Canada’s only accredited court reporting program is on the verge of collapse—and with it, the integrity of legal records, live captioning, and accessibility services. Called a “national crisis” by the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, NAIT’s decision jeopardizes justice and inclusion. Court reporters aren’t typists—they are the final authority on the record. This profession is vital, and it must be protected.
Tag Archives: news
California Court Reporters Board Strips School Names from CSR Results — A Troubling Move for the Industry
The California Court Reporters Board has removed school names from CSR exam results, sparking concern among the state’s few remaining court-reporting programs. This change, made without notice, strips schools of public recognition crucial for accreditation, recruitment, and credibility. At a time when the profession faces a severe shortage, the move threatens to further weaken the already fragile pipeline of trained court reporters in California.
One Man, Many Hats – Is It Time to Talk About Dave Wenhold’s Role Across Court Reporting Associations?
Dave Wenhold, Executive Director of both NCRA and ILCRA, wields uncommon influence across court reporting associations—raising serious questions about transparency and fairness. With overlapping leadership roles in multiple organizations, critics warn of blurred priorities, potential conflicts of interest, and limited oversight. As membership declines and industry threats grow, many are asking: is this governance structure truly serving the profession—or concentrating too much power in one place?
Who Benefits? The Unanswered Questions About the Money Behind ILCRA’s Partnership with SITC
ILCRA’s decision to redirect event registration and payments to the for-profit Steno in the City raises serious ethical and legal concerns. By allowing a private LLC to collect member data, funds, and volunteer labor, ILCRA risks violating nonprofit standards and labor laws. This unprecedented move compromises member trust, blurs organizational accountability, and demands immediate transparency about where the money goes—and who truly benefits.
A Storm Behind the Skyline: Why Is ILCRA Partnering with Steno in the City?
As the Illinois Court Reporters Association (ILCRA) prepares for its much-anticipated Summer Kickoff Cocktail Party on June 20, 2025, many in the court reporting community are raising serious questions—not about the event itself, but about its co-host: Shaunise Day and her brand, Steno in the City. At first glance, the collaboration may seem like aContinue reading “A Storm Behind the Skyline: Why Is ILCRA Partnering with Steno in the City?”
The California Court Reporting Crisis and How the System Undermines Its Own Professionals
California court reporters are being edged out as agencies prioritize out-of-state labor for remote jobs—often at the expense of legal compliance. Despite clear transcript standards, violations go unchecked due to the CRB’s lack of enforcement authority. Without reforms to licensing, job assignment transparency, and regulatory power, California’s reporting professionals face burnout, underemployment, and a system that no longer supports the high standards it claims to uphold.
California Court Reporters Are Being Squeezed Out – So How Do We Fix This?
California CSRs are being pushed into unsustainable in-person work while remote jobs go to out-of-state reporters—many unfamiliar with California’s strict formatting laws. As noncompliant transcripts flood the system and local professionals are quietly sidelined, the state’s regulatory board remains largely inactive. Without stronger enforcement, equitable job distribution, and industry-wide reform, the profession risks losing both its standards and its future in California.
Why Are Court Reporting Agencies Now on the Record? A Look at the New L.A. Superior Court Form and the Responsible Charge
The revised Order Appointing Court Approved Reporter As Official Reporter Pro Tempore form at Los Angeles Superior Court now requests agency information—raising concerns among court reporters. Agencies handle billing and marketing, but they are not responsible for the official court record. Accountability must remain with the licensed reporter. If accessibility is the issue, update reporter contact details, not the form, to avoid misplacing legal responsibility.
The Peril of Courts Owning the Record – Why the Move Away from Stenographic Reporters Is a Dangerous Step Toward Tyranny
The move to electronic court recording shifts control of the legal record into the hands of the very courts it’s meant to hold accountable—a dangerous conflict of interest. Without independent stenographic court reporters safeguarding the record, transparency erodes, accountability vanishes, and justice itself is jeopardized. When the court owns the record, it controls the narrative—and unchecked power over the truth is the foundation of tyranny.
Fixing Court Reporting Compensation – Why the FairSplit Proposal Deserves a Second Look
The FairSplit proposal aims to restore fairness and transparency to court reporting by introducing a revenue-sharing model between agencies and reporters. Instead of fixed rates, it advocates for equitable percentage splits of all billables, including per diems. This empowers independent reporters, promotes ethical agency practices, and offers a sustainable alternative to the venture-capital-driven status quo prioritizing profit over professionalism. It’s time to reclaim control of our profession.
California’s AB 882 – A Temporary Solution or a Trojan Horse?
California’s AB 882 aims to address the court reporter shortage by temporarily allowing electronic recordings, but its vague language on “good-faith” hiring efforts leaves room for abuse. Without clear standards, the bill risks becoming a Trojan horse for permanent electronic recording. Real solutions require accountability, innovation, and long-term investment—not a short-term fix that could undermine human court reporting forever.
