The appeals process for court reporters is plagued by inefficiencies, unresponsiveness, and unnecessary burdens placed on responsible professionals. Instead of chasing down transcripts, each reporter should be required to upload their own work by a set deadline. A more structured, accountable system will ensure fairness, reduce delays, and maintain professionalism. It is time for change in Los Angeles County’s approach to handling appeals.
Tag Archives: deposition
The Quoted Material Conundrum
The case involved 20 plaintiffs alleging medical injuries from toxic exposure, with a defense attorney struggling through medical terms. The jury endured a monotonous stipulation reading, prompting a juror to request a break. As the court reporter, I battled error-ridden documents and rapid speech. Despite frustrations, I ensured accuracy, corrected mispronunciations, and upheld proper punctuation—proving that expertise in this demanding trial was well worth the effort.
Understanding the Use of Ellipses in Legal Transcripts and When They Are Appropriate
Ellipses are valuable tools in legal writing, allowing for concise quotations while maintaining clarity. However, their misuse can lead to misrepresentation, misleading citations, or even judicial scrutiny. Judges emphasize the importance of transparency, particularly in legal briefs and jury instructions. Attorneys should ensure ellipses do not alter meaning, adhere to ethical standards, and provide full context to uphold credibility in legal discourse and maintain judicial integrity.
Who’s to Blame for the Decline of the Steno Profession? The Boys or the Girls?
The steno profession, once vital in legal and court reporting industries, has experienced significant decline. While men in leadership roles—agency owners, lawyers, and insurance companies—played a key part in driving down rates and prioritizing profits, female stenographers also share responsibility. Their failure to unite, advocate for fair compensation, and support each other allowed external pressures to erode the profession. Gender dynamics and internal division contributed to its downfall.
Building the Bridge to the Next Generation through Mentorship in Court Reporting
Mentorship plays a vital role in court reporting, bridging the gap between experienced professionals and the next generation. By sharing knowledge, skills, and ethical standards, seasoned court reporters ensure the longevity and success of the profession. True leadership in mentorship goes beyond technical training, offering emotional support and career guidance. Through dedication, court reporters empower their mentees to grow, fostering a stronger, more resilient future for the industry.
Court Reporters Protecting America’s Legal Record
Court reporters are the frontline defenders of justice, preserving legal records through a decentralized system that prevents manipulation, cyberattacks, or mass deletions. Unlike centralized digital recordings, which are vulnerable to hacking and censorship, court reporters maintain independent, tamper-proof transcripts. Their meticulous recordkeeping ensures the integrity of America’s legal history, safeguarding it from erasure and ensuring that justice remains permanently documented and protected for future generations.
Save What You Love
Stenography is at a crossroads, facing technological disruption, educational decline, and misconceptions about its relevance. However, innovation offers hope—new technology is emerging that integrates human expertise with automatic speech recognition, ensuring unmatched accuracy. To save stenography, we must revitalize training programs, challenge outdated perceptions, and embrace advancements that empower, rather than replace, skilled professionals. The future of this vital profession depends on it.
The Ethical Dilemma of “No Payment Until Settlement” in Court Reporting
Court reporting firms must uphold neutrality, yet some offer “no payment until settlement” to clients while demanding immediate payment from opponents. This raises ethical concerns and may violate California law. The Court Reporters Board of California warns that such practices compromise impartiality and could result in regulatory action. Maintaining fair payment policies is essential to preserving trust and integrity in legal proceedings.
A Transcript Without a Certified Court Reporter’s Signature: The Legal and Ethical Implications
A certified court reporter’s signature is the backbone of a legally sound transcript. Without it, the transcript lacks credibility and admissibility in court. Recently, I encountered a deposition labeled only as “The Deposition Officer,” a red flag indicating an uncertified digital reporter. This raises serious ethical and legal concerns, as uncertified transcripts can mislead courts, compromise due process, and undermine the integrity of judicial proceedings.
The Role of the “Deposition Officer” in Court Reporting
A Deposition Officer is a digital reporter in states like California and Texas, where the title court reporter is reserved for state-certified professionals. They record legal proceedings using digital technology and are referred to as “The Officer” in transcripts. While they perform essential court reporting duties, they operate under different regulations, ensuring compliance with state laws while capturing accurate legal records for depositions and other proceedings.
