My job is to take a verbatim record of court proceedings. I "write" down every single word spoken during a court session and then transcribe it so it can be read in booklet form. (The word "Official" in my title means I work for the courts - I am actually in the courtroom when I "write".)

EDUCATION | I have an A.S. degree as well as a court reporting certificate.

HOW TO GET STARTED | Check out the programs offered at different institutions. For instance, court reporting is offered at some junior colleges, private schools and even on-line. (The average time it will take someone to earn their certificate is about three years.) As part of the program you will learn to "write" fast, (a minimum of 200 words a minute). You will also take medical and legal terminology classes, so basically you will learn other languages! Another requirement to earn your certificate is to complete a specified number of internship hours both in court and at a deposition firm. You will spend time shadowing a reporter. After receiving your license, be prepared to do some pro-tem work, proving yourself at first, before landing a full-time position. Begin the program and stay committed to it. Devote the time needed to complete it and then your hard work will pay off quickly as you will get certified and become employable as a court reporter.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | You need to be a well-organized person with good time-management skills as meeting deadlines in this profession is essential. In some ways, you should be a semi-perfectionist!

how I got started | I have always been intrigued with the courtroom setting! As a kid I would read legal books and watch Court T.V.! Even as a high school student, I knew I didn't want to become an attorney because I didn't want an overly intense job. I wanted to be a mom someday and thought a position as a court reporter would fit better with my plans, yet provide me with a good profession. So, when I saw a woman typing in court on T.V. one day, I thought, "What is that woman doing exactly?" I looked into it and, after I graduated from high school, I attended San Francisco City College. I completed the court reporting program and earned my A.S. degree. During that time, I made a connection at the San Mateo County Court. Once I passed the state certification test and received my license, I got my foot in the door working pro-tem. A year and a half later, I secured a full-time position. I've been working ever since I passed eleven years ago.

why this job?| I love conflict! Just kidding! Actually, court is just an interesting place to be. It can be intriguing. Also, you work hard in this line of work, but it provides you with a good paying career.

why I love this job!| There is never a dull moment in my profession. I love my court "family" - the people I work with are wonderful.

my typical day| I get to my office a little after 8:00 a.m. and check my messages and maybe work on a transcript. Then I head into the courtroom at 8:45 a.m. There I set up my machine, turn on the computer, etc. and get situated. (I write in "real time" for the judge, which means she has a computer monitor in front of her, giving her access to what I am writing at the time I write it.) At 9:00 a.m. court begins. I am given breaks about every hour and a half because my fingers are moving the entire time I'm in court. There's little chance to blow my nose or sip some water or even cough, so I really need those breaks! From 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. I break for lunch. During this time I work on more transcripts or get some grocery shopping done before I report back to the courtroom for the afternoon. I leave the office around 5:00 p.m. and go home to take care of my family. After I put the kids to bed at night, I sometimes work on more transcripts. (I am compensated for that time, as well.)

what they are | There are physical demands being a court reporter. I have suffered from tendonitis and know of some who deal with carpel tunnel issues and back and shoulder pain. There are also emotional demands that come with the job. It can be difficult to have to listen to testimony regarding rape, murder, etc. and there are often graphic pictures displayed for evidence. I currently work in family law and at times I hear testimony that is quite heartbreaking.

all about growth | Court reporters are so valued! We're in high demand - there will always be criminals and court proceedings. Also, even starting at the bottom level in this profession, you are well paid. You can continue your education to further challenge yourself and gain certificate recognition. The perks are great: Full benefits, paid vacations and paid holidays over and above your "basic" holidays. We even get off for Cesar Chavez Day!

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