Fixing the Broken Court Reporting Compensation Model: A FairSplit™ Proposal
Court reporters are vital to the legal system but are often underpaid and overworked. The FairSplit™ model aims to fix that with a fairer compensation structure—70/30 revenue splits, transcript ownership rights, and 100% per diem pay. It’s a blueprint for restoring dignity, transparency, and sustainability in the profession. FairSplit™ is more than a model—it’s a movement for justice in justice.
Inside the Diddy Trial – The Rock Star is the Real-Time Court Reporter Behind the Scenes – While Media Leans on AI
While media outlets like Court TV rely on AI-generated summaries of the Diddy trial, a skilled real-time stenographic reporter from Southern District Reporters, P.C. is officially documenting every word in federal court. Despite public confusion, the court’s official transcript comes from this human professional—not artificial intelligence. Journalists like Meghann Cuniff have praised the court reporter’s accuracy and speed in such a high-profile, fast-paced case.
The Realities of Court Reporting School, Certification, and Career Paths in California
Court reporting offers a high-demand, well-compensated career, but entering the field requires a major investment of time and money. With rigorous certification standards, state licensing requirements, and tuition costs exceeding $60,000, it’s not a casual commitment. However, the long-term rewards—job security, strong benefits, and six-figure potential—make it a viable path for those prepared to meet the challenge and navigate California’s competitive legal landscape.
Court Reporting vs. Other Professions – A Wake-Up Call on ROI for Students
Court reporting is one of the best-kept secrets in high-income careers. With just 1–3 years of training and a $20K–$65K investment, skilled reporters in California can earn $180K–$360K+, with top earners hitting $500K–$1M+. Compared to the time and cost of becoming a doctor or lawyer, court reporting offers an unmatched ROI—fast, lucrative, and future-proof for students seeking real financial freedom.
The Myth of 60,000 Court Reporters – How Inflated Figures Are Misleading the Legal Industry
The court reporter “shortage” has been exaggerated by misleading data—like inflated claims of 60,000 past reporters and failed projections from the 2013 Ducker Study. In reality, California has over 5,500 active reporters, with new licensees—especially voice writers—on the rise. With realistic recruitment, the shortage could be resolved in under six years. The crisis isn’t supply—it’s misinformation and mismanagement.
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”
Who Owns the Record? What the Biden Leak Means for Court Reporters
President Biden’s leaked audio wasn’t just a political moment—it was a wake-up call for court reporters. When legal recordings fall into untrained hands, confidentiality and trust go with them. This blog explores why court reporters, as the Responsible Charge, are essential to protecting the integrity of the record—and what’s at stake if we’re pushed out of the process.
The Silent Professionals – What Court Reporting Teaches Us About High-Potential Employees
Court reporters are the silent professionals who exemplify high-potential traits: initiative, integrity, focus, and continuous growth. Though often overlooked, their precision and professionalism mirror what makes top employees thrive in any field. They work without drama, adapt across hierarchies, and know when to speak up. Their quiet discipline reminds us that leadership isn’t always loud—it’s often about doing the right work with unwavering excellence.
The Court Reporter Shortage Is a Myth: A Manufactured Crisis to Push Automation
The so-called court reporter shortage is a manufactured crisis driven by budget cuts and tech interests—not a true lack of skilled professionals. Courts and private vendors push this narrative to justify replacing trained stenographers with unreliable digital systems. In reality, systemic underinvestment and poor recruitment are to blame. This myth threatens due process and shifts the burden of justice onto those who can least afford it.
The Biden Audio Leak Is a Warning to All of Us in Court Reporting
The leak of President Biden’s deposition audio reveals a deeper issue: what happens when legal recordings are handled by bureaucracies instead of court reporters? With a track record of confidentiality and ethical responsibility, court reporters must remain the Responsible Charge of legal records. This incident is a warning—and a call to preserve the integrity of our justice system.
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”
The Silent Squeeze! How Insurance Companies and Contracting Are Crippling Court Reporters—and How to Fight Back
Insurance company contracting is quietly destroying the court reporting profession. Illegal in many states but rarely enforced, this practice strips independent reporters of long-time clients, undermines transcript integrity, and centralizes control in the hands of big-box firms. We must educate attorneys, demand legal enforcement, and organize as a profession. This is more than business—it’s about preserving justice, impartiality, and the future of court reporting.
The Hidden Hands in the Courtroom – How Insurance Companies Are Undermining Court Reporting and What We Can Do About It
Insurance companies are quietly driving the shift from certified stenographers to digital court reporting, prioritizing cost-cutting over courtroom accuracy. This threatens the integrity of legal records, disproportionately harms vulnerable litigants, and benefits insurers when ambiguity delays or denies justice. Certified stenographers are essential to preserving the truth in legal proceedings—replacing them with flawed technology compromises fairness in our courts. It’s time to protect professionalism over profit.