Ensuring the Integrity of Transcripts in Legal Proceedings
Certified deposition transcripts are essential for legal proceedings, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and admissibility in court. Only certified court reporters meet professional standards that protect the integrity of transcripts. Noncertified transcripts risk errors, security breaches, and legal challenges. Attorneys must verify certification and custody before using transcripts in litigation. Prioritizing certified court reporters safeguards legal outcomes and prevents complications arising from uncertified or outsourced transcription services.
Upholding Integrity in Court Reporting
The court reporting profession upholds justice through accuracy and integrity. However, recent concerns about intimidation and unethical practices threaten its credibility. Allegations against Shaunise Day and “Steno in the City” highlight the need for vigilance. Though not a court reporter, Day’s involvement in the industry raises ethical questions. The profession must stand firm, rejecting intimidation and advocating for transparency to protect its essential role in the legal system.
AB 711 A Missed Opportunity for Court Reporting Reform in California
AB 711 aims to address California’s court reporter shortage by requiring attorneys to disclose whether they will provide a certified shorthand reporter for hearings. However, industry experts argue the bill is a superficial fix, ignoring more effective solutions, like CoverCrow – a tech-driven platform that streamlines reporter scheduling and distributes court reporter resources more efficiently, eliminating the double appearances. True reform requires embracing innovation, expanding education programs, and fostering mentorship to sustain the profession.
The Toxicity of Court Reporting Facebook Groups and Social Media A Growing Concern
Court reporting Facebook groups were meant for support and collaboration, yet many have become toxic environments filled with bullying and public shaming. Fear of being “outed” silences professionals who simply seek advice. Instead of fostering growth, these groups often tear members down. It is time for reporters to walk away from toxicity and reclaim spaces where professionalism, respect, and genuine support thrive.
The Importance of Professional Attire in Elevating the Perception of Court Reporters
Court reporters play a vital role in the legal system, ensuring accurate transcriptions of proceedings. To elevate the perception of our profession, dressing in professional attire is key. By wearing suits, polished shoes, and sophisticated clothing, we project authority, confidence, and credibility. This helps us align with the formality of the legal environment, differentiating ourselves from less formal professions and signaling our vital role in the judicial process.
Court Reporters Breaking Barriers in the Legal World
Court reporters are the unsung heroes of the legal world, breaking barriers much like aspiring lawyers who fight against rejection and bias. Despite systemic challenges, they turn setbacks into strengths, proving that success isn’t about background but skill and resilience. As the legal industry evolves, those who value dedication over pedigree will shape a more inclusive and dynamic future for court reporting and law alike.
The Decentralized Model and Why Entrusting Court Reporters with the Record is Superior to a Centralized System
A centralized court record system is vulnerable to floods, fires, cyberattacks, and corruption, risking catastrophic data loss. Court reporters, using eight backup methods, ensure unmatched redundancy and security. Inspired by the Mossad’s decentralized intelligence model, their independent record-keeping safeguards justice against systemic failures. By maintaining control in multiple hands, decentralization strengthens the integrity, reliability, and long-term preservation of legal records.
The Unsettling Reality of Online Data Tracking and How It Affects Court Reporters
In the digital age, our devices seem to know more about us than we realize. While many believe smartphones secretly listen to conversations, the reality is more complex. Advanced algorithms use location data, browsing history, and social connections to predict interests with eerie accuracy. Protecting privacy requires limiting app permissions, disabling location tracking, and managing social media settings to reduce unwanted data collection. Awareness is key to safeguarding personal information.
The Dangers of Relying on AI Notetakers During Depositions
AI notetakers in legal depositions and trials offer convenience, but they come with significant risks. Issues like consent, privacy breaches, data security, and potential inaccuracies can undermine confidentiality and compromise attorney-client privilege. Missteps can lead to unintended disclosures, jeopardizing sensitive information. For these reasons, hiring a certified court reporter remains the safest choice to ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance in legal proceedings, safeguarding the integrity of the record.
Court Reporters Must Go West!
Court reporters today face a growing demand for services, much like pioneers seeking new paths to the American West. By leveraging platforms like CoverCrow, which connects reporters and agencies, the profession can build efficient, collaborative “roads” to meet these demands. With centralized job boards and seamless communication, court reporters can cover work across the country, ensuring efficiency and accuracy while maintaining traditional methods of reporting.
