When Illinois quietly launched its tuition-free Officialship Training Program in January 2024, it did not issue press releases declaring victory over a court-reporter shortage. It did not celebrate disruption or promise that technology would “solve” the problem. Instead, it did something far more practical—and far more telling. It invested directly in people. Illinois’ courts createdContinue reading “California Missed the Moment: What Illinois’ Officialship Training Program Reveals About a Lost Opportunity”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
A Kentucky Hearing Shows Why Digital Recording Is Not — and Never Will Be — an Acceptable Official Record
A Kentucky administrative hearing again exposed the fatal flaw of digital recording: when the agency’s “official” audio failed, a certified court reporter was the only reason the record survived. Due process cannot depend on glitchy technology or missing audio files. This case proves, yet again, that the stenographic reporter—not a digital recorder—is the only acceptable guardian of the legal record.
Why Most Court Reporters Don’t Quit — And Why That Matters
An AI summary claims court reporters quit because the job is unbearable. The reality is the opposite. Most reporters stay for decades—often an entire working lifetime—because the profession rewards mastery, autonomy, and adaptability. Court reporting is demanding, yes, but for those built for it, it becomes a superpower, not a burnout sentence.
An Off-the-Record Recording Takes Center Stage in Judge Hannah Dugan’s Federal Trial
When jury selection begins next week in the federal obstruction case against Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, the proceedings will unfold under the shadow of a piece of evidence rarely seen in an American courtroom: an off-the-record audio recording captured inside her courtroom during a criminal calendar session. The recording—sealed from public releaseContinue reading “An Off-the-Record Recording Takes Center Stage in Judge Hannah Dugan’s Federal Trial”
THE TRUTH ABOUT FLYING MONKEYS
The Best Court Reporter Chair I’ve Ever Owned – the Herman Miller Embody
I have worked in the court reporting profession since 2003. Over the course of my career, I have reported trials, depositions, hearings, arbitrations, and proceedings in both traditional courtrooms and modern remote platforms. Court reporting is a profession that demands sustained focus, precise motor control, and physical stillness for long periods of time. The ergonomicsContinue reading “The Best Court Reporter Chair I’ve Ever Owned – the Herman Miller Embody”
Who Really Has the Authority to Swear in Witnesses? The Notary vs. Court Reporter Divide
Who really has the authority to swear in witnesses—court reporters or notaries? It’s not a technicality. The power to administer an oath is what gives testimony its binding force. Court reporters, as officers of the court, carry statutory authority. Notaries don’t. Digital reporters straddle the line, often skipping safeguards entirely. The result? A dangerous fault line threatening the integrity of legal proceedings.
Saving Steno – A Strategic Roadmap to Protect the Profession
Court reporters are not “typists” — we are guardians of the record. If it isn’t verbatim, it isn’t the record. Transcripts created after-the-fact are out-of-court hearsay. Our value lies in accuracy, accountability, and professionalism — from the transcripts we produce to how we present ourselves in court. Excellence in every detail is our strongest defense against replacement.
Outsider Companies Are Knocking – Why Court Reporters Must Push Back and Protect the Profession
Over the past year, a growing number of emails, social media posts, and marketing campaigns have landed in court reporters’ inboxes. The message is always the same: “Join us. Work with us. We’re the future of legal reporting.” Recently, one such email from a company called Prevail Legal circulated among reporters. Their pitch sounded familiar:Continue reading “Outsider Companies Are Knocking – Why Court Reporters Must Push Back and Protect the Profession”
The Irreplaceable Human Court Reporter – Why AI Will Never Capture the Record
A courtroom is not a lab. It is not a tech demo or a theoretical exercise in “innovation.” It is a crucible where freedom, reputation, livelihood, and even personal safety are decided every day. The people who work there know this truth in their bones: the record matters. And when it comes to creating thatContinue reading “The Irreplaceable Human Court Reporter – Why AI Will Never Capture the Record”
The Otter Lawsuit – AI, Privacy, and the Fight Over Consent
A groundbreaking lawsuit has been filed against Otter.ai, a company known for its AI-powered meeting transcription and recording services. At the center of the complaint is a fundamental question: Can AI companies record, transcribe, and train on private conversations without the explicit consent of all participants? The lawsuit, which touches multiple federal and state privacyContinue reading “The Otter Lawsuit – AI, Privacy, and the Fight Over Consent”
A Dangerous Shift in California – Why Changes to CSR Exam Requirements Could Gut the Stenographic Pipeline
A qualified student, ready to take California’s rigorous CSR exam after five years of training, was blocked by her school for not passing an internal 225 test—not a state requirement. Other schools refused to sponsor her out of fear of retaliation. Meanwhile, voice writers face fewer barriers. This isn’t about standards—it’s gatekeeping. Politics and policy shifts are sabotaging the steno pipeline from within.
