How to Find Quality Court Reporters
Court reporters play a vital role in the system that provides evidence for trials and all other legal matters. The job requires incredible skill, requiring courtroom reporters to decipher, document, and transcribe oral testimony verbatim from a variety of sources quickly and often speaking simultaneously. Court reporters are needed in the courtroom, on TV, radio, in newspapers, magazines, and at home. In the world of litigation, reporters play an important role in maintaining the integrity of the judicial process, the accuracy of depositions and transcripts, and the quality of summations.
There are many professional court reporters who provide transcribed testimony to law firms and other legal professionals. These professionals may work directly for the law firm or agency, or they may outsource the work to an outside company or freelancer. There are even agencies that specialize in providing court reporting services to law firms on a regular basis.
Many professional court reporters work freelance and make their own schedules and budgets. Many work only a few days a week, but there are some who have contracts that allow them to work full time. This profession is attractive to those who want to build a steady income from doing something they love. Legal videographers are one of the most in-demand legal professionals in this field. They require very sharp hearing and a unique ability to transmit audio rapidly and clearly over the Internet.
Because legal videographers must be able to hear every word, they have to be able to type very quickly. It takes years of practice and training to master the art of typing quickly and making sure that all of the important details are included. Because the profession requires such fast typing skills, most professional court reporters have mastered the computer and know how to use QuickTime and Microsoft Office software. Many firms actually prefer to hire professional court reporters instead of QuickBooks accountants because of their specialized skills.
Another advantage to hiring professional court reporters is that many firms will provide training. Most states require that court reporting firms offer some sort of certification or accreditation, but there are no national accrediting bodies for the profession. Court reporting services may be offered by online services, brick and mortar reporting firms, and court reporting companies that operate nationwide. If you are looking for a reputable online court reporting service, it is important to check the Better Business Bureau to ensure that the service has not been in any lawsuits.
Certification and accreditation do not always mean that a company offers quality court reporting services. Only a handful of states offer accreditation, and only a few of these states actually require proof of certification from a professional organization. Many court reporters do not obtain formal training or education in the legal profession and have never met with a judge or lawyer. Without proper training, court reporters may make decisions based on their experience rather than what the law says. This can result in inaccurate or out-of-date reporting. For this reason, it is very important that you thoroughly vet any court reporting services that you consider.
