Court Reporter

Job Summary:
The job of a court reporter is to note down word-by-word texts of meetings, speeches, conversations, legal proceedings etc. This work is very important as it is used as proof when written accounts of spoken words are used as legal proof. They are very important as court proceedings are taken note of and typed so as to be preserved as transcripts for future use. They should be very accurate and prepare complete legal records. They should also be well versed with court proceedings as they are sometimes employed to provide information on courtroom procedures to judges and trial lawyers.

They normally use stenotype machines to document proceedings and using computer-aided transcription, they create texts. Sometimes they use a technique known as voice writing method. Here the court reporters record everything that is said and then transcribe them into texts for use. Though their work is mainly in courtrooms, sometimes they are required to work outside courtrooms for taking depositions etc.

Qualification:
The minimum qualification required is a post-secondary degree. There are certification courses available which help a lot.

Salary Range:
Ranges from $25,000 to $75,000.

Prospects:
Court reporters would be in demand due to the need for accurate transcribing of court proceedings. With the number of legal cases expected to grow, the prospects for court reporters seems to be good.