Are Paralegals Being Automated Out of the Legal Workforce? A Critical Look at Lexitas’ New AI Tool
Lexitas’ new AI tool, Deposition Insights+, claims to streamline litigation prep—but at what cost? By automating key tasks traditionally handled by paralegals and junior attorneys, this technology risks replacing human insight with algorithmic shortcuts. Legal professionals must ask: Are we empowering teams, or eroding jobs and skills? Efficiency shouldn’t come at the expense of accuracy—or accountability. The legal industry must tread carefully.
An Urgent Call for Federal Action – Protecting the Legal Record in the Age of ASR
To the NCRA Board of Directors and Executive Leadership: As our profession stands at a technological crossroads, we are faced with a choice: lead the conversation on responsible innovation—or watch from the sidelines as automation reshapes our industry without us. This letter is a call to action, urging the National Court Reporters Association to takeContinue reading “An Urgent Call for Federal Action – Protecting the Legal Record in the Age of ASR”
Protected: CA Legislative Proposal – Court Reporter Certification and Automated Transcription Integrity Act
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
The Future of Court Reporting & Why the Fight Is Now—And Why You Should Step Into Your Place & Join
A student recently asked me: “What are the chances of AI putting court reporters out of work in the next five to ten years?” The honest answer? It’s a tricky question. Because we’re not looking at a slow fade—we’re standing at a tipping point. The next one to three years will determine everything. There’s seriousContinue reading “The Future of Court Reporting & Why the Fight Is Now—And Why You Should Step Into Your Place & Join”
A Day Without a Court Reporter 🚨
Imagine waking up tomorrow and no steno court reporters exist—not a single shorthand operator, no schools, no mentor networks, no equipment, no institutional backbone. What follows isn’t a tech-forward utopia, but a digital heist that collapses under its own weight. 1. The Disappearance of the Ecosystem Once all that’s gone, you can’t rebuild overnight. UnlikeContinue reading “A Day Without a Court Reporter 🚨”
AB 711 – A Well-Intended Bill That Undermines the Realities of Court Reporting
California’s AB 711 aims to improve access to the record in civil courtrooms by requiring attorneys to declare whether they’ll provide a court reporter. While well-intended, the bill misunderstands the realities of freelance scheduling, creates administrative burdens, and risks normalizing reporter-free hearings. Without addressing core issues like real-time coverage gaps and recruitment challenges, the legislation may do more harm than good for working reporters and agencies.
EXPOSÉ: The California Court Reporters Board’s Data Discrepancies and the Push Toward Digital Recording
Introduction In recent years, California has faced a well-documented shortage of certified shorthand reporters (CSRs), the professionals responsible for preserving verbatim transcripts of courtroom proceedings. This shortage has prompted a flurry of legislative activity, public concern, and institutional strategy-shifting within the judiciary. However, beneath the surface of these systemic discussions lies an alarming and potentiallyContinue reading “EXPOSÉ: The California Court Reporters Board’s Data Discrepancies and the Push Toward Digital Recording”
When “Bad Faith” Smells Like Strategy – The Quiet Shift in California’s Homeowners Insurance Market
In recent months, a disturbing trend has begun to surface in California’s already fragile homeowners insurance landscape. While much of the media coverage has focused on major insurers exiting the state or pausing new policies altogether, there’s a more subtle — and arguably more troubling — phenomenon at play: insurance companies that continue to operateContinue reading “When “Bad Faith” Smells Like Strategy – The Quiet Shift in California’s Homeowners Insurance Market”
Fail to Adapt to Disruption and Pay the Price – Court Reporters Heed the Warning
Court reporting isn’t antiquated—it’s one of the most technologically advanced professions in the legal world. As we pass the tipping point of digital disruption, our challenge isn’t resisting change but leading it. Certified reporters, using sophisticated tools like ASR-integrated CAT software, must set the standard. The future depends on preserving integrity, enforcing certification, and maintaining responsible charge in every courtroom transcript.
