Long before steno machines, Ancient Greek scribes developed shorthand to capture debates and court proceedings. The Romans expanded it, Taylor and Pitman refined it, and Ward Stone Ireland’s 1911 machine revolutionized it. Today’s realtime theories trace their lineage back over 2,000 years—a legacy of precision, linguistic mastery, and adaptation that defines the court reporting profession.
Tag Archives: travel
Small Agencies in Crisis – Competing Fairly in an Unfair Market
Small, reporter-owned agencies are being squeezed by Big Box firms offering lavish gifts, delayed payment schemes, digital reporters, and AI summaries. Competing on those terms is impossible — and unethical. But survival is still possible. By flipping their business model upside down — paying reporters faster, networking instead of consolidating, and selling ethics instead of perks — small agencies can thrive again.
The Stars That Sing – Hearing the Truth in Court Reporting
The Bushmen pitied Laurens van der Post when he admitted he could not hear the stars sing. Today, I feel the same grief for our profession. The truth rings out—schools reporting poaching, leaders failing in accountability—yet so many refuse to hear it. Our poverty is not material, but in losing the ability to hear the song of truth itself.
Who’s Really Swearing in Your Witness?
Attorneys can stipulate to many things, but not to override law. Only a judge can validate agreements that alter statutory or constitutional requirements. The 5th and 14th Amendments guarantee due process: no person can be deprived of rights without it. When a deposition officer asks parties to “stipulate” to a remote oath, that shortcut risks invalidating the entire proceeding.
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.
The SITC Events – Uncovering the Financials, the Fallout, and the Mob Response
At first glance, The Fearless Stenographers Conference seemed like a triumph for the court reporting community. But behind the scenes, it exposed a troubling pattern of financial opacity, legal noncompliance, and retaliatory behavior. When legitimate concerns were raised, Shaunise Day didn’t offer transparency—she launched a campaign of intimidation. This is not just a story about mismanagement. It’s a warning about what happens when ego overrides accountability.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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