Handling Difficult Attorneys and Recovering from Stressful Jobs as a Court Reporter

Court reporting is a profession that demands precision, patience, and resilience. It’s a challenging job on the best of days, but when you’re faced with a difficult attorney, an uncontrollable witness, and an overwhelming environment, it can feel downright impossible. If you’ve ever walked out of a deposition or courtroom feeling like you’ve been through a battle, you’re not alone.

The inspiration for this article comes from a real-life experience that many court reporters can relate to. A recent job involved extreme crosstalk, an unruly witness, and an attorney who contributed to the chaos rather than controlling it. Despite multiple admonishments and efforts to maintain order, the session spiraled into an incomprehensible mess. The court reporter in question did what was necessary—protected the record, insisted on clarity, and refused to allow the legal process to override the necessity of accurate transcription. The aftermath? Both the attorney and reporter decided they never wanted to work together again.

While frustrating, these situations come with the territory. Below, we explore strategies for managing difficult attorneys, maintaining professionalism, and recovering from high-stress jobs.

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Dealing with Difficult Attorneys

Some attorneys are wonderful to work with, while others can make a deposition feel like an uphill battle. When you encounter the latter, here’s how to navigate the situation:

1. Set the Tone Early

At the beginning of a proceeding, it helps to establish expectations. A simple statement such as, “For the clarity of the record, please ensure only one person speaks at a time,” can serve as a gentle yet firm reminder to everyone in the room.

2. Know When to Interrupt

If the crosstalk or rapid-fire questioning gets out of hand, don’t hesitate to interject. Use professional yet authoritative phrasing, such as:

• “Excuse me, I need to ensure a clear record. Could you please repeat that?”
• “One person at a time, please.”
• “I need to clarify who is speaking.”

Your job is to ensure the transcript is accurate. If the situation gets out of control, it’s within your right—and duty—to step in.

3. Keep Emotions in Check

Even when an attorney is combative, dismissive, or outright rude, it’s crucial to remain professional. Stay calm, neutral, and unwavering in your commitment to the record. If necessary, take a deep breath and remind yourself: Their attitude is not a reflection of your skills or professionalism.

4. Document Issues and Advocate for Yourself

If an attorney is consistently difficult, document your experience and report it to your agency. If you feel comfortable, communicate with the hiring firm about any serious concerns. While you can’t always control where you’re assigned, you can advocate for yourself and set boundaries.

5. Accept That Some Attorneys Won’t Appreciate You—And That’s Okay

Not every attorney will respect the work you do, but that doesn’t diminish your value. If an attorney complains about you when you were simply doing your job, don’t take it personally. As seen in the real-life example that inspired this article, sometimes mutual dislike is the best outcome—you won’t have to deal with them again!

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Recovering After a Stressful Job

After a particularly grueling deposition or trial, it’s vital to decompress. Stress can build up quickly, and without proper recovery strategies, burnout becomes a real risk. Here’s how to reset:

1. Take Time Off If Needed

If a job completely drains you, don’t hesitate to step away from the record for a day or two if possible. Use the time to rest, recharge, and regain your mental clarity. Recognizing when you need a break is a sign of professionalism, not weakness.

2. Engage in Stress-Relieving Activities

Find activities that help you unwind. Some suggestions include:

• Exercise: Go for a walk, hit the gym, or practice yoga.
• Hobbies: Engage in something you enjoy, whether it’s reading, painting, or baking.
• Socializing: Connect with friends, fellow court reporters, or supportive colleagues who understand the challenges of the job.

3. Practice Self-Care

Court reporting is a mentally demanding profession, so taking care of yourself is non-negotiable. Get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and nourish your body with healthy food. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed often, consider mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.

4. Connect with Other Court Reporters

One of the best ways to recover from a stressful experience is to talk about it with those who understand. Online forums, local meet-ups, and social media groups can provide a space for venting, advice, and camaraderie. The court reporting community is a strong one, and you’re never alone in your struggles. Facebook vents groups are aplenty: Court Reporters Vent Uncensored, court reporters vent here, court reporters who like spice in their vent, et cetera.

5. Reaffirm Your Purpose

On tough days, it’s important to remember why you chose this profession. Court reporting is an essential role in the legal system. You provide an unbiased, accurate account of proceedings, ensuring justice and fairness. Even when it feels thankless, your work matters.

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Final Thoughts

Difficult attorneys, chaotic depositions, and high-pressure situations are all part of the job, but they don’t have to break you. By setting firm boundaries, maintaining professionalism, and prioritizing self-care, you can navigate even the toughest days with confidence. And remember—if an attorney doesn’t appreciate you for doing your job correctly, that’s their problem, not yours.

If you ever find yourself struggling, take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone. We all have war stories from the field, and we all bounce back stronger.

So, to those who have had “one of those jobs”—take a deep breath, enjoy your well-earned time off, and know that you’re doing great work.

Now, go ahead—vent, commiserate, and then let it go. Tomorrow is a new day, and you’ve got this!