A world without court reporters isn’t silent—it’s lawless. When stenographers vanish, so does the integrity of our legal system. Digital recorders can’t replace human judgment, accountability, or accuracy. Justice slows, appeals collapse, and costs soar. Once institutional knowledge is gone, it’s gone for good. This isn’t a forecast—it’s already happening. And unless we act now, there’s no undoing the damage.
Tag Archives: stenography
Surviving the Shift – How Human Court Reporters Can Navigate a Digital-First Future
As the legal industry leans toward digital solutions, seasoned court reporters face sudden displacement and growing uncertainty. Despite years of expertise, many are being replaced without notice, undervalued by decision-makers who prioritize cost over quality. But human skill still matters. Professionals must adapt, advocate for certified standards, and build strong relationships to stay relevant in a shifting landscape that increasingly overlooks the value of lived experience.
The Silence Is Deafening – ILCRA’s Quiet Retreat from Controversial Event Raises Bigger Questions
ILCRA has quietly removed all traces of its controversial June 20 event from its website—without explanation—following weeks of member backlash over its partnership with Steno-in-the-City. Meanwhile, the event remains live on SITC’s site, raising serious questions about accountability and transparency. Did ILCRA cancel? Withdraw? Or just retreat into silence? Either way, members say trust has already been broken—and leadership has failed to lead.
SITC and the Court Sponsorship Scandal – Legal Violations, Misused Funds, and Calls for Accountability
Steno in the City, a for-profit LLC, is facing legal scrutiny for soliciting sponsorships without proper registration in Louisiana and California. Marketed as a nonprofit-style event, “Fearless Stenographers 2025” misled sponsors, misused volunteer labor, and potentially diverted public court funds. With multiple state and federal laws potentially violated, legal experts and industry professionals are calling for accountability, transparency, and the return of misappropriated contributions.
Saving Court Reporting – Why Canada’s Loss Is America’s Opportunity to Help
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.
“Posted Anonymously” – What the Surge of Hidden Voices Reveals About Court Reporting’s Online Culture
Court reporter Facebook Groups are seeing a surge in anonymous posts—revealing a profession gripped by fear, bullying, and reputational threats. Reporters hide their identities to ask questions, share concerns, or seek help without retaliation. This shift signals more than online drama—it exposes a toxic culture and a platform no longer safe or functional for professional dialogue. When voices go anonymous, it’s a warning we shouldn’t ignore.
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.
Court Reporting Success – How to Train Like a Division I Athlete and Pass the CSR the First Time
Passing the CSR on the first try isn’t luck—it’s discipline. Treat court reporting school like a Division I athlete treats training: with laser focus, high standards, and intentional practice. Show up fully, write with purpose, and hold yourself accountable. Success comes not from time spent, but from how you spend it. Aim higher, work smarter, and the results will follow. Excellence isn’t optional—it’s your baseline.
The Hidden Cost of AI and Digital Reporters is A Looming Crisis in the Court Reporting Industry
As agencies and tech vendors chase profits, they’re offloading transcript cleanup onto scopists and proofreaders, driving up subcontractor rates and forcing court reporters to raise theirs just to survive. Attorneys balk at rising costs, unaware reporters are earning the same as decades ago. This shift isn’t just inefficient—it feels intentional, pushing experienced professionals out to make way for cheaper, lower-quality digital alternatives masked as innovation.
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?
It Wasn’t About Race — Until You Said It Was
I never mentioned race — but others did. The allegations I’ve raised involve data misuse, labor law violations, and nonprofit ethics. Yet, instead of addressing those facts, I’m accused of racism. Why? Because the subject happens to be Black? That’s not justice. That’s deflection. This was never about race — it’s about protecting a profession that deserves better. And I’m not backing down.
It’s Just a Cocktail Party — Or Is It? Why ILCRA’s Partnership with SITC Deserves Scrutiny
This isn’t just a cocktail party. It’s a joint branding and financial arrangement between ILCRA and a for-profit entity under multiple active investigations — involving labor law violations, data misuse, and unauthorized sponsorships. When member money and personal data are involved, fun doesn’t excuse fiduciary failure. Nonprofits must uphold ethics and transparency — not outsource risk under the guise of social networking.
