Court Reporters Court Reporting Nationwide

Your transcripts, securely stored online and only a click away

2009-10-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

Realtime service is a major key in the world of court reporting and in the age of electronic information, it seems obvious that you should have electronic transcripts delivered to your inbox whenever you need them, with 100% accurate pagination.

When working with a deposition and litigation services, you need to make sure that your case-specific transcripts, hyper-linked exhibits and other documents are stored in a secure, online document repository.

Having your information stored in online in a searchable and downloadable database gives you easy accesses to your material form anywhere in the world. You can also share accesses to your valuable information with other attorneys and support staff that can make any annotation to be later shared with others working on the case.

And when it is time to go and win that trial, you can download all the docs and exhibits you need and take them along.

Veritext.com provides a highly secure online transcript repository as well as court reporting services, videography and transcription services in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

Professional Court Videography takes more than just a camcorder

2009-10-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

Court Videography, also known as video court reporting, is not only limited to courtrooms. The professional videographer is responsible for the process of recording video and images with advanced multimedia equipment that is later used for legal matters and court cases.

Documenting crime scene evidence, proof of damages, enhancing and cropping images, validating material, video synchronization and recording of court sessions – these are all the responsibilities of a professional court videographer.

Videographers also provide day-in-the-life movies and evidence of frauds, wills and pre-nuptial agreements.

Many videographers are not fully qualified and authorized – they are merely people with a camcorder. So if you are looking for a videographer you have to find a reliable professional that knows how to utilize the most innovative technologies.

For qualified court reporters and videographers visit www.veritext.com. Veritext.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. The court reporters of Veritext are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

Why The Electronic Deposition Transcript is Crucial After The Deposition

2009-03-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

For the past two weeks we've been talking about electronic transcripts. To end our discussion we wanted to focus on the most important reason electronic tanscripts exist. No matter if you are traditional or just don't see the need for a electronic deposition transcript, making the switch to an electronic depositions can be tough for any lawyer. But, you can't make a decision on rather or not to use electronic transcripts based on you experiences before or during a deposition. The real benefits come after the deposition:

1. Import and Export Do you have supporting documents that go with a particular deposition transcript? Forget stapling, filing or paper clipping the associated information to the transcript, try importing and exporting. Have those important documents already linked to the right deposition transcript.

2. No More Sticky Notes Sticky notes and deposition transcripts...Should we say more? It's just not an effective way to keep up with notes that were taken during, before, or after the deposition. We think Post It Notes were a great invention but productivity and time saving procedures like digitally attaching notes and files to your annotations is just priceless.

3. Summaries A summarized deposition is very handy, but it leads to more paperwork being added to your desk. Electronic deposition transcripts get rid of that extra paper work by allowing you to create and print reports and transcripts easily.

4. Keywords and Tags The bottom line? Stop digging through paper and highlighting words to stand out so you'll get back to them easier... keyword search through tagging is a luxury. Take advantage of it and focus on the more important things.

5. Collaborations You have notes, your colleagues has notes, the court reporter has notes, your boss has notes, the judge has notes.... we could go on. With electronic transcripts everyone can add their 2 cents in real time.

Why did you become a lawyer in the first place? Was it for mounds of paper work or was it because you loved the legal system? Did you want to make a difference in today's society? Or maybe legal careers were prevalent in your family and you wanted to carry out the tradition? No matter what the reason get over paperwork burnout and start using a court reporting agency that can provide you with real solutions so you can focus on what you really came to do.

For qualified court reporters and videographers visit http://www.courtreporternet.com/. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

Lawyers...Meet The Electronic Transcript

2009-03-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

In law school, they should have had a class on how to handle paperwork, how to get rid of paperwork, how to deal with paperwork... we could go on and on. Paperwork is already overwhelming in the legal profession so adding paper deposition transcripts on top of everything else can leave a lawyer staring at a wall of deposition transcripts and trying to figure out how in the world will they find a certain key testimony. And then there are the deposition summaries, though handy, they can still be an annoyance.

Welcome to 2009, the age where electronic deposition transcripts are an option that any credible court reporting agency should offer. If you choose the right agency you can have a edited deposition sent directly to your inbox which is not only indexed, but also key word searchable. No more digging through paper work, just search for what you are looking for and voila!

For example, do you want to know exactly where a witness talked about crossing the street and seeing a red truck run the red light trying to flee the crime scene? Just type in "red truck" or "red truck red light" and find it instantly as well as print out that specific part of the testimony.

