New court reporters: don’t rush to shortcuts. Resist the urge to rely on scopists or audio. Build your skills, review your own transcripts, and always use a proofreader. Real-time from the start will sharpen your writing and dictionary. Court reporting mastery takes years—but the foundation you build now ensures accuracy, professionalism, and the integrity of the record for a lifetime.
Tag Archives: StenoStrong
Why Court Reporting Students Fail—And How to Succeed Anyway
Napoleon Hill warned that most people fail because they listen to friends, family, and neighbors. For court reporting students, that lesson is critical. Outsiders may doubt your path, but their ignorance is not your destiny. Tune out negativity, trust the voices of mentors and professionals, and believe in your own ability to reach 225 wpm. Success belongs to those who refuse to quit.
Perception vs. Reality – The Truth About Court Reporting Education Costs
Court reporting schools are often criticized as “for-profit cash grabs,” but the reality is very different. These programs operate on razor-thin margins, not windfall profits. Tuition reflects the true cost of specialized training—not greed. The real story is value: a $35,000 investment can yield a lifelong career with six-figure potential. Perception misleads; the payoff is undeniable.
Saving Court Reporting – It’s About More Than Fighting AI
The legal world has spent years debating artificial intelligence and digital recording in courtrooms. And with good reason. Accuracy, privacy, and accountability are not luxuries; they are the bedrock of justice. Human court reporters remain the gold standard for preserving the record. But while we fight Silicon Valley’s latest experiment, another crisis is starving ourContinue reading “Saving Court Reporting – It’s About More Than Fighting AI”
The Irreplaceable Human Court Reporter – Why AI Will Never Capture the Record
A courtroom is not a lab. It is not a tech demo or a theoretical exercise in “innovation.” It is a crucible where freedom, reputation, livelihood, and even personal safety are decided every day. The people who work there know this truth in their bones: the record matters. And when it comes to creating thatContinue reading “The Irreplaceable Human Court Reporter – Why AI Will Never Capture the Record”
Deadlines, Deadlines Everywhere – The Court Reporter’s Race Against the Clock
In court reporting, deadlines don’t arrive one at a time — they stack, overlap, and collide. Appeals, expedites, and dailies all demand flawless transcripts on an unforgiving clock. There are no extensions, no “I’ll get to it Monday.” Miss the mark, and the consequences ripple from your reputation to the very outcome of a case.
Beyond the Transcript – Rethinking AI in Stenography
AI in stenography isn’t just about transcripts — it’s about working smarter. From built-in features in everyday tools to research assistants and workflow boosters, AI can cut through the repetitive tasks that slow you down. The future isn’t replacing human skill — it’s freeing court reporters to focus on the work only they can do.
When Robots Win Trophies – What It Means for the Future of Stenography
A robot holding a trophy may symbolize progress, but in the courtroom, it represents a dangerous shortcut. While AI may offer speed, only a human stenographer ensures accuracy, accountability, and justice. When automation wins the spotlight, due process can lose. Let’s not trade trust for tech.
AB 711 Passed—But at What Cost? A Closer Look at the Real Consequences for California’s Legal System
AB 711 isn’t a victory—it’s a retreat. By shifting the responsibility of providing court reporters to attorneys, California courts are abandoning their duty to guarantee a fair, accurate record. This law deepens inequality, privatizes access to justice, and accelerates the erosion of the certified reporting profession. When justice depends on who can afford the record, justice is already lost.
A Dangerous Shift in California – Why Changes to CSR Exam Requirements Could Gut the Stenographic Pipeline
A qualified student, ready to take California’s rigorous CSR exam after five years of training, was blocked by her school for not passing an internal 225 test—not a state requirement. Other schools refused to sponsor her out of fear of retaliation. Meanwhile, voice writers face fewer barriers. This isn’t about standards—it’s gatekeeping. Politics and policy shifts are sabotaging the steno pipeline from within.
A Victory for Nevada Court Reporters: Senate Bill 191 Signed, Rate Increases Effective January 2026
Nevada court reporters just won big—Governor Lombardo signed a rate increase into law, effective January 1, 2026. This echoes California’s 2021 rate hike from $3.00 to $3.99/page and signals rising recognition of our profession. Freelancers: This is your win, too. Celebrate with NVCRA this Saturday at Café du Central and get ready for what’s next.
Protected: The Booth, the Database, and the Backdoor – How ILCRA’s Free Table at a For-Profit Event May Have Compromised Member Data
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Are Paralegals Being Automated Out of the Legal Workforce? A Critical Look at Lexitas’ New AI Tool
Lexitas’ new AI tool, Deposition Insights+, claims to streamline litigation prep—but at what cost? By automating key tasks traditionally handled by paralegals and junior attorneys, this technology risks replacing human insight with algorithmic shortcuts. Legal professionals must ask: Are we empowering teams, or eroding jobs and skills? Efficiency shouldn’t come at the expense of accuracy—or accountability. The legal industry must tread carefully.
Why Whisper Can’t Replace Court Reporters in the U.S. Legal System
Canada’s Legislative Assembly proved AI like Whisper can assist—but not replace—human editors. Meanwhile, U.S. courts risk due process by adopting ASR without oversight. Speaker errors, misattribution, and data risks abound. Justice demands more than a “good enough” transcript. We must follow Canada’s lead: human-led, AI-assisted. The record—and constitutional rights—depend on it.
“Digital Gatekeeping: How Facebook Job Boards Are Quietly Controlling Access to Court Reporting Jobs—and Why It May Be Illegal”
Facebook job boards for court reporters are becoming digital gatekeeping machines—run by fellow CSRs who block access to jobs without cause. When licensed professionals are excluded from critical work opportunities by biased moderators, it’s not just unethical—it may be a violation of CRB standards and antitrust laws. It’s time to expose the harm and demand oversight.