When the Bird Fell
On a strange, smoky night, with a brush fire burning in the distance and laughter rising from a pool, a woman is called to save a wounded bird fallen from its nest. As helicopters circle overhead and children play unaware, she cradles the fragile creature through its final moments. The story explores loss, innocence, and the quiet grace found in bearing witness to life slipping away.
Quirky Quaverly Causes Commotion
Quaverly Rothenberg, a City Councilor from Northampton, Massachusetts, has long positioned herself as a progressive voice in local government—but outside of City Hall, she’s made a name for herself in an entirely different and controversial domain: the court reporting world. Recently, Rothenberg didn’t make headlines—but she did raise suspicions—not for her political activity, but forContinue reading “Quirky Quaverly Causes Commotion”
Court Reporter Payment Delays – What California Law Says and How to Respond When Agencies Stall
In the world of freelance court reporting, payment disputes are an all-too-common headache. One of the most frustrating scenarios is when a court reporting agency delays payment to the reporter because they themselves haven’t been paid by the attorney or law firm requesting the transcript. For years, this practice left reporters in financial limbo, despiteContinue reading “Court Reporter Payment Delays – What California Law Says and How to Respond When Agencies Stall”
Antitrust Concerns in Court Reporting and Navigating the Legal Landscape
Introduction Antitrust laws exist to ensure fair competition in the marketplace. While court reporting may not seem like a typical industry subject to antitrust scrutiny, it is not exempt from these legal principles. Recent discussions within professional associations, such as the Texas Court Reporters Association (TEXDRA), highlight the importance of understanding what court reporters, includingContinue reading “Antitrust Concerns in Court Reporting and Navigating the Legal Landscape”
Steno Still Stands Strong
Verbatim court reporting relies on three methods: steno machine, steno mask, and AI/ASR. Only steno machine and mask writers are certified and legally accepted in over half the states. The steno machine remains the gold standard, offering unmatched accuracy and instant readback. AI/ASR, while emerging, lacks certification, reliability, and accountability—posing serious risks in legal settings where precision is non-negotiable. Certification must be required for all reporting methods.
SITC/Day Violates Louisiana Solicitation and Volunteer Laws, Again
Steno in the City is once again facing legal scrutiny for violating Louisiana’s solicitation and volunteer laws. Marketed as a professional development event, this for-profit venture misleads sponsors, vendors, and volunteers while improperly soliciting funds. By exploiting unpaid labor and misrepresenting financial contributions, Steno in the City risks legal consequences. Transparency, compliance, and ethical responsibility are essential to ensuring accountability in the court reporting industry.
Corrupt Courts and Vanishing Voices: The Peril of Power Without Proof
The saying “Absolute power corrupts absolutely” is a widely recognized adage that reflects a fundamental truth about human nature and governance. This phrase, often attributed to Lord Acton, encapsulates the observation that when individuals or institutions gain unchecked power, they are prone to corruption. However, the concept predates Acton’s famous quote and has been expressedContinue reading “Corrupt Courts and Vanishing Voices: The Peril of Power Without Proof”
Setting the Record Straight
A lot of bloggers have a “lone wolf” mindset, but I’ve never been one of them. Over all of my years of blogging and consuming blogs, one of the top things I have always confidently said is that bloggers need other bloggers. I have said it before, and I’ll say it again and again… Bloggers needContinue reading “Setting the Record Straight”
Court Reporters are Killing Each Other
Did you know that if you put 100 black ants and 100 red ants in a jar, nothing will happen? But if you shake the jar hard, the ants start killing each other. The red ants consider the black ants their enemies, and the black ants consider the red ants their enemies. The true enemyContinue reading “Court Reporters are Killing Each Other”
Unauthorized Use of Stenographers’ Transcripts Raises Concerns
Major Company Attempts to Benefit from Stenographers’ Work Without Authorization. Perhaps court reporters, united in their cause, will join forces to pursue legal action against the company that is infringing upon their rights.
