Is Digital Reporting the Right Job for You?
Take the Quiz and Discover Your Digital Reporting Destiny!
Take the Quiz and Discover Your Digital Reporting Destiny!
A Digital Reporter ("DR") is a trained court reporter who captures the verbatim record of a legal proceeding via high quality digital audio equipment. As litigation continues to rise nationwide, and the technology used to capture testimony develops, there is a tremendous need for Digital Reporters.
A qualified Digital Reporter works as an independent contractor, making a great living as a freelancer paid on reporting assignments convenient to their schedule. An independent contractor is a self-employed businessperson. This means you are responsible for items like your own benefits, office space, equipment, and work schedule.
Digital Reporters are in high demand and should commit to work a minimum of 16-20 hours each week. Of course, you also have the opportunity to work more and make more money.
While a Digital Reporter is not a lawyer, you will be involved in legal proceedings. You will see justice unfold right in front of you and hear many different case details.
(That's about the weight of a dachshund, a karaoke machine, or two gallons of paint.)
A Digital Reporter brings their technology equipment to each assignment.
The Veritext Digital Reporter Program offers an introduction to the profession through practical exposure and ongoing support. This can be completed in 30-40 hours, over a 2-to-3 week period of time. During the program, applicants will receive an introduction to the US Litigation Process, the role of a Digital Reporter, and more! Upon successful completion of the program, a qualified Digital Reporter will have the opportunity to work as an independent contractor.
Digital Reporters must be Notary Publics. A Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by state government to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of acts related to the signing of important documents and attesting to a person's identity. Most state Notary Public licenses require you to pass a notary examination, complete a background check, and have US residency/US citizenship.
As a Digital Reporter, you will be assigned to a different legal proceeding each day requiring you to travel from location to location, law office to law office. One day it could be a local cruise ship, the next day a law firm. Every day is different, including the hours.
One of the core pieces of equipment for a Digital Reporter is a PC laptop. This runs the necessary software to capture proceedings as well as process audio recordings.
Though not a requirement, an interest in audio equipment would be highly beneficial to those pursuing the career of Digital Reporting, as Digital Reporters set up and monitor sound equipment to capture the official record of a proceeding.
Digital Reporters require specific equipment to capture proceedings at the highest quality possible. The cost of the equipment is usually less than $1600. If you already own a laptop, the recommended core kit is about $950.
As we all know, technology can be finicky, so a DR must be proficient with technology (or at least be willing to troubleshoot tech issues with some remote guidance) to ensure everything runs smoothly.
A strong Digital Reporter will be a stickler for details and enjoy following specific instructions and procedures.
As part of a legal proceeding, a Digital Reporter must act professionally. This includes wearing professional attire, being 100% prepared, setting up on time and exuding a calm, welcoming and friendly demeanor.
As an officiant, there are times a Digital Reporter must command the room and ensure the legal proceeding stays on track, while there are other times the reporter must be a silent partner capturing the record.
As part of the justice system, all legal reporters are "officers of the court" and, as such, must have a high standard of ethics, including but not limited to, maintaining impartiality and neutrality, safeguarding the record and respecting off-the-record statements.
Much like courtroom scenes on TV, legal proceedings can be tense, high-pressure situations and a Digital Reporter must remain a neutral, composed party throughout.
Many legal cases contain confidential information. It is imperative that a Digital Reporter maintains the highest level of prudence, discretion and objectivity when dealing with that information.
Digital Reporters are usually assigned to their proceedings the day prior, so you may not know your schedule for the next day until the evening before. You will have the flexibility to accept assignments that work with your schedule as well as set your schedule one week in advance.
Most legal proceedings are held in law firms, and those locations can vary by case. As a Digital Reporter, you may never work in the same place twice.
Legal Proceedings obviously involve lawyers. As a participant in the legal process, a Digital Reporter must be comfortable interacting with attorneys and legal professionals of all types.
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