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.
Tag Archives: politics
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.
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 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.
A Gentle and Straightforward Reply to Christopher Day’s Response
Digital pay parity might sound fair, but it risks blurring the line between skilled stenographers and less-trained digital reporters. Instead of raising digital to match steno, we should protect the value of expertise and focus on raising industry standards. Pay equality alone won’t stop corporations from chasing cheaper options — quality, skill, and human judgment are what truly set stenographers apart and secure their future.
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.
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”
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.
Denise A. Tugade’s Appointment to the Court Reporters Board is a Possible Threat to the Future of Court Reporting in California
Denise A. Tugade’s appointment to the California Court Reporters Board on February 11, 2025, raises serious concerns for court reporters. With deep ties to SEIU—known for allowing court reporter layoffs—and former Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, a proponent of replacing court reporters with automation, Tugade’s influence could further undermine the profession. Her appointment signals potential threats to job security and the integrity of legal transcripts in California courts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Court Reporter’s Guide to Navigating Difficult Attorneys
Court reporters play a vital role in ensuring an accurate record, yet some attorneys challenge their authority and dismiss procedural norms. Setting expectations early, standing firm, and leveraging judicial support can mitigate these challenges. Addressing common disruptions like cross-talk, mumbling, and dismissiveness is crucial. Ultimately, maintaining professionalism and confidence ensures smooth proceedings while preserving the integrity of the record. Stay strong—your work is essential!
The Era of Court Reporting Disrupters is Over
Despite major investments and promises of innovation, digital court reporting has failed to disrupt the industry. Legal and regulatory hurdles, operational inefficiencies, and resistance from legal professionals have kept traditional stenographers in control. Companies like Veritext and US Legal have faced financial struggles, proving that digital solutions have yet to replace human expertise. The industry remains dominated by established players, with disruption proving far more difficult than anticipated.
The FBI’s Battle Against Transnational Crime and the Shadowy Operations of Steno Nexus
FICTION, SHORT STORY: Steno Nexus, led by the enigmatic Serena Vale, operates as a respected legal industry firm—while secretly laundering money for a transnational criminal network. Under FBI scrutiny, its façade is unraveling, revealing deep connections to illicit enterprises. As investigators close in, the fate of this hidden empire hangs in the balance.
Judges in Los Angeles County are Breaking the Law!
Judges in Los Angeles County are deliberately dismantling the court reporting system, violating the law to impose electronic recordings despite legislative rejection. This manufactured crisis threatens due process and public trust in the judiciary. As jurors question why they should follow the law when judges do not, a constitutional crisis looms. If unchecked, this judicial overreach could erode the entire legal system.
Court Reporters Are the Change Agents
The U.S. faces a critical shortage of court reporters, driven by an aging workforce, declining enrollment, and rising demand. This crisis threatens the efficiency of the judicial system. Court reporters must become change agents by advocating for education reforms, promoting the profession, embracing technology, and pushing for policy changes. Without action, justice delays and inaccuracies will escalate, underscoring the profession’s indispensable role in the legal system.
The Vanishing Court Reporters: A Crisis in the Justice System and How to Fix It
Court reporters are essential to the justice system, but their numbers are dwindling. A shrinking workforce, declining training programs, and low interest among young professionals have contributed to a nationwide shortage. Solutions include expanding digital court reporting, modernizing certification laws, increasing financial incentives, and promoting the profession to new talent. Without immediate action, courts will face growing delays and challenges in preserving accurate legal records.
Court Reporters: Guardians of Integrity in America’s Judiciary
Court reporters play a crucial role in maintaining judicial integrity by ensuring accurate, unaltered records of legal proceedings. Senator Mark Warner emphasized their importance, particularly amid rising federal litigation. Human stenographers prevent record manipulation, unlike AI-based transcription, which risks errors and loss of critical data. Legislative efforts, such as the Research and Oversight of Potential AI in Courts Act, aim to safeguard judicial transparency and accountability.
The Impact of Corporate Mergers on the Court Reporting Industry: A Growing Crisis
The consolidation of the court reporting industry by large corporations like Veritext has led to higher prices, reduced service quality, and worker exploitation. As smaller firms are acquired, competition dwindles, leaving consumers and court reporters vulnerable. This growing monopoly stifles innovation and creates barriers for aspiring professionals. Regulatory action is crucial to restore fairness, protect workers, and ensure consumers aren’t overcharged for essential legal services.
COURT REPORTER CEO on Attorneys who don’t pay for transcripts: “These are Shoplifters.”
A court reporting industry leader has criticized attorneys who refuse to pay for transcripts, calling them “shoplifters.” In a recent interview, they argued that such actions undermine the legal system, stressing the importance of fair compensation for court reporters. The debate over transcript fees continues to grow.
Corporate Sponsorships Solicited by a For-Profit Steno, LLC, but with No Business Entity in California
Shaunise Day’s for-profit LLC, Steno In The City, raised over $100,000 in corporate sponsorships for an event in California, but without being properly registered as a business entity in the state. This violation of California business laws could result in significant legal and criminal consequences, including fines, tax evasion charges, and potential civil lawsuits from sponsors. Proper registration is crucial to avoid such legal pitfalls.
7 Ways A Steno Imposter is Manipulating You To Make You Trust Them
In the world of stenography, trust is everything—but it’s also something that fake scammers prey on. Court reporters are increasingly targeted by imposters who use manipulative tactics to gain trust and exploit it for their own gain. From playing the role of a caring listener to fast-tracking relationships, these imposters employ deceptive strategies to manipulate the legal community and profit off of us. Learn how to spot the signs and protect yourself.
RULES FOR THEE, BUT NOT FOR ME SAYS SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES!
Los Angeles Superior Court judges have replaced real-time court reporters with AI-based ASR software, potentially violating court rules prohibiting recordings. Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl’s use of “word processing” notetaking software suggests reliance on ASR transcription. Despite the court’s own ban on recordings, ASR inherently captures and processes audio. This raises concerns about judicial accountability and a troubling double standard in courtroom transparency.
Digital Court Reporting: Trying to Disrupt the Stenographic Industry in the Same Way Uber Revolutionized Transportation
Digital court reporting is disrupting the traditional stenographic industry much like Uber revolutionized transportation. By leveraging advanced audio, video, and AI-driven transcription systems, digital reporting offers faster, more cost-effective, and scalable solutions. With benefits like real-time access and reduced labor costs, digital court reporting is reshaping how legal professionals handle court transcripts, improving accessibility and efficiency in the legal process, similar to Uber’s impact on the taxi industry.
Why Digital Court Reporting Will Never Be the Uber of the Legal System
Digital court reporting may promise speed and cost savings, but it threatens the accuracy and integrity of legal transcripts. Unlike stenography, which ensures precise, reliable records through professional expertise, digital systems are prone to errors and lack human oversight. While digital reporting may aspire to complement the legal process, stenography will always remain the gold standard, safeguarding the quality and trustworthiness of the legal system’s official records.
STENOIMPERIUM 