A career in court reporting is rewarding both financially and personally
The legal system is filled with numerous exciting careers, from lawyers to judges. One legal career that is gaining popularity is the court reporting career. A court reporter plays an important role in the legal system. This job consists of recording an accurate word-for-word transcript of the legal procedure to ensure that there is a true and legal record. It includes not only the verbatim recording of trial testimony, but also other areas of the legal process, such as discovery sessions, depositions, and other conversations that require a legally binding record. The reporter will also help judges and attorneys locate specific records when necessary for legal purposes. Other areas in which they are used include: translation services for the hearing impaired and recording of civil trials.
The main duties
Reporters will normally perform the following functions: record testimony verbatim, transcribe recordings, check notes to make sure they are accurate, correct recording errors such as grammar and spelling, when prompted they will read recorded testimony in court or elsewhere, create a printed copy of the text. , providing hard copies to the relevant parties and creating a final binding legal transcript.
How to become one
To be this type of professional, you will need to have excellent typing skills that include good grammar and spelling, and you will need to have a typing speed of at least 200 or more words per minute. There are several schools in which one can become one. Courses may vary depending on the particular area. For example, to be a voice writer, it takes less than a year and to be a stenographer, it takes around 33 months. Once one has graduated from a recognized reporting school, one will have the experience and education to enter the field of court reporting. To increase the chances of landing a good court reporter job, one can take the Registered Professional Reporter exam offered by the National Court Reporters Association. It is voluntary, but it is worth taking as it will signal to employers that you are a trained professional.
The equipment used
These types of professionals are trained to use a variety of equipment and devices. For example, they will use a stenotype machine that records word-for-word testimonials. Various keys are entered into the machine and represent specific sounds, phrases, and words. The court stenographer then translates the symbols. There is also a computer that is connected to a stenotyping machine that allows everyone in the room to see what is being typed. The computer will translate the symbols into text. Another device is a handheld mask with a microphone. The reporter speaks into it making sure no other sounds are recorded in the room.
If you have a passion for the law, are confident, and a good listener, a career as a court reporter is worth considering. With emerging technology, court reporters will be in even greater demand, as they will be required to operate technological devices and ensure that legal and accurate testimonies are recorded correctly.