Is Digital Reporting the Right Job for You?

1. What is your job style?

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.

2. As an independent contractor, would you be available to work at least 16-20 hours per week, during regular business hours, and in 4-hour increments? (We know it sounds like a word problem.)

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.

3. Do you have an interest in the legal field?

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.

Okay, so we know these aren’t the most inspiring questions, but we have to ask some of the basics:

4. Have you earned a high school diploma or GED?

5. Are you able to lift or move 20 pounds?

(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.

6. Are you willing to invest 30-40 hours of time in developing professional, in-demand Digital Reporting skills?

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.

7. Do you speak, read and write English fluently?

8. Are you willing to become a "Notary Public" in order to be a Digital Reporter?

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.

9. Do you have reliable transportation to get from location to location, and do you enjoy the adventure of being somewhere new each day?

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.

10. Do you have a PC laptop?

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.

11. Are you talented at working with audio equipment such as microphones and multitrack recording?

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.

12. Are you willing to invest in additional equipment for your career?

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.

13. Are you proficient with technology?

 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.

14. Can you handle strict procedure, protocol, and form, the kind that you might see in a courthouse dialogue (or in Haiku poetry)?

A strong Digital Reporter will be a stickler for details and enjoy following specific instructions and procedures.

15. Are you a fast and accurate typist?

16. Are you professional, punctual and presentable?

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.

17. Do you have the confidence to moderate a legal proceeding and swear in a witness, yet also enjoy listening for long periods of time?

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.

18. How ethical are you?

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.

19. Do you have the ability to act and react with composure under pressure?

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.

20. Do you have a strong sense of discretion?

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.

21. Do you prefer an on-call work schedule where job assignments are provided to you the evening before, but you make the final decision on accepting the jobs you desire?

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.

22. Do you like the idea of working in a different location each day?

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.

23. Does working with lawyers interest you?

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.