The Record Must Remain Ours – A Court Reporting Call to Action
Court reporters are not outdated—we’re digital pioneers. As ASR and CAT tools flood the market, we must assert professional control. Certification, responsibility, and independence are non-negotiable. The individual capturing the record must also certify it. Letting courts or unlicensed tech operators own the record threatens justice itself. We must lead the change—on our terms. The record must remain ours.
The Hidden Dangers of Hiring Uncertified Court Reporting Professionals – Why Due Diligence Matters Now More Than Ever
In today’s digital landscape, uncertified court reporters, scopists, and proofreaders are flooding the market, raising serious concerns for professionals. The rise of “fly-by-night” providers threatens the accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity of legal transcripts. Every hiring decision matters—because your name, reputation, and certification are on the line. Trust, but verify. Vet every collaborator carefully to protect your professional legacy and uphold the standards of the court reporting industry.
The Power of Collective Action – What Court Reporters Can Learn from Agnodice
Court reporters stand at a pivotal moment, facing pressure from corporations eager to replace them with flawed technology. But like Agnodice, the first female doctor in ancient Greece, they hold untapped power. By uniting, advocating, and sharing their vital role in safeguarding justice, court reporters can resist this wave and preserve the integrity of the legal system. Together, they can shape the future — and win this battle.
Protecting the Integrity of the FPR™ Credential – What We Can Do About Fraudulent Use
Protecting the integrity of the FPR™ credential is vital to maintaining trust in Florida’s legal system. When individuals misuse this title, it undermines the profession and misleads the public. By reporting concerns to FCRA, notifying regulatory agencies, alerting platforms, and verifying facts before acting publicly, we can help ensure that court reporting credentials remain credible, respected, and protected from misuse.
The Silent Breach – How Attorneys Are Illegally Sharing Court Transcripts in Violation of California Law
Under California Government Code § 69954(d), parties who purchase court transcripts may use them internally or as exhibits but cannot share copies with others. Despite this, many attorneys unlawfully distribute transcripts to opposing firms, undermining court reporters’ earnings and violating legal ethics. Unauthorized sharing risks sanctions, financial penalties, and damages the integrity of litigation. Compliance is essential to uphold fairness and professional responsibility.
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”
The Appeal of Reform – A Call for Change in How Court Reporters Handle Appeals
Court reporters are experts in real-time transcription, yet the appeal process often turns them into reluctant project managers. Chasing down transcripts, begging for responses, and managing silence from colleagues isn’t just frustrating—it’s unsustainable. It’s time to modernize the system. Each reporter should submit their own work independently, on deadline. Let’s shift the culture, share the responsibility, and restore professionalism to the appeals process.
Transcript Theft and Timeless Pricing Contributes To The Court Reporting Crisis
Court reporters are being squeezed by an outdated pricing model and rampant unauthorized transcript sharing. Despite legal protections under California law and federal copyright, attorneys often duplicate transcripts without paying, devaluing the reporter’s work. It’s time to modernize: shift all costs into the original transcript and make copies cheap or free. This simple change could restore fairness, stop transcript theft, and protect the profession’s future.
Florida’s Embrace of Digital Court Reporting – A Controversial Shift in Legal Transcription
Florida is redefining court reporting by certifying digital reporters through its FPR™ program, allowing them to capture proceedings without directly transcribing them. Unlike stenographers and voice writers—who are in responsible charge of the record—digital reporters often outsource transcription, raising concerns about accuracy, accountability, and legal integrity. This shift may influence other states, but the long-term risks demand careful scrutiny and stronger regulatory oversight.
Behind the Bench – The Economic Discrimination Against Pro Tempore Court Reporters
Pro tempore court reporters face economic discrimination rooted in misunderstanding and bias. Judges and attorneys see high invoices and assume excessive pay, unaware that agencies take 50%, and reporters shoulder business expenses, including subcontractors and costly equipment. Many reporters are women, and gender bias fuels resentment over perceived earnings. Despite outdated statutory rates and lack of benefits, court reporters remain essential yet undervalued pillars of the justice system.
Backing the Bill, Battling the Bench
California court reporters face a critical moment as the Judicial Council pushes to expand electronic recordings in courtrooms. AB 882 offers a temporary, balanced response—preserving live reporting where possible and requiring accountability where it’s not. Supporting this bill keeps our profession at the table. But we must go further—organizing, advocating, and building alliances to defend the record and protect access to justice statewide.
