About the position
Court reporters play a crucial role in the judicial system by ensuring that a verbatim official record of all courtroom proceedings is accurately recorded and compiled. This position requires the use of machine shorthand to capture spoken words during trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings. Court reporters are also responsible for providing read-backs of previously spoken testimony upon request, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the legal process. In addition to recording, court reporters must conduct thorough research on medical, legal, and technical terminology, as well as case citations, to ensure accuracy in their transcripts. The ideal candidate will be proficient in developing and modifying custom software dictionaries to enhance their transcription capabilities. They will utilize computer-aided transcription equipment to prepare transcripts that adhere to prescribed formats and deadlines, ensuring that all documentation is completed in a timely manner. Furthermore, court reporters are tasked with certifying final transcripts, which requires a keen attention to detail and a strong understanding of legal documentation standards. In this role, the court reporter must possess a comprehensive knowledge of laws, regulations, and practices related to court reporting and transcription. Familiarity with legal terminology, court operations, and courtroom procedures is essential. The ability to operate and maintain reporting and computer equipment is also critical, as is the capacity to work effectively in the presence of a courtroom audience. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong editing skills to ensure documents are free from inconsistencies in spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and will be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, peers, and the general public.
Responsibilities
- Record and compile a verbatim official record of all courtroom proceedings in machine shorthand.
- Provide read back of previously spoken testimony as requested.
- Research medical, legal, and technical terminology and case citations.
- Develop and modify custom software dictionaries.
- Utilize computer-aided transcription equipment to prepare transcripts in accordance with prescribed formats and deadlines.
- Certify final transcripts.
Requirements
- Knowledge of laws, regulations, and practices relating to court reporting and transcription.
- Familiarity with legal terminology, court operations, and courtroom procedures.
- Understanding of courtroom etiquette and conventions.
- Proficiency in court reporting computer software.
- Strong command of English grammar, spelling, filing, and arithmetic.
- Knowledge of modern office methods, procedures, terms, and equipment.
- Ability to simultaneously listen to and make a verbatim record of court proceedings.
- Attention to conversational detail.
- Capability to operate and maintain reporting and/or computer equipment.
- Ability to work in the presence of a court audience.
- Skill in applying technical procedures involving codes, specialized vocabulary, legal forms, and organization of data.
- Editing documents for inconsistencies in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, peers, and the general public.
