3 answers
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Palo Alto, California
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How to become a Court Reporter?
Lend your expertise: what does it take to become a Court Reporter?
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
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3 answers
Kasey McMahon
Manager
12
Answers
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Updated
Kasey’s Answer
Hello there!
Though I haven't had direct experience as a court reporter, I've spent a good five years serving at the State Attorney's office within the courthouse. Trust me, it's a brilliant career path with consistent demand. My advice? Start by visiting your local courthouse, as it typically houses the court reporting office. This can be your gateway to various opportunities. Additionally, consider attending a few court proceedings. Most courtrooms welcome the public, offering you a chance to get a real feel of the environment and expectations. Wishing you all the best!
Though I haven't had direct experience as a court reporter, I've spent a good five years serving at the State Attorney's office within the courthouse. Trust me, it's a brilliant career path with consistent demand. My advice? Start by visiting your local courthouse, as it typically houses the court reporting office. This can be your gateway to various opportunities. Additionally, consider attending a few court proceedings. Most courtrooms welcome the public, offering you a chance to get a real feel of the environment and expectations. Wishing you all the best!
Maureen Merriles
6
Answers
Brea, California
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Hi there!
I'm also in CA. Before I became a paralegal, I had thought about becoming a court reporter (stenographer). At the time, one of the local community colleges (Cerritos) was offering an AA degree in stenography and I took the first semester. Although I changed my mind after that semester and went into a different area of law, had I continued, I would have had to continue working on learning the "steno alphabet" and on my speed. I had a friend at the time who was much farther along in the coursework that would practice her speed by transcribing the TV news. (They speak really quickly when giving the news, have you noticed?) It's all about speed and accuracy.
Just starting out, I would recommend finding colleges that offer similar programs and begin there.
I hope this helped a little! Best of luck to you! :D
I'm also in CA. Before I became a paralegal, I had thought about becoming a court reporter (stenographer). At the time, one of the local community colleges (Cerritos) was offering an AA degree in stenography and I took the first semester. Although I changed my mind after that semester and went into a different area of law, had I continued, I would have had to continue working on learning the "steno alphabet" and on my speed. I had a friend at the time who was much farther along in the coursework that would practice her speed by transcribing the TV news. (They speak really quickly when giving the news, have you noticed?) It's all about speed and accuracy.
Just starting out, I would recommend finding colleges that offer similar programs and begin there.
I hope this helped a little! Best of luck to you! :D
Davielle Panzullo, M.A., PMP
Warehouse Manager
31
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Davielle’s Answer
Something to think about - in LA/Orange County, these roles are entrepreneurial in that you get paid for the job and then how many transcripts you "sell". My friend is a court reporter, so I've heard stories. It is interesting, but sedentary. Sometimes you need to work evenings and weekends to get the information transcribed, so there's a bit of unpredictability. I think in the next 10-15 years, though, the job should be in high demand, as it will still require humans. Same with air traffic controllers. Good luck in your career decision.