Courting the Frontier with Court Reporters’ Courageous Charge Westward
As the United States expanded westward, the role of court reporters became crucial in establishing legal systems in newly formed territories. These pioneers faced immense challenges, from treacherous travel to adapting to unfamiliar legal procedures. Despite the obstacles, court reporters ensured the accuracy of legal records, preserving justice in a rapidly changing frontier. Their dedication laid the foundation for the modern legal profession in the American West.
The Consequences Attorneys Face for Using Digital Court Reporters in States Requiring Licensed Court Reporters
Attorneys who use digital court reporters in states requiring licensed professionals risk severe consequences. Courts may impose fines, revoke privileges, and hold attorneys accountable for noncompliance. The Morgan & Morgan case underscores the importance of verifying legal filings and ensuring compliance. Attorneys must review filings, confirm legal requirements, and avoid shortcuts that could lead to sanctions, financial penalties, and reputational damage.
A Stark Lesson in Supply and Demand: The State of Court Reporting in 2025
The court reporting industry faces an ongoing struggle between supply, demand, and efforts to replace stenographers with digital recording and transcription. While organizations like Project Steno and NCRA’s AtoZ program work to train new reporters, opportunistic agencies exploit legal loopholes to cut costs. As stenographers fight to maintain quality and fair compensation, the industry urgently needs updated data and strong advocacy to protect its future.
The Secret to Stopping Test Anxiety and Stage Fright for Court Reporters
Court reporters often face intense anxiety during tests and trials, especially under the watchful eyes of a jury. But what if you could shut off that nervous response instantly? By tapping into the same brain function that lifts your leg without conscious thought, you can command your body to stop being anxious. This simple yet powerful technique has transformed my performance, eliminating test anxiety and stage fright on demand.
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”
How the NCRA Can Increase Its Membership and Thrive Again
The NCRA can revitalize its membership by advocating for state-mandated certification, ensuring legal recognition and job security for court reporters. By lobbying for standardized state licensing, transitioning from proprietary certifications, and fostering industry partnerships, the NCRA can strengthen career stability and elevate professional standards. This bold shift would cement court reporters’ essential role in the legal system and make the organization more relevant than ever.
Scopists, Scandals, and AI: The Shrinking Space for Stenographers
The NCRA’s proposal to issue a new certification for scopists raises significant concerns within the court reporting community. Drawing from its controversial history with videographers, the NCRA’s decision could further marginalize court reporters as AI transcription tools and scopists become more prevalent. This shift may undermine the role of human reporters, reducing job security and altering the industry in ways that harm court reporters’ livelihoods.
Success in Court Reporting – The Grind, The Grit, and The Breakthrough
Success in court reporting demands perseverance, skill, and mental endurance. The journey is grueling, filled with long hours of practice, frustration, and doubt. But it’s the struggle that proves you’re on the right path. Every setback is an opportunity to grow, and breakthroughs come when you least expect them. Embrace the grind, push through the exhaustion, and remember—success is earned by those who refuse to quit. Keep going, your breakthrough is near.
The High Cost of Essential Services: What a $13,000 Ambulance Ride and Expensive Court Reporters Have in Common
A San Francisco runner was shocked by a $13,000 ambulance bill for a short hospital transfer—just one example of skyrocketing costs in essential services. Similarly, California court reporters face criticism for high fees, raising concerns about accessibility in the legal system. Both cases highlight systemic issues of transparency, regulation, and affordability, underscoring the urgent need for reform in service-based industries.
Don’t Let Courts Push You Into Trusting Your Life to a Tape Recorder
Electronic recording devices in courtrooms pose a serious risk to justice. Unlike trained court reporters, these systems fail to capture accurate, verbatim records, often resulting in missing or unintelligible testimony. Equipment failures, poor acoustics, and language barriers further compromise reliability. Instead of replacing human reporters, lawmakers should expand recruitment, implement remote reporting, and support voice writers to ensure fairness in legal proceedings. Justice depends on accuracy.
The Dangers of Judges Using AI on the Bench
AI in the courtroom poses significant risks, including misinterpretation, bias, and lack of transparency. A real case highlighted how AI mistranslated a witness’s statement, nearly leading to a judicial error. Judges relying too heavily on AI may undermine fairness and accuracy in legal proceedings. To ensure justice, AI should remain an assistive tool, with human oversight and strict ethical guidelines governing its use.