The Fear of Retribution in the Court Reporting Industry – Navigating a Culture of Silence and Fear
The fear of retribution in the court reporting industry is a pervasive issue, where reporters hesitate to speak out against unethical practices like stolen transcripts or delayed payments due to the risk of losing work. This culture of silence is reinforced by tight-knit professional networks where outcasts face isolation and gossip. Addressing this fear requires fostering supportive communities and promoting transparency to protect reporters’ rights and uphold the integrity of the profession.
THE RECORD IS NOT OPTIONAL – Despite AB 2664, Attorneys Still Challenge Freelance Reporters in Courtrooms
In April 2025, a freelance court reporter shared a troubling story: an attorney attempted to oppose the appointment of a reporter pro tempore during a hearing. Despite clear legal precedent, the attorney challenged the reporter’s right to be present simply because the reporter was a freelancer. This should no longer be happening. California law settledContinue reading “THE RECORD IS NOT OPTIONAL – Despite AB 2664, Attorneys Still Challenge Freelance Reporters in Courtrooms”
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.
A Crisis in the Courts – L.A. County’s Reporter Shortage, Jessner’s Controversial Order, and the Looming Threat of Jury Nullification
Los Angeles County is facing a legal crisis as Presiding Judge Jessner issues an order allowing electronic recordings in civil, family, and probate courts—directly violating California law. After the legislature rejected AB 662, which sought similar changes, Jessner acted unilaterally. Critics warn this judicial overreach undermines public trust and could spark jury nullification, with citizens questioning why they should follow laws judges themselves ignore.
“Why I Love Court Reporting” FB Group Celebrates a Decade of Dedication in the Court Reporters’ Community & Camaraderie
For ten years, the Why I Love Court Reporting Facebook group has fostered camaraderie, inspiration, and unwavering support for court reporters worldwide. With over 5,000 members, this thriving community celebrates the profession’s passion, perseverance, and purpose. As we mark this milestone, we honor the dedication of those who uphold justice with every keystroke. Here’s to a decade of dedication—and many more to come!
The Role of Court Reporters and the Limits of Interpreter Expectations
Court reporters ensure accurate legal records, but they are not responsible for providing interpreters with LiveNote or laptops. Interpreters must work from what they hear, not read, as real-time feeds are unedited drafts. If an interpreter requires accommodations, it is the responsibility of their agency, not the court reporter. Setting clear boundaries protects court reporters from undue burdens while maintaining the integrity of legal proceedings.
Transcript Theft: The Silent Threat to Court Reporters
Court reporters are increasingly encountering attorneys who discuss “splitting costs” but ultimately share a single transcript instead of ordering their own. This practice impacts reporters’ earnings and devalues their work. To address this, reporters must clarify orders upfront, advocate for firm policies, and reinforce ethical standards. As the legal landscape evolves, standing firm on fair compensation and professional respect remains essential for the future of court reporting.
Fighting Like Hell to Save the Stenography Profession Through Innovation, Grit, and Perseverance
The stenography profession is at a crossroads, facing threats from AI and digital transcription. But history shows that industries on the brink can fight back. By embracing innovation, public awareness campaigns, high school outreach, and social media engagement, stenographers can reclaim their place as the gold standard in legal documentation. It’s time to fight like hell—because the future of stenography depends on it.
The Digital Court Reporting Scam – How Aspiring Court Reporters Are Being Duped
Digital court reporting programs are misleading aspiring court reporters, especially in states like California, where digital recording of legal proceedings is illegal. Many students invest time and money in these courses, only to find out they do not lead to licensure. Universities continue to offer these programs for profit, despite their lack of credibility. Prospective students must research and choose accredited stenographic training instead.
Attorneys: A Great Transcript Starts with YOU!
Attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring an accurate court transcript. By speaking clearly, marking exhibits properly, understanding turnaround times and costs, and providing spellings for unusual names or terms, attorneys can help court reporters create a flawless record. Treating court reporters as neutral professionals and being mindful of off-the-record conversations further contributes to maintaining a clear, reliable, and professional transcript. Collaboration leads to success!
The Importance of Maintaining a Poker Face as a Court Reporter
Court reporters play a vital role in legal proceedings, capturing verbatim transcripts while maintaining impartiality. A critical aspect of their professionalism is the ability to maintain a neutral, expressionless demeanor—often referred to as a “poker face.” This skill ensures they remain unbiased, avoid distractions, and uphold the integrity of the legal process, even when witnessing emotionally charged or controversial testimonies in the courtroom.
Stenos Fight for Justice, Not Just Survival
Stenographers are not just fighting for jobs—they are fighting for justice. While digital court reporting companies chase profit, stenographers uphold accuracy, integrity, and the legal system itself. Like a deer outrunning a lion, stenographers are driven by purpose, not just need. The battle against digital reporting is not just about technology—it’s about ensuring truth prevails. And in that fight, passion will always win.
Appeals and Court Reporters The Frustrations and Need for Change
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.
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.
STENOIMPERIUM 