Verbit has started a pilot project to convert some of its legal transcribers into full-time employees rather than contractors. We asked Ian Spalding and Theresa Mendez, two of these full-time legal transcribers about their experiences and the benefits it will bring to Verbit’s legal customers and the transcriber community overall.
Providing a stable, reliable place of work for those looking for a career in legal transcription has also helped Verbit retain the best talent and offer clients top-notch service. In the case of Spalding and Mendez specifically, Kaci Hardin was enthusiastic about their contributions to the company.
“Verbit saw that it created a positive work environment, and we were able to expand the program,” said Hardin, Verbit’s Legal Quality and Delivery Manager. “It’s a great value add.”
In honor of Digital Court Reporting & Transcriber Week (DCRT) we asked Spalding and Mendez to wanted to share their stories and how their professional experiences are evolving in their time as legal transcribers at Verbit.
Getting started in transcription
“I had had some previous transcription experience beforehand in college,” said Mendez. “I was an anthropology major and did linguistics and some transcription for my field work.”
After college, Mendez went into a different field until the pandemic hit. At that point, she decided to rely on her transcription skills as a way to find a remote position.
Both Mendez and Spalding began their time with Verbit as contractors. However, they jumped at opportunities to gain more skills and grow with the company, including by becoming Certified Electronic Reporters (CET).
“Verbit approached me with an opportunity for a training certification,” said Mendez. “That’s actually how I got my CET, it was through Verbit.”
Spalding also got his CET training after being approached by Verbit.
“I said ‘absolutely, of course.’” he said. “You know, I’m so happy to have a little bit more responsibility or to advance my career in this. And I did the program and got a little coaching and it’s been solid.”
What transcribers like about working with Verbit
As legal transcribers, Mendez and Spalding work on depositions, examinations under oath and, occasionally, other matters, like hearings. Both have found that their work is engaging and meaningful.
“A lot of what our day-to-day with Verbit is personal injury cases,” said Spalding. “You see trip-and-fall cases, car accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death. Those all have plaintiffs that have been injured in some way and need a remedy through the court system, and so being able to provide assistance is a big positive for me.”
Another part of the appeal of doing this work with Verbit is the ability to be part of a team. While transcribers are often freelancers, Mendez and Spalding are part of a community that works together and offers support to one another.
“The whole environment is very friendly, very welcoming, very constructive,” said Mendez. “Everyone’s very collaborative. They really step in and seem to enjoy what they do and want to help out. You know your fellow co-workers, which I think is really nice.”
Spalding expressed similar feelings about the team.
“The strongest connection that I feel is just among the team being able to answer each other’s questions, being able to help each other out,” he said. “That’s been the most positive experience for me and, honestly, everybody is so polite and helpful.”
Working and growing with Verbit into the future
Fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and support has helped Mendez and Spalding find an exciting career path with Verbit. It’s also allowed Verbit to provide consistent quality results for customers. Transcribers who can ask questions and get quick answers can overcome challenges that pop up by working together and connecting with more experienced members of their teams. By promoting training and hiring a team of full-time transcribers, the company can provide reliable, scalable solutions.
“This is a really good spot to be in right now, but I know that there are opportunities to transition from this,” he said. “If an opportunity comes up in the company, that’s awesome.”
Through a commitment to a supportive work environment and investing in the growth of its transcribers, Verbit is benefiting employees and offering top-notch legal transcription solutions for clients. Their experiences highlight the value of teamwork, learning and collaboration within the Verbit community. With Verbit’s dedication to training and its team of dedicated transcribers, the company will continue to provide reliable, scalable solutions while offering promising career paths to its employees. For more information about Verbit’s legal transcription options, reach out today.