StenoImperium Blogger Wasn’t Prepared for Haters – “It’s the Absolute Worst”
The StenoImperium blog exposed what the court reporting world refused to confront: exploitation, bullying, and a toxic culture of silence. While a few loud voices attacked, over 5,300 readers listened—and supported. The blogger faced retaliatory threats, doxxing, and harassment, from ONE person exposed in the blog articles, but didn’t back down. Truth doesn’t need to be liked. It just needs to be heard. And now, it’s being heard—louder than ever.
Gatekeeping, Fear, and the Silencing of Dissent is a Hot Crisis in the Court Reporting Community
In today’s court reporting profession, too many voices are silenced not by debate, but by dismissal. When someone asks, “Who are you?” before deciding whether to block you, it’s not curiosity—it’s control. Gatekeeping has replaced dialogue, and fear has replaced professionalism. We must stop judging messages by the messenger and start confronting the culture that protects power over truth. Silencing isn’t safety—it’s complicity.
The Digital Deception – How Non-Stenographic “Court Reporters” Are Undermining Legal Proceedings in Texas
Across Texas, some court reporting firms are violating state law by sending unlicensed “digital reporters” to depositions, misleading attorneys and undermining the integrity of the legal record. These firms prioritize profit over professionalism, substituting trained stenographers with unqualified button-pushers. The result: unreliable transcripts, legal setbacks, and a justice system strained by deception. Attorneys must stay vigilant, speak out, and demand licensed professionals—every time.
When the Boardroom Becomes a Crime Scene – Abuse, Silence, and Accountability in the Court Reporting Profession
Workplace intimidation in court reporting isn’t just toxic—it’s a weapon. When fear silences dissent and leadership enables abuse, the cost can be fatal. Whistleblowers are met not with concern, but with hostility: “Who is this?” That question isn’t curiosity—it’s a tactic. Silence protects power. Accountability must start with association boards and court leadership. Because when harm is ignored, complicity becomes policy.
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.
Who Owns the Guest List? How ILCRA’s Event Partnership with SITC Puts Member Data at Risk
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?”
Court Reporting at a Crossroads: Why Are Organizations Partnering with Entities That Exploit the Profession?
The Manufactured Court Reporter ‘Crisis’ and the Dangerous Push for Unlicensed Transcription
The myth of a court reporter shortage is being exploited to push unlicensed transcription services into the legal system. But only certified court reporters—not agencies or transcriptionists—can serve as the Responsible Charge. They alone have the authority to certify transcripts, administer oaths, and safeguard the record. Replacing them with unqualified labor threatens due process and undermines the very foundation of courtroom integrity.
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.
The Unsung Heroes of Court Reporting – Still Standing Strong Past 65
Many predicted a crisis in court reporting by 2018, citing mass retirements and declining enrollments. But they underestimated one thing: court reporters don’t retire at 65. These devoted professionals, many in their 70s, continue working with unmatched skill and passion. Their enduring presence has kept the legal system afloat—unsung heroes preserving the record, one word at a time, while others quietly left the field.
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.
California’s AB 711 Is Out of Touch With the Realities of Court Reporting
California’s AB 711 paints a misleading picture of court scheduling and court reporters’ work. By requiring advance declarations about reporter use, it imposes unrealistic expectations in a field defined by unpredictability. Rather than supporting reporters, the bill marginalizes them, opens doors to low-quality alternatives, and adds bureaucratic burden without tangible benefit. AB 711 isn’t progress—it’s a policy built on misunderstanding, not meaningful reform.
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.
A Judiciary at Risk – How California’s Lower Courts Are Courting a Constitutional Crisis
California’s judiciary faces a mounting crisis as lower courts, particularly in Los Angeles County, defy state law by replacing certified court reporters with electronic recording. Critics warn this shift threatens the integrity of court records, undermines public trust, and bypasses legislative authority. With data manipulation and unauthorized policies surfacing, legal experts fear a deliberate effort to weaken judicial independence and dismantle checks and balances in the justice system.
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.