So electronic transcripts can come in handy... but how do they work? It's actually not as difficult as you may have imagined. Next week we'll cover the subject in detail.

Two Great Books for Effective Depositions

2009-03-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Effective depositions are a very important part of a lawyer’s career. Even though a great court reporting agency is an important part of a successful depositions there are many other factors including:

Deposition Scheduling
Deposition Timing
Witness Attendance
Document Accountability
Testimony Preservation
Following laws and rules
And much more..

Here are a two great books to help lawyers get ready for a great deposition:

Nolo's Deposition Handbook

"Court cases are never as quick and tidy as television dramas would have us believe. In fact, most civil disputes are settled long before a judge has a chance to pound a gavel. That's why pretrial fact-finding procedures such as depositions play an increasingly important role in legal quarrels. In fact, it's not uncommon for a deposition to be the only testimony given. All of this explains why Nolo's Deposition Handbook can be such a useful resource" -Amazon.com

The Effective Deposition

"NITA programs and law schools nationwide have used the first and second editions of The Effective Deposition so that attorneys and soon to be attorneys have all the essential know-how in taking a deposition the most critical step in discovery. Now in a revised third edition, the authors apply their expertise as attorneys and educators to bring the reader critical information on new rules, information on the impact of technological developments including e-discovery and digital transcription, along with new deposition techniques." -Amazon.com

How To Prepare Your Witness for Video Depositions

2009-03-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

With technology becoming more prevalent in today's court systems it's vital that lawyers change their strategy when preparing a witness for a video deposition.

When preparing make sure that your witness understands that in some states a video deposition can be used as an alternative of live testimony; as a result, you need to prepare him or her as if they were in front of a jury. One of the most imperative tips is to educate your witness to dispose of any distracting behaviors such as throat clearing, fidgeting, hair twirling, nail biting, tapping, etc. Why? It’s important because each unnecessary action is exaggerated on camera; especially when the ability to rewind, slowdown and fast forward will be used to make decisions. Making sure your witness remains composed at all times is imperative for a realistic testimony.

Other guidelines include practicing on camera so you can point out the good and bad to your witness, make sure your witness answers the questions instantaneously without pausing and that they are clothed conservatively.

Once your witness is prepped it's time to make certain that your video deposition goes smoothly. You can do this by choosing a reputable court reporting agency to provide your videographer. At CourtReporterNet.com we make sure that the background is simple by encouraging lawyers to choose a plain wall, drapery, or a bookshelf for a background so that the view is not distracting. Our professional videographers also make sure that lighting is ideal and that there are no shadows that could distract from the witness. We also plan ahead for technical issues by having separate microphones for the attorney and the deponent as well as monitoring all audio and video content to ensure the best deposition possible.

For qualified court reporters and videographers visit http://www.courtreporternet.com/. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

Fast and Easy Court Reporter Deposition Scheduling

2009-03-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

At CourtReporterNet.com we are happy to launch our new online court reporter scheduling application to provide lawyers access to instant rates, instant confirmation, and the convenience of online scheduling for your next deposition. Scheduling a court reporter for your next deposition has never been so easy:

Step 1: Insert your deposition place and time to reserve your date now.

Step 2: Get an instant rate!

Step 3: Insert the information about yourself and the deposition so we can contact you. Need additional services? No problem, just enter them during step 3...

Step 4: Insert your billing information so to reserve your deposition date in our system so we can schedule your court reporter as soon as possible.

Step 5 & 6: Press confirm to finalize...

It's that easy! Lawyers, you have enough to worry about and getting a qualified court reporter for your next deposition shouldn't be one of them. At CourtReporter.net our court reporters are prepared for any type of deposition regardless if by phone, video or in a traditional courtroom setting. We are prepared to provide quality service no matter what the situation. For qualified court reporters visit http://www.courtreporternet.com/. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

The Pros and Cons of a Telephone Deposition

2009-03-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

The telephone deposition is something you want to get right the first time! Not being able to see the parties involved can be tricky... a court reporter has to listen closely for any voice changes as well as catch mistakes as quickly as possible. Lawyers have to make sure that a great connection is established and that all legal issues pertaining to a telephone deposition has been strategically taken care of.

However, sometimes a telephone deposition just can't be avoided. More than likely a lawyer and court reporter will be faced with one during the course of their careers. One of the most common reason for telephone depositions or testimonies is because witnesses are not able to travel due to a physical illness or limitations. Regardless, it's important that court reporters and lawyers understand the pros and cons of telephone depositions just in case you are ever put in that situation.