Why AI in Microsoft Teams Meetings Could Be Bad News for Court Reporters
AI-driven transcription in Microsoft Teams is reshaping court reporting, posing potential threats to the profession. While AI enhances efficiency with real-time transcription, it struggles with accuracy, legal jargon, and contextual nuances. Court reporters offer human expertise in capturing complex speech and ensuring legal records’ integrity. As AI advances, the industry must balance innovation with human oversight to maintain accuracy, accountability, and job security in legal proceedings.
AI and Digital Technology in Court Reporting: Not the Revolution It Was Thought to Be
AI was expected to revolutionize court reporting, promising efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings. However, its real-world application has fallen short. AI struggles with legal terminology, misinterpretation, and lacks adaptability to courtroom nuances. Concerns over accuracy, trust, and job security persist among professionals. Rather than replacing stenographers, AI’s future lies in assisting them, ensuring legal records maintain the precision and reliability that human expertise provides.
The California Supreme Court to Hear Family Violence Appellate Project v. Superior Courts: A Pivotal Moment for Court Reporting
Last Wednesday, the California Supreme Court made a significant decision to hear the case of Family Violence Appellate Project v. Superior Courts, a case that carries substantial implications for the future of court reporting in the state. This lawsuit alleges that several county superior courts—including those in Contra Costa, Los Angeles, San Diego, and SantaContinue reading “The California Supreme Court to Hear Family Violence Appellate Project v. Superior Courts: A Pivotal Moment for Court Reporting”
The Case Against Electronic Recording: Protecting the Integrity of the Judicial Record
The reliance on electronic recording threatens the accuracy and integrity of court records, undermining the role of certified court reporters. Unlike live reporters, digital recordings can suffer from technical failures, inaudible speech, and misinterpretations, jeopardizing appellate review. The push for electronic recording prioritizes cost-cutting over justice, ignoring the critical need for precise, verbatim transcripts in high-stakes cases such as family law and probate disputes.
The Best Teacher? Your Mistakes.
Mistakes are powerful teachers in court reporting. They highlight weaknesses, build resilience, and improve muscle memory. Instead of fearing errors, students should embrace them as learning opportunities. Keeping a mistake log, seeking feedback, and prioritizing accuracy over speed can accelerate growth. Even seasoned professionals make mistakes, but handling them with professionalism, continuous learning, and technology ensures progress. Every misstep is a stepping stone to mastery.
The War Against Women in the Courts: How Judges Are Targeting Female Court Reporters
Court reporters, a profession dominated by women, are under attack as judges push to replace them with flawed electronic recording systems. This shift isn’t about efficiency—it’s about economic resentment and control. Court reporters provide accuracy and real-time transcription that machines cannot match. Eliminating them not only jeopardizes justice but also threatens the financial independence of thousands of women in the workforce.
Ethical Concerns in Stenography: Examining the Use of Volunteers
Recent discussions in the stenography community have raised ethical concerns about the use of volunteers at industry events. A whistleblower alleged that a prominent event may have used unpaid labor in a way that some view as problematic. The debate has sparked differing opinions, emphasizing the need for transparency, clear labor guidelines, and constructive dialogue on ethical standards within the profession.
The Silent Struggle of Court Reporters: How to Conquer Burnout and Reclaim Your Passion
Burnout is a real struggle for court reporters, but it doesn’t have to define your career. By recognizing the signs, setting boundaries, reigniting your passion, and prioritizing self-care, you can reclaim control over your work and well-being. You don’t have to quit your job to find balance—small changes can help you thrive while maintaining your health, energy, and love for the work you do.
The Court Reporter vs. The Attorney: A Case of Misplaced Offense
Being called a court reporter is not an insult—it’s an upgrade. Court reporters are among the most skilled professionals in the legal system, transcribing proceedings in real-time with unmatched precision. Judges often call them the most important person in the room, as without their record, cases would crumble. Attorneys should respect, not diminish, the role of the court reporter.
Has Digital Reporting Crossed the Rubicon in Court Reporting?
