, depositions, and other legal meetings—are accurate, well-formatted, and error-free.
Court reporters capture the initial text using shorthand or stenographic methods, and scopists then refine this text by editing, correcting punctuation, checking for consistency, and applying any required legal formatting standards.
Working as a scopist offers the flexibility to work from home or anywhere with an internet connection, making it an ideal career for those seeking work-life balance and independence. Scopists often work as freelancers, setting their own schedules and managing their workload, giving them the freedom to work on their own terms.
With training and practice, scopists can develop a sustainable career that offers both financial stability and the freedom to work independently, making it a popular choice for remote work enthusiasts and those looking to be their own boss.
About course
Scoping Essentials: A Comprehensive Training for Future Scopists
Looking for a flexible, rewarding career in the legal field? Our Scoping Essentials class is designed to train you in the art and skill of scoping: editing legal transcripts for court reporters. This in-person, six-week course provides all the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience you need to start a successful career as a professional scopist.
What You'll Learn
In this course, you'll gain a solid understanding of transcript formatting, legal terminology, and the editing techniques essential for delivering polished, accurate transcripts. Each week focuses on key skills, from mastering the industry-standard CAT software to handling complex legal terms and refining your editing efficiency. With real-world exercises and a supportive learning environment, you'll be job-ready by the end of the program.
Course Highlights
- Hands-On Training: Practice with actual transcripts and receive guided feedback.
- CAT Software Proficiency: Get comfortable with professional tools like Case CATalyst or Eclipse.
- Legal Knowledge: Learn to navigate legal terminology, complex language, and transcript structure.
- Career Preparation: Tips on client relationships, professional ethics, and launching your business.
Whether you're a beginner or looking for a career shift, this course gives you everything you need to succeed in a high-demand field. Join us and take the first step toward a flexible, in-demand career as a scopist!
About host
Welcome! I'm a professional scopist with extensive experience editing legal transcripts for court reporters. As a mother, entrepreneur, and sole provider, I understand the desire for a flexible, rewarding career that allows for both personal growth and professional fulfillment. Scoping has been the key to my success, and I’m excited to help others achieve the same.
In my in-person (virtually) scoping class, I provide hands-on training designed for anyone interested in entering the scoping field. My goal is to equip you with the skills needed to edit and perfect legal transcripts with accuracy and professionalism. We'll cover everything from industry essentials and transcript formats to the nuances of legal language and editing best practices.
Whether you're looking for a flexible career change, a supplemental income, or a new skill to support your professional goals, this class will give you the foundation to succeed as a skilled scopist. Join us to embark on a fulfilling, in-demand career path that fits your lifestyle!
CLASS DETAILS:
Scoping Class Outline
Class Duration: 6 weeks
Class Format: In-person Live virtual sessions (Zoom), 1 day per week (2 hours per session)
Start Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025. 9:00 A.M.
Location: Remote Zoom
Contact: Email - help@chesapeakescopingschool.com Phone - (667) 355-9222
Week 1: Introduction to Scoping and Legal Transcripts
- Overview of the scoping profession, career opportunities, and industry standards
- Anatomy of a legal transcript, transcript formatting basics, and introduction to CAT software
Week 2: Legal Terminology and Transcript Structure
- Introduction to legal terminology and common phrases used in court documents
- Understanding the structure of a transcript, notations, and specific formatting rules
Week 3: Mastering CAT Software and Editing Techniques
- Navigating CAT software (such as Case CATalyst or Eclipse) with a focus on shortcuts and customization
- Introduction to essential editing techniques and strategies for spotting common scoping errors
Week 4: Practical Scoping Exercises
- Hands-on practice with sample transcripts, focusing on applying editing skills and ensuring accuracy
- Peer review and collaborative editing exercises for additional real-world practice
Week 5: Advanced Scoping Skills
- Handling complex legal terminology, challenging transcript scenarios, and difficult audio
- Tips for increasing speed, efficiency, and overall productivity as a scopist
Week 6: Preparing for Success as a Scopist
- Professional ethics, building client relationships, and effective deadline management
- Final Q&A session, tips for launching a scoping career, and setting up for long-term success
This schedule provides a thorough foundation in scoping while keeping a balanced pace, with each week building on previous skills to ensure job readiness by the end of the program. Let me know if this meets your needs or if you’d like any other modifications!
What are you gonna learn in this course?
- Transcript Formatting: Learn the structure and conventions of legal transcripts, understanding the expectations for consistency and format.
- Legal Terminology: Gain familiarity with legal language, terms, and phrases common in court proceedings, depositions, and other legal documents.
- Editing Techniques: Develop proficiency in proofreading and editing, with an emphasis on detail and accuracy.
- Industry Software and Tools: Discover the industry-standard software and tools used by professional scopists and how to apply them effectively.
- Real-World Practice: Engage in practical exercises that mimic actual work, giving you confidence and readiness for real-world assignments.
Who is this course for?
This class is designed for individuals seeking a flexible, fulfilling career that allows them to work independently and leverage strong attention to detail. It’s ideal for:
- Career Changers: Those looking to transition into a new field that offers work-from-home potential, schedule flexibility, and a steady demand for skilled editors.
- Stay-at-Home Parents: Parents who need a career option that fits around family responsibilities while offering a meaningful and financially rewarding role.
- Detail-Oriented Professionals: Anyone with a strong eye for detail and a knack for language, proofreading, or editing, who wants to apply these skills in the legal transcription industry.
- Remote Work Enthusiasts: Individuals looking for a remote or freelance career with the opportunity to work with court reporters nationwide.
- Retirees or Part-Time Job Seekers: Those interested in supplementing their income with part-time, flexible work that doesn’t require extensive physical demands.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Laptop A reliable computer is essential, as it will be used for editing practice, accessing class materials, and working with scoping software (Chrome books not compatible with Case CATalyst. Macs need Intel Processor/Bootcamp to download Windows).
Headphones A quality pair of headphones to ensure clear audio when listening to transcript playback for accuracy.
Legal Dictionary or Access to Online Legal Resources Familiarity with legal terminology is crucial, so a legal dictionary (either in print or online) will be useful for quick reference.
Notebook and Pens For taking notes during class sessions and jotting down essential tips, terms, and techniques.
MATERIAL PROVIDED:
Case CATalyst Software Keycode Provided
- CAT (Computer-Aided Transcription) Software We will download and provide practice keycodes to learn Case CATalyst and will be editing within the software.
- We Will Access Online Legal Resources Familiarity with legal terminology is crucial.