What should lawyers look for in meeting transcription software?
How lawyers use meeting transcription, what to check before recording a client call, and the features that matter for legal work.
- By
- Vanguard AI®
- Last updated
- Facts checked
Lawyers spend much of their day in meetings and calls: with clients, opposing counsel, experts and colleagues. Transcription software can turn those conversations into searchable notes and action points, freeing the lawyer to listen rather than write. For legal work, though, the choice of tool needs more care than for an ordinary team meeting.
How do lawyers use meeting transcription?
Common uses include:
- Client intake and instruction calls
- Internal case discussions
- Calls with experts and other advisers
- Turning a meeting into a list of next steps
A transcript is a working record. It helps the lawyer recall what was said, but it should be checked before anyone relies on it.
What should you check before recording a call?
Recording rules differ between jurisdictions, and some require everyone on the call to agree. Before recording, make sure you have any consent you need, tell participants the call is being recorded, and consider whether a recording is appropriate for the conversation at all.
Which features matter for legal work?
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Clear speaker labels | Shows who said what |
| Timestamps | Makes it quick to find a passage and check it against the audio |
| Next steps | Turns the discussion into actions with owners |
| Search | Finds a point across many meetings |
| Data protection | Client conversations are confidential |
| Export | Moves the record into the matter file |
How should transcripts be handled?
Treat transcripts as you would other client material. Store them with the matter, limit access to the people working on it, and follow the firm's retention policy. Ask the vendor the same data questions you would ask of any legal software: encryption, model training, access and data location.
Where does JustScribe AI fit?
JustScribe AI is our meeting intelligence product. It transcribes meetings and consultations, labels who said what, summarises the decisions made and pulls out the next steps, with their timestamps. Linking JustScribe AI transcripts to matters in Donna AI® is coming soon.
See the JustScribe AI product page or justscribe.ai.
Frequently asked questions
Is a transcript a substitute for an attendance note?
Not on its own. Many lawyers use the transcript to prepare a shorter attendance note that records the advice given and the decisions made.
Do I need consent to record a client call?
The rules depend on the jurisdiction and the circumstances. Check the law that applies, and tell participants before you start recording.
Should transcripts be checked?
Yes. Transcription can mishear names, figures and legal terms, so check any passage against the recording before relying on it.