“Can You Read That Back?” – Why It’s Time for Law Schools to Teach Elocution and Respect for the Record
Too many lawyers enter practice with strong writing skills but poor oral communication, undermining the integrity of the record. From rushed speech to outright hostility toward court reporters, this widespread problem erodes professionalism. Law schools must require elocution and courtroom communication training before graduation. Clear speech isn’t optional—it’s essential to justice. Respecting the record means respecting the people who preserve it, starting with how we speak.
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.
Flying Taxis and Olympic Chaos: A Court Reporter’s Take on Commuting to Downtown L.A.
As a court reporter commuting three hours a day in L.A. traffic, the thought of flying taxis during the 2028 Olympics sounds like a dream. With 15 million visitors expected and downtown courthouses near major venues, getting to work could become even harder. If air taxis are the future, maybe it’s time court staff get a seat—because justice doesn’t wait for traffic.
Why AAERT Certification Falls Short in the Court Reporting Profession
AAERT certification may exist, but it does not meet the rigorous standards of licensed stenographic court reporters. Unlike stenographers, who provide realtime, verifiable transcripts and are held to strict legal and ethical codes, AAERT-certified digital reporters often work with less oversight and accountability. In high-stakes legal proceedings, accuracy and reliability are paramount — and that’s why stenography remains the trusted standard in the court reporting profession.
Declining the Invite – Why Court Reporters Are Refusing to Attend Extravagant Events
Many court reporters are rejecting invites to Steno In The City events, citing unethical practices, misuse of volunteers, and a focus on flashy image over professional integrity. Echoing celebrities who refused Diddy’s infamous parties, these stenographers are choosing principle over spectacle. As exposés from StenoImperium continue to surface, it’s clear that for many, the glamour isn’t worth compromising the values of their profession.
The Rise of Eclipse RSR – How Court Reporting is Evolving in 2025
Eclipse RSR is transforming court reporting by blending advanced voice-to-text technology with real-time editing capabilities. Unlike traditional steno or voice writing, RSR lowers physical demands while enabling fast, high-quality transcript production. Though not generative AI, it uses ASR to empower a broader range of professionals—including stenos, digitals, and newcomers—to thrive in a changing field. As technology evolves, adaptability is becoming the profession’s most valuable skill.
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.
Exposing the Threat to Stenography – A Call for Transparency, Strategy, and Action
A coordinated campaign is exposing the hidden network pushing uncertified digital court reporting. With a public “Dark Money Map,” polished advocacy materials, and targeted outreach tools, stenographers can fight back with clarity and impact. This effort reveals key players, debunks the shortage myth, and empowers professionals to defend accuracy and integrity in the legal system. It’s time to name names and take action.
The Real Threat to Stenography Isn’t Technology — It’s a Manufactured Crisis
The stenographic profession isn’t outdated — it’s under attack. A manufactured “shortage” narrative, pushed by corporate interests, aims to replace certified reporters with unregulated digital alternatives. But court reporting is thriving, technologically advanced, and essential to justice. It’s time to expose the fraud, reclaim our narrative, and fight for the integrity of the record — because the truth deserves a skilled human witness.
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.
Fail to Adapt to Disruption and Pay the Price – Court Reporters Heed the Warning
Court reporting isn’t antiquated—it’s one of the most technologically advanced professions in the legal world. As we pass the tipping point of digital disruption, our challenge isn’t resisting change but leading it. Certified reporters, using sophisticated tools like ASR-integrated CAT software, must set the standard. The future depends on preserving integrity, enforcing certification, and maintaining responsible charge in every courtroom transcript.
A Court Reporter’s Perspective – Clearing Up the “Uh-huh” vs. “Huh-uh” Confusion in Transcripts
Attorneys often tell witnesses, “Please answer with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ because the court reporter can’t type ‘uh-huh.’” But the truth is, we can—and do—capture every utterance phonetically. The real issue arises when interpreting these sounds on paper. A simple solution? State upfront: “‘Uh-huh’ means yes; ‘huh-uh’ means no.” This small clarification eliminates later confusion and ensures a clear, undisputed record for all.
STENOIMPERIUM 