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Tag Archives: steno
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.
Taming the Tech Tyrant: Conquering the Chaos of Courtroom Correspondence
Is your inbox overflowing, distracting you, and slowing down your productivity? Court reporters deal with constant email communication, but without a system, it can become overwhelming. By adopting structured strategies—such as scheduled inbox management, the “Four Ds” decision-making method, and email automation tools—you can regain control. Improve efficiency, reduce stress, and turn your email from a burden into a productivity-boosting tool today!
Courtroom Champions – Crafting Resilience in a Rapidly Revolutionizing Realm
In a fast-changing legal landscape, court reporters must adapt to survive and thrive. By embracing technology, committing to continuous professional development, and upholding ethical standards, they can remain indispensable. As digital tools evolve, human expertise remains crucial for accuracy and nuance. This article explores strategies to build resilience, ensuring court reporters stay at the forefront of the profession in an increasingly complex and competitive world.
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 Battle Between Humans and AI in Court Reporting
The battle between humans and AI in court reporting is intensifying as Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology advances. While ASR promises faster, cost-effective transcriptions, its current 76% accuracy rate still falls short in legal proceedings, where precision is critical. Human court reporters maintain an edge with their contextual understanding, adaptability, and ability to transcribe multiple speakers, ensuring accuracy that AI currently cannot match.
Digital Pay Parity A Pipe Dream of Unbalanced Benefit
Digital pay parity may seem like a solution, but it’s a false promise that upholds corporate greed while undermining human skill. Christopher Day of Stenonymous advocates for unionization to keep digital at bay, yet his vision still overlooks the irreplaceable expertise of real stenographers. True progress lies in recognizing the value of craftsmanship, not in embracing shortcuts that favor profits over people. The future is human, not digital.
The Importance of Allowing Full Interpretation in Legal Proceedings
In legal proceedings, allowing full interpretation ensures accuracy and clarity. When interpreters are not allowed to fully translate, gaps are created, making the court reporter’s job more difficult. Court reporters rely on complete translations to produce verbatim transcripts. Missing words or partial translations can lead to confusion and inaccuracies in the record, impacting the fairness and integrity of the legal process for all parties involved.
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.
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.
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.
The Many Reasons Court Reporters Love Their Profession
Court reporting is more than just a job—it’s a passion. From the rhythmic keystrokes of the stenograph to the thrill of capturing every word in high-stakes legal proceedings, court reporters thrive on accuracy, language, and the pursuit of truth. They witness justice unfold, document history in real time, and fight to preserve their profession’s integrity. Their dedication ensures the legal record remains precise and reliable.
Empowering Women in Court Reporting for Success and Fulfillment
Women in court reporting play a vital role in the legal system, bringing precision, adaptability, and expertise to the field. By building strong support networks, advocating for equal opportunities, and embracing technological advancements, they can achieve lasting success. With flexible career options and leadership opportunities, court reporting empowers women to thrive professionally while maintaining work-life balance, ensuring a more inclusive and dynamic future for the industry.
Success of a Court Reporter: Defining and Measuring Achievement
Success in court reporting comes in many forms—financial stability, professional influence, and personal fulfillment. Whether measured by certifications, income, client demand, leadership roles, or even luxury lifestyles like exotic cars and designer bags, success remains subjective. True excellence, however, lies in the quality of work produced. The real measure is not just perception but the accuracy, reliability, and impact a court reporter leaves behind.
Tip for Attorneys: Don’t Be Like Dennis—Plan Ahead and Order Your Court Reporter Early
Don’t be like Dennis—plan ahead when ordering a court reporter! Last-minute bookings can lead to stress, delays, and subpar transcripts, affecting your case and reputation. By scheduling early, you ensure availability, quality, and a smoother process. Avoid scrambling at the last minute, and give yourself the breathing room to focus on your case and other responsibilities. Proactive planning sets you up for success!
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.
Handling Difficult Attorneys and Recovering from Stressful Jobs as a Court Reporter
Court reporting demands resilience, especially when faced with difficult attorneys and chaotic proceedings. Maintaining professionalism, setting firm boundaries, and ensuring a clear record are crucial, even when unappreciated. After a tough job, recovery is key—take time off, engage in stress-relieving activities, and connect with supportive colleagues. Remember, your work is essential, and tough days don’t define your value. You’ve got this!
The Pomodoro Technique for Court Reporters that Boosts Productivity and Reduces Fatigue
The Pomodoro Technique is a powerful time management method for court reporters, helping them maintain focus, reduce fatigue, and enhance accuracy. By working in structured 25-minute sessions with short breaks, court reporters can improve efficiency and prevent burnout. This approach also minimizes repetitive strain injuries and boosts motivation. Integrating Pomodoro cycles into daily workflows leads to sustained productivity, better work-life balance, and long-term career satisfaction.
Embracing Your Path to Success in Court Reporting
Court reporting demands precision, dedication, and continuous growth. Understanding your strengths—such as speed, accuracy, or technical expertise—helps shape your professional path. Setting SMART goals, investing in technology, and embracing continuous education are key to success. Challenges become opportunities when managed proactively, and mentorship strengthens the profession. By working with purpose and passion, court reporters create fulfilling careers while making a lasting impact on the legal field.
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.
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.
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.
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