Want To Crush Your Self-Doubt? Learn The Habits Of Confident Professionals
Confidence is a skill—one that you can learn, develop, and master. But here’s the catch: like any skill, confidence requires practice.
New York Courts Exploitation of Court Reporter Transcripts: Historic and Unacceptable
I just learned that the New York courts plan to publish daily transcripts of the Trump trial. This is a blatant and egregious exploitation of the court reporter’s transcript! New York court’s are using an official court reporter to capture the live verbatim testimony in that trial. Official court reporters across the country are employedContinue reading “New York Courts Exploitation of Court Reporter Transcripts: Historic and Unacceptable”
Voice Writers are Stenographers Too!
I received a great question in a comment earlier this morning and I’ve been thinking about it a lot as I went about my busy day. I wanted to give it its own post and then expand on it as well. Kim,Thank you for your GREAT question! And congratulations and welcome to the wonderful courtContinue reading “Voice Writers are Stenographers Too!”
The Rise of Imposters in the Stenography Industry: Button Pushers or Court Reporters?
In the age of technological advancement, traditional professions have undergone significant transformations, and the field of stenography is no exception. However, alongside legitimate advancements, a concerning trend has emerged – the infiltration of imposters masquerading as court reporters. These individuals, armed with fake steno machines and minimal skills, undermine the integrity of the profession, posingContinue reading “The Rise of Imposters in the Stenography Industry: Button Pushers or Court Reporters?”
Robots Are Learning From Stenographers’ Transcripts
In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, advancements are continually pushing the boundaries of what was once thought possible. One such groundbreaking development is the integration of stenographer transcripts into the training data of robots. Traditionally associated with courtrooms and legal proceedings, stenographers are now playing a pivotal role in teachingContinue reading “Robots Are Learning From Stenographers’ Transcripts”
Managing Skills Obsolescence in Steno
Optimism and Realism in Harmony In thinking about optimism, we encounter a compelling crossroad: the intersection of optimism and realism in court reporting. It’s here, at this juncture, that we often find ourselves wrestling with the question: Can we be both optimistic and realistic about our future, or are these perspectives at odds with one another? Some wouldContinue reading “Managing Skills Obsolescence in Steno”
News Flash: When stenos disappear, we’re taking you all with us!
The shortage of stenographers forbodes a tsunami of destruction of justice and democracy and freedom in America. Without a record, there can be no meaningful appellate review, nor oversight of the judiciary, especially when the judiciary is the keeper of the record.
Title Protection: The Court Reporters Board Comes Down on Violator: US Legal
Existing law establishes the Court Reporters Board of California to license and regulate shorthand reporters. Existing law establishes that a person who holds a valid certificate as a shorthand reporter shall be known as a “certified shorthand reporter,” and prohibits any other person, except as specified, from using that title or any words or symbols thatContinue reading “Title Protection: The Court Reporters Board Comes Down on Violator: US Legal”
A Surging “Scully Effect” is Cooking Up Steno Careers
Aside from the period falling outside of the quotes, the missing comma pair, and the missing Oxford comma, which I’ll forgive, this post today touches on something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. We need a TV show or movie that would draw thousands to the profession of shorthand reporting. There have beenContinue reading “A Surging “Scully Effect” is Cooking Up Steno Careers”
The Digital Decision has been made – no going back!
The big box firms like Veritext and our industry vendors who provide us with CAT software and steno machines are absolutely NOT going to abandon their Digital Recorder plan. But they NEED us. They need us more than we need them. I thought they needed us because there are laws in 25 states that prohibitContinue reading “The Digital Decision has been made – no going back!”
Managing Our New Robot Overlords
Adopting AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies in the court reporting industry is one of the most complex issues of our generation, despite the great promise that AI holds for CAT (computer-aided transcription) software vendors looking to create a better and faster experience for its customers and higher translation rates for the ultimate end users of aContinue reading “Managing Our New Robot Overlords”
Who or What is StenoImperium?
We exist to facilitate the fortifying of the Stenography profession and ensure its survival for the next hundred years! As court reporters, we’ve handed the relationship role with our customers, or attorneys, over to the agencies and their sales reps. This has done a lot of damage to our industry. It has taken away ourContinue reading “Who or What is StenoImperium?”
STENOIMPERIUM 