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.
Tag Archives: FreelanceReporter
Going Direct – The Court Reporter’s Complete Guide to Producing Transcripts Without an Agency
As more reporters work directly with attorneys, they must now replicate the full agency production workflow themselves. This guide explains how to create searchable PDFs, ASCII files, condensed transcripts, concordances, and PTX files; scan and label exhibits; manage read-and-sign obligations; invoice professionally; and archive transcripts securely. With clear processes, independent reporters can deliver courtroom-ready transcript packages while maintaining complete control of their work.
Your Journey. Your Way. Flawlessly.
Court reporting is no longer confined to a single path or setting. Today’s reporter chooses where, how, and when they work—courtroom, deposition, captioning, remote, or across borders. The skill remains constant: the ability to capture testimony with precision and integrity. The journey, however, now belongs to the reporter. Your profession. Your autonomy. Your record. Your Journey. Your Way. Flawlessly.
Avoid the April Surprise – Smart Tax Planning for Court Reporters
Court reporters can reduce taxes and keep more of what they earn with smart retirement planning. Both Solo 401(k) and Corporate 401(k) plans allow high annual contributions, but incorporating as an S-Corp lets you take part of your earnings as distributions—not subject to self-employment tax. By setting a strategic W-2 salary and using employer profit-sharing contributions, reporters can lower tax burden and build long-term financial security.
When Depositions Had Coffee Breaks – A Court Reporter’s Call to Action
There was a time when depositions had structure, civility, and coffee breaks. Now, reporters face 300-page days with no breaks, no boundaries, and inhuman turnaround times. We didn’t lose this all at once—it slipped away because no one said “no.” It’s time to draw the line. For our health, our quality, and the future of court reporting. We either reclaim our power—or watch it disappear for good.
STENOIMPERIUM 