Some days I can’t believe I am so lucky to be a court reporter. If it weren’t for Ms. Garcia so many years ago while I was in high school letting me know I had a talent (typing fast), I wouldn’t get to experience the joy I feel now as a 60-year-old.
I get inspired working with smart lawyers, experts, and great legal staff. I am very proud of my team of reporters and staff and what we have created.
People often write me asking if they should become a court reporter. My answer is if you are very disciplined, have a natural talent for typing or shorthand, and love hearing about different subjects every day, you should go to court reporting school. Great court reporters will be a valuable commodity for the next two decades and beyond.
What are the challenges of being a great reporter? You have to sit a tremendous amount. You have to be under the constant stress of being perfect. You have to work long hours sometimes unexpectedly because a witness has a late-night flight to catch. You might have expedites that ruin your weekend plans. With organization (getting a great scopist) and clean writing skills, you can mitigate the challenges.
I highly recommend court reporting as a career. The only thing is, you have to be great.
