Court Reporter: How Do I Become a Court Reporter?

The role of a court reporter is a crucial one. Trials, hearings, depositions, and other legal meetings are documented to maintain complete and accurate legal records of the proceedings. Court reporters are the ones responsible for creating this written record. Content in the written record may be used in further legal proceedings, may inform court orders that are issued, or may be used in an appeal or even another lawsuit. All courts maintain thorough documentation of all legal proceedings, which has spurred a high demand for court reporters. Court reporters may also be responsible for using the technology that provides closed captioning for individuals who are deaf so that they can follow proceedings.

Opportunities

There is currently a solid demand for court reporters. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects job growth for court reporters to be 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is two percent higher than the average expected job growth for all occupations during this time period. Those interested in entering this field will find ample opportunities for court reporters in Fort Lauderdale. Although more than 50 percent of court reporters are employed by the government, more than 30 percent are employed by businesses that do contract work for law firms and others who require documentation of depositions and other legal proceedings. There are also other opportunities related to court reporting, such as providing video transcription.

Training required

Either an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate in court reporting is required to become a professional court reporter. This means that it’s normal for individuals pursuing this career to spend two years or more completing their postsecondary training. In some states, court reporters must be licensed. Other states require certification. This means that completion of the certificate or degree alone is not enough to enter this profession in most places. Individuals must meet the certification or licensing requirements for the state they wish to work in after graduation.

Coursework

Programs for court reporters include training that enables them to effectively document everything said at a rate that ensures all speech in a court proceeding is collected. Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) is one of the things that court reporters learn how to use. Learning about court procedures is also an essential part of the postsecondary training that aspiring court reporters receive. To complete training in this field, individuals must also take studies in legal terminology, grammar, and writing. It is essential that court reporters have strong writing skills, understand grammatical rules, and know how to use punctuation properly. They also need the highest quality dissertation writing skills. To graduate, they will need to demonstrate they can write essays and proofread documents.

Skills needed

Individuals who are going to become court reporters must be detail oriented. They need to have exceptional concentration skills. Court proceedings can be long, so the ability to pay close attention and thoroughly document all relevant data from a proceeding requires strong attention to detail. Listening is a crucial part of their work, and they must also possess exceptional writing skills to be effective in this career field.

Preparing in high school

Teens considering this career field should emphasize English language studies in high school. Some schools may offer classes related to criminal justice, and taking courses related to criminology or law may help you familiarize yourself with legal terms. Computer studies can also be beneficial, because you will need to be comfortable using the latest technology to perform your duties. Some high schools offer keyboarding classes, and these will help prepare you for a future documenting speech in real time. Individuals who complete training or become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) will also have an advantage entering this field in the event that they need to take a deposition or document testimony given by a person who is deaf.