Court Reporter: Dot Your Ts... Wait a Minute

Introduction
Be impeccable. Law is about details, and those details have to be recorded by someone who is up to the task of being accurate and precise. It's a big responsibility transcribing legal affairs. You are the historian of current events. But be cool, you're not the one on the stand.

Whatever you are reporting about, you need to know the terms, be they business, law, or medical.

Job Function
The best part is the regular hours. I have a 40-hour work week. I do some additional work at home, editing transcripts, and working with my software to prepare for certain cases. For those of you who wonder how I transcribe, I use a stenotype machine. Pressing certain keys activates sound or word combinations. That's how one can write faster than with a conventional keyboard. I can write 230 words per minute. Some people can't even speak that quickly!

What I like best is that I work in an official capacity. I have a very specific job title and responsibilities. I am working generally with very intelligent people and I am required to create a product they can use. I also like the stories you hear in the courtroom. You have a picture into other people's lives. For the most part, the situations are not that dramatic. Real court cases are usually not as well-scripted as TV shows. But in other cases, you couldn't write stories this good.

Another great thing is that the job market is growing very quickly and there is plenty of work to be had.

The bad part? It can be a drag sitting in a chair for hours on end. As long as someone is talking (or even gesturing in most cases) you are on. Sometimes, I can't wait till everyone just shuts up and I can go get a cup of coffee and a cigarette. Lifestyle
Oops, think I answered this already.

Flexible hours and location? You can do whatever you want with this career. If you freelance, you can work whenever, and you can do some of your work from home. And you don't have to work for a court. Plenty of people go into captioning for television.

You'll succeed in this career if you are fast, detail oriented, and don't get overwhelmed under pressure.

Additional Information
This is a good career for someone who has other interests, like a family or second career. For example, I know a musical theatre actress who is getting her certification. It takes some time to gain the skills. It can take about three years to get on your feet, with all of your certification and experience.

It's also a good career for someone who wants stability. If you do good work, you'll never be without a job. And that means something nowadays.

Helpful Links and Sources
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos152.htm