Court Reporter
Job Description:Court reporters capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day will include tasks such as:
- File and store shorthand notes of court session.
- Record verbatim proceedings of courts, legislative assemblies, committee meetings, and other proceedings, using computerized recording equipment, electronic stenograph machines, or stenomasks.
- Transcribe recorded proceedings in accordance with established formats.
- Record depositions and other proceedings for attorneys.
- Respond to requests during court sessions to read portions of the proceedings already recorded.
- Take notes in shorthand or use a stenotype or shorthand machine that prints letters on a paper tape.
Skills:
You’ll need:
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- concentration skills
- the ability to use your initiative (ambition)
- time management and administration skills
Entry Requirements:
Both university graduates and school leavers can become court/verbatim reporters because normal academic qualifications are not required for entry. It is, however, vital to possess good IT, computer keyboard and secretarial skills. To work as a court reporter in the crown courts it is necessary to satisfy a number of criteria. You’ll need:
- to gain experience as a trainee court reporter
- to learn written or machine shorthand
- to reach a shorthand speed of 160 words per minute or more.
- It is necessary to undertake shadowing of a qualified reporter to become a full member.
School Subjects
Certain subjects can be beneficial for pursuing a career in this field, such as:
- English: Strong language and writing skills are essential for accurately transcribing spoken words and producing clear, concise, and accurate transcripts.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Familiarity with digital tools and software is crucial for using stenotype machines or other recording equipment effectively.
- Legal Terminology (optional): While not mandatory, familiarity with legal terminology can be helpful in understanding the context and content of court proceedings.
Working Hours and Environment:
Court reporters typically work 40 hours per week, but it’s not uncommon for them to work overtime to meet deadlines.
Career Path & Progression:
For the most part, career progression is largely self-motivated and dependent on experience, performance and proficiency.
Another viable option is to move into a related legal profession. For instance, you could become a paralegal or a law costs draftsman. Alternatively, you could set up your own court reporters agency.