Digital reporting is reshaping the court reporting industry, moving from early adoption into the mainstream. AI-driven transcription tools, cost efficiency, and a stenographer shortage drive its growth. However, legal challenges and potential legislative bans pose barriers. As firms adopt hybrid models, traditional stenographers must adapt. The shift is inevitable—where will the industry stand as digital reporting continues its rise?
Unlock Your Full Potential with Strategic Rest: A Guide for Steno Students
Mastering stenography is a marathon, not a sprint. The best stenographers don’t just work hard; they rest smart. Strategic rest isn’t a weakness—it’s a competitive advantage. By integrating mental, physical, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and spiritual rest into your routine, you can boost focus, stamina, and success. Which type of rest do you need today? Small changes can make a big impact.
Success Without Sacrifice – How to Avoid Burnout Without Stepping Back From Your Career
Success as a court reporter doesn’t have to come at the cost of your well-being. By setting boundaries, managing time effectively, leveraging technology, and prioritizing self-care, you can maintain a thriving career without burnout. Redefine success, embrace flexibility, and let go of perfectionism. Sustainable success is about working smarter, not harder—proving that you can excel professionally without sacrificing your health and happiness.
Parallels Between Unauthorized Legal Practice and Digital Court Recording
The unauthorized practice of law (UPL) and digital court recording share common concerns regarding regulation, ethical standards, and their impact on the justice system. Both require certification to ensure accuracy and confidentiality, and violations can disrupt legal proceedings. Unqualified legal advice or inaccurate court transcripts can lead to wrongful outcomes, highlighting the need for regulatory oversight to maintain integrity. Technology’s role in both areas requires careful navigation to avoid legal risks and uphold public trust.
Is the Court Reporting Shortage Real or Manufactured
Court reporters continue to debate whether the industry is facing a real shortage or a retention crisis. Experts argue that the so-called shortage is a manufactured issue, fueled by outdated studies and profit-driven motives favoring digital alternatives. Low wages, lack of mentorship, and rising production costs contribute to retention struggles. Without proactive solutions like better pay and training programs, the profession risks decline, impacting the legal system’s accuracy and efficiency.
The Hidden Truth About Unpaid Transcript Copy Orders in the Legal Industry
Unpaid transcript copy orders are a hidden issue in the court reporting industry, often resulting in lost income for reporters. Some agencies may fail to disburse payments, either through oversight or lack of transparency. By tracking orders, following up on payments, and advocating for industry accountability, court reporters can protect themselves. Awareness and vigilance are crucial to ensuring fair compensation for their hard work.
Stenograph’s Price Hike Raises Antitrust Concerns
A recent consumer post highlights a significant increase in Stenograph’s software license transfer fees, jumping from $1,400 to $3,400. This price hike raises concerns about anti-competitive practices, potentially restricting competition and harming retiring professionals who rely on selling their software. The situation mirrors historical antitrust cases, prompting questions about whether Stenograph’s actions could violate antitrust laws, potentially leading to legal challenges and investigations into monopolistic behavior.
The Hidden Costs of Replacing Human Court Reporters with Digital Alternatives
Agencies charge attorneys the same fees for both digital court reporters and traditional stenographers, so there are no upfront savings when choosing digital alternatives. Despite the initial cost being the same, certified shorthand reporters ultimately save law firms money by ensuring accurate, reliable transcripts. They help avoid costly mistakes, delays, and legal challenges, offering more value and protecting a firm’s reputation compared to digital reporting methods.
Rethinking the “Digital Court Reporting Revolution”
The legal documentation landscape is rapidly transforming as Court Reporting Agencies (CRAs) integrate digital solutions and AI to meet growing demands for accuracy and accessibility. By embracing AI-powered transcription, human-AI collaboration, and automated workflows, CRAs can enhance efficiency, expand service capacity, and maintain high standards of legal accuracy. This shift towards hybrid models and advanced security standards will reshape the future of court reporting in 2025 and beyond.
Seeing Stress and Surviving Vicarious Trauma for Court Reporters
Court reporters frequently encounter distressing content, leading to stress and vicarious trauma. Repeated exposure to emotional testimonies and high-pressure environments can impact mental well-being. Recognizing signs like fatigue, anxiety, and emotional numbness is crucial. Self-care strategies, including mindfulness, exercise, and professional support, help mitigate effects. This seminar equips court reporters with tools to maintain resilience while fulfilling their essential role in the legal system.
STENOIMPERIUM 