Court reporters play a crucial role in the legal system by providing accurate and reliable transcripts of court proceedings. If you have good typing skills and a passion for legal proceedings, a career as a court reporter may be a perfect fit for you. In this guide, we will outline the steps you need to take to start a court reporting career and provide information on typical compensation in the field.
What Does a Court Reporter Do? Court reporters, also known as stenographers or shorthand reporters, are responsible for recording spoken or recorded speech during court hearings, depositions, and other legal events. Using shorthand, machine shorthand, or voice writing techniques, court reporters create verbatim transcripts that are essential for legal documentation. While most court reporters work for private law firms and government agencies, some may also work for trade associations and nonprofits. Their duties may include attending legal hearings, checking transcripts for accuracy, interpreting speakers' gestures or tone, providing transcriptions to court officials, and taking court notes.
How to Become a Court Reporter If you are interested in pursuing a career as a court reporter, follow these steps to kickstart your journey: 1. Choose Your Career Path: Decide on the type of court reporting career you wish to pursue. Whether you are interested in judicial reporting, closed captioning for television networks, CART services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, or another specialization, choose a career path that aligns with your interests and goals. 2. Enroll in a Court Reporter Program: Research court reporting programs at community colleges, trade schools, or online institutions. Select a program that fits your needs and requirements, and make sure to review the application process and entrance exam requirements. 3. Obtain a Credential: Earn a certificate or associate degree in court reporting by completing the necessary coursework and training. Make sure to achieve high accuracy in dictation examinations and gain proficiency in areas such as grammar, law terminology, shorthand, and transcription. 4. Complete an Internship: Gain practical experience by completing an internship with a court reporter. This will help you apply your skills in a real-world setting and enhance your understanding of the profession. 5. Get Licensed by the State: Research the licensing requirements for court reporters in your state and complete any necessary examinations to obtain licensure. Certification from organizations such as the National Verbatim Reporters Association or the National Court Reporters Association can also enhance your credentials. 6. Seek Employment: Once you have met the requirements for state licensure, start looking for job opportunities in the field. Utilize job search websites, network with professionals in the industry, and consider joining professional organizations to expand your job prospects.
Court Reporter Compensation Court reporters can earn competitive salaries based on their experience and credentials. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for court reporters was $60,130 in May 2020. The highest 10% of court reporters earned more than $106,210, while the lowest 10% earned less than $31,280. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, industry, and level of experience.
In conclusion, a career as a court reporter offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for individuals with strong typing skills and a passion for legal proceedings. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can embark on a successful court reporting career and contribute to the legal system by providing accurate and reliable transcripts of court events.