Court reporters, also known as stenographers or shorthand reporters, play a crucial role in the legal system by recording spoken or recorded speech during hearings, depositions, and other events. Their primary responsibility is to create accurate and verbatim transcripts of these proceedings using shorthand, machine shorthand, or voice writing techniques. Court reporters work for a variety of entities, including private law firms, government agencies, trade associations, and nonprofits. Their duties may include attending legal hearings, checking transcripts for accuracy, interpreting speakers' gestures or tone, providing timely transcriptions to clerks, lawyers, and court officials, and taking court notes or administering oaths.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a court reporter, there are several steps you can take to get started. Here are six steps to help you kickstart your court reporting career:
1. Choose your career path: Before you can become a court reporter, you need to decide on a career path. Depending on your state, you may need an associate degree or certificate to work as a court reporter. There are different paths you can take within the field of court reporting, such as judicial reporting, closed captioning for television networks, or communication access real-time translation (CART) for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Research the various career paths available to you and choose one that aligns with your interests and goals.
2. Enroll in a court reporter program: Once you have chosen a career path, you will need to enroll in a court reporter program. Many community colleges, trade schools, and specialized court reporter schools offer programs in court reporting. Some institutions also offer online court reporting programs. Research different programs to find one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and career goals. Make sure to review the application requirements and prepare for any entrance exams that may be required.
3. Obtain a credential: Court reporting programs typically teach machine shorthand, transcription, and reporting skills. To qualify for job opportunities, you will need to earn a certificate or associate degree in court reporting. These programs typically take 18-24 months to complete and may require a high level of accuracy on dictation exams and coursework in areas such as grammar, law terminology, shorthand, captioning, and word processing. Completing a court reporting program will help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the field.
4. Complete an internship: Consider completing an internship to gain real-world experience in court reporting. Interning with a court reporter will allow you to apply your skills in a professional setting and learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the job. Talk to your academic adviser or faculty members to find internship opportunities that align with your career goals. Completing an internship can help you build your skills, network with professionals in the field, and enhance your job prospects after graduation.
5. Obtain state licensure: Research the licensing requirements for court reporters in your state. While not all states require court reporters to be licensed, obtaining licensure can help set you apart from other job applicants. In states that do require licensure, you will likely need to pass both a written exam and a skills examination to become licensed. Some states also offer certification options for court reporters, such as the Certified Verbatim Reporter certification offered by the National Verbatim Reporters Association or certification through the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).
6. Search for job opportunities: Once you have met the state licensing requirements, you can start looking for job opportunities in the field of court reporting. Job search websites, professional networking sites, and industry-specific job boards are good places to start your search. You can also reach out to your professional network, including mentors, internship supervisors, and colleagues, for job leads and referrals. Joining a professional organization like the NCRA or NCSC can also help you connect with potential employers and stay informed about job openings in the industry.
In conclusion, pursuing a career in court reporting can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for individuals with strong typing skills and a passion for legal proceedings. By following these six steps, you can start your journey towards becoming a successful court reporter and making a meaningful contribution to the legal system. So, do your due diligence, explore the different career paths available in the field of court reporting, enroll in a reputable court reporter program, obtain the necessary credentials, complete an internship, obtain state licensure or certification, and start searching for job opportunities. With dedication, hard work, and perseverance, you can embark on a successful court reporting career and enjoy a fulfilling and lucrative profession.