What Is the Role of a Court Reporter?

Court reporters are responsible for creating word for word transcripts of anything spoken in a court room, legislature, or attorney setting. Whether it's a speech, legal proceeding, meeting, or correspondence, laws require that every spoken word must be transcribed and documented for any further use. Other than transcribing court hearings, court reporters are also responsible for completing tasks before and after each court session. While the majority of court reporters work in the courtroom, there are many needs for court reporters outside of the courtroom, in other legal settings.

Work Environment

Most court reporters work in attorney offices, courtrooms, or legislative offices. Most are employed by specific offices and report to them daily for court reporting work. However, some court reporters are self-employed, taking on jobs as they are offered to them. Most court reporter positions are full time, and require a standard work week. However, some court reporter positions require weekends or on-call shifts, depending on the specific needs of the office that they are employed through.

Types

Different offices, states, and court settings use different types of recording methods. It is important for court reporters to be trained in a variety of methods to ensure that they will be able to meet the needs of their potential employers. Most court reporters work with a stenotype machine, which allows court reporters to work quickly and efficiently. Others use electronic reporting, which records and transcribes all audio. In this situation, court reporters are there to ensure that the correct words are being recorded and that any additional notes, such as who is speaking at the time, is recorded. Court reporters also use a method called voice writing, in which court reporters speak directly into a microphone, repeating all that is said in the courtroom or office setting.

Education

Court reporters are required to go through a training process that could take up to several years. These requirements vary by state, but always take at least one year to complete. As of 2006, over 130 post-secondary vocational or technical schools provided programs for aspiring court reporters. These programs typically take around 33 months to complete, but depend on the individual as well as the state requirements. The National Court Reporters Association also has approximately 70 programs for students looking to work with a stenotype machine as a court reporter.

Certification and Advancement

While basic training is needed to work for entry-level positions, court reporters who are looking to work for federal organizations or high-end law firms must obtain a separate certification. The NCRA offers several examinations to allow court reporters to obtain additional certifications. These certifications, along with experience in the field, is required for advancement and higher salaries.

Earnings

As of 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that court reporters made, on average, $45,610. However, the top 10 percent of court reporters made over $77,770 while the lower 10 percent made $23,430. As with any job, experience, certification, type of work setting, and location all greatly affect earnings.