Transcript typists work in courtrooms, parliaments, and at other official proceedings such as board meetings or conferences. They may work for state or federal governments, private contracting firms, or as independent contractors. Their work hours usually depend on the type of event or proceeding they are transcribing - while court and parliamentary proceedings take place during regular business hours - board meetings, conferences and conventions often take place outside regular hours. Transcript typists may be exposed to confidential information and must maintain confidentiality at all times.

Transcript typists use shorthand-writing machines, computers with word processing and digital transcribing software, and other office equipment. They may also use tape recording equipment, and access reference materials, such as the Internet and specialist legal search engines.