“Be the Voice That Speaks for Me in Court”: The Sacred Power of Truth in a Profession Gone Quiet
When truth becomes dangerous, speaking out isn’t just brave—it’s sacred. A fellow reporter shared a prayer: “O Holy Spirit, be the Voice that speaks for me in court.” In a profession silenced by fear and gatekeeping, that voice matters more than ever. We don’t need permission to speak truth—we need conviction. Let integrity rise louder than intimidation.
Why Court Reporters Don’t Owe Agencies Loyalty—And Why That’s Okay
In a post-COVID world, court reporters are redefining their roles—not as agency staff, but as independent professionals. Remote work isn’t laziness; it’s survival. Agencies profiting off outdated loyalty narratives forget that freelancers have overhead, choices, and value. We’re not driving two hours for 16 pages anymore—and we’re done apologizing for it. The industry has changed. We adapted. Time for everyone else to catch up.
When Depositions Had Coffee Breaks – A Court Reporter’s Call to Action
There was a time when depositions had structure, civility, and coffee breaks. Now, reporters face 300-page days with no breaks, no boundaries, and inhuman turnaround times. We didn’t lose this all at once—it slipped away because no one said “no.” It’s time to draw the line. For our health, our quality, and the future of court reporting. We either reclaim our power—or watch it disappear for good.
Human Oversight is Now Law – Virginia Leads the Nation with Groundbreaking AI Legislation Protecting the Judicial Record
Virginia just became the first state to legally require human oversight of AI in courtrooms. With HB 1642, justice stays human-centered—protecting certified transcripts, ethical decision-making, and the future of court reporting. This is a national model for balancing innovation with integrity.
When Advocacy Turns Hostile – A Call for Integrity in Court Reporting
When advocacy turns hostile, professionalism suffers. In the court reporting world, performative leadership and public bullying are replacing ethics and collaboration. This anonymous essay calls for a return to integrity — where disagreement isn’t met with defamation, and leadership doesn’t rely on intimidation. The future of steno depends not just on who speaks, but how we choose to lead.
AI Might Be Cheaper—But It’s Gutting the Court Reporting Pipeline
Courtrooms aren’t podcasts—and AI isn’t ready to replace human court reporters. What’s at stake isn’t just jobs, but an entire pipeline: schools, certification boards, machine makers, and trained professionals. Once that system collapses, it’s gone. If we cut too deep, there will be no one left when AI fails. Choose accuracy. Choose humans. Choose us—while you still can.
The Backfire of the Stop the SoCal Stip Movement – How a Campaign to Protect Court Reporting Accelerated Its Threat
The Stop the SoCal Stip movement was meant to protect court reporters—but instead, it triggered resentment among attorneys that’s now fueling our replacement. What began as a legal ethics stand has been twisted into a narrative of greed. The result? Retaliation via digital recording and ASR. If we don’t reclaim the narrative, the gold standard of stenography could disappear.
Court Reporting at a Crossroads – How to Win the Battle for the Future of Justice
Court reporting isn’t dying—it’s being hijacked. Big-box firms are replacing certified professionals with offshore labor and uncertified notaries, bypassing due process and threatening our existence. But we hold the leverage: laws, credentials, and the truth. If we don’t act now, we face extinction. If we rise, we reclaim our rightful place at the top. The clock is ticking—our profession depends on it.
Court Reporting – The Delta Force of Professions
Court reporting school has a dropout rate as high as Delta Force selection—only 5 to 10% make it through. We’re not just typists; we’re elite professionals with real-time mental endurance and precision under pressure. Like Tier One operators, we train for years to master a high-stakes craft. We are the Responsible Charge of the official record—and no machine can replace that.
ASR in Court Reporting – Tool, Threat, or Transformation?
As court reporting faces increasing pressure from digital disruption, the debate over ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition) intensifies. Can it be used responsibly — or does its adoption spell the end of human-led recordkeeping? This article explores the nuanced question: If ASR is wielded by a trained, licensed stenographer, does it become a tool — or remain a threat? The future of our profession may hinge on the answer.
When a State Association Leaves the State – Why ILCRA’s Move to Florida Is a Red Flag for Court Reporters Everywhere
Illinois—home to one of the top four court reporting populations in the U.S.—just saw its association headquarters moved to Florida, a state that has eliminated licensing and gone digital. This alarming relocation by ILCRA raises serious concerns about transparency, oversight, and the future of stenography. Why outsource leadership to a state that no longer values licensed court reporters? Members must demand accountability now.
Crushing it with Carol!
Carol Reed Naughton’s victory in the NCRA VP race is more than a win—it’s a rejection of toxic leadership. In a profession where integrity is often tested, the community chose accountability over ambition, process over performance. This result proves that even in environments where manipulation can thrive, truth still resonates. For every steno who values ethics over ego—this moment is yours.
“Five-Oh-Two” & The Invisible Danger in ASR Court Transcripts
ASR may produce clean-looking transcripts, but it lacks the human judgment needed to capture meaning, nuance, and legal context. In court, where every word matters, even subtle misinterpretations can distort the record and impact outcomes. Accuracy isn’t just about words—it’s about understanding. That’s why certified court reporters remain essential in preserving the integrity of the legal process.
When Campaign Emails Cross the Line – A Closer Look at the NCRA Vice President Race
Margary Rogers’ campaign email for NCRA Vice President sparked concern for its tone, tactics, and alignment. While promoting experience and leadership, the message included subtle jabs at opponents and leaned heavily on personal branding. With the profession at a crossroads, members should expect professionalism over promotion, and clarity over charisma. This election is about trust, not just titles—and our standards should reflect that.
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