The bad side of telephone depositions are many. The first is the possibility of a lost connection, equipment failure, or a malfunction. Malfunctions can include static, the inability of hearing the person talking or even a disconnection. To prevent this from happening the connection should be tested and all parties should attempt to be online at least 10 minutes before the call starts to make sure that everything is working properly.

Other problems with telephone depositions include the possibility of court reporters making mistakes because they can't hear or the witness making mistakes because they can't hear either. Lastly, and most obviously, is the fact that not being able to see body language is actually a huge disadvantage, especially when attempting to portray as much information on the transcript as possible... and also for lawyers to be able to change a question based on something the witness does.

Although there are certainly some precautions to consider when organizing a telephone deposition, there are some benefits as well. Some of these benefits include the ability for lawyers to get a great testimony form the witnesses because opposing counsel cannot harass them.

Lastly, it reduces the cost of travel for everyone involved and allows lawyers to control witnesses.

At CourtReporter.net our court reporters are prepared for any type of deposition regardless if by phone, video or in a traditional courtroom setting. We are prepared to provide quality service no matter what the situation. For qualified court reporters visit http://www.courtreporternet.com/. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

Lawyers and Court Reporters Join Forces in Support

2009-02-26T13:09:00.000-08:00

On January of this year lawyers and court reporters were definitely concerned about the future of deposition, court reporters, transcripts and technology in the legal system. Why? Well the Supreme Court first decided to discontinue the use of per diem court reporters during civil trials and replace them with a tape-recording system. By late January the ruling had changed to using digital recorders in the court but still using per diem court reporters to create transcripts... a true case of Man vs. Machine.

But why the change and why know? Well the other 6 trial court departments already use digital recording systems, they figured the transcripts would be produced faster, and bottom line... they wanted to save money. But the surprising part is that lawyers and court reporters were very disappointed about this ruling which proves that lawyers and court reporters are fully aware how important court reporters are to the legal system; not only during the deposition process, but also to provide checks and balances.

Lawyer and court reporter relationships an integral part of depositions and legal proceedings, that’s why it’s so important to find a reputable court reporting agency to make sure transcripts, dictation, etc. is done right the first time. Mistakes in the legal system can not only cause lots of money but can also affect many lives whether it’s someone’s job or a court ruling.

For qualified court reporters visit http://www.courtreporternet.com/. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

Lawyer Transcript Options: ASCII versus E-Transcript

2009-02-23T13:28:00.000-08:00

When it comes to receiving your deposition transcript at the end of a deposition, there are a number of formats that you can receive your transcript in. Hopefully you are aware that court reporting services can electronically send your transcript.

If your court reporting agency is up to date in technology they should be able to tell what is the best option for your transcript to be sent electronically based on your budget as well as your needs. Today, electronically sending transcripts have become a lot easier. Until recently, court reporting agencies had to create an ASCII file of the transcript and then send it through email.
Unfortunately with the ASCII conversions page and line integrity will be loss, 3rd party programs are used for functionality, no password protection is incorporated, it is open to attacks when sent through email, there was no encryptions, and the file could only be opened as a read-only file .

Fortunately, today there are newer ways to send a transcript electronically; it’s called an e-transcript. The major benefits of using an e-transcript include having a standard format, keeping line and page integrity, incorporating encryption and password protection, instant search, hyperlinked word indexes, and the ability search, open, and print using the same software.

It's important to be fully informed on the services your court reporting services offer so that you can save money and conduct better depositions. It will pay off in the long run!

Digital Depositions: Getting the most out of your court reporter

2009-02-16T18:27:00.000-08:00

Should you use digital recordings during depositions and proceedings? Even though some professionals object to the use digital technology during depositions, there are many benefits.
Some court reporters, who have worked for years in the industry, still can mishear what is said. Video can help you back up a transcript and can help the court reporter create an accurate transcript of proceedings.

Another great way video can help is the problem of multiple people speaking at the same times. Sometimes, this can be hard to transcribe and video can help you, as the lawyer, as well as the court reporter accurately record each speaker’s word to ensure the transcript is perfect.
Lastly, being able hear how something was said is invaluable. Just saying the words, "I don't think so" in different tones can have plenty of different meanings.

There are many benefits to using digital technology during your next deposition, however there one set back that you should become aware of. Just because digital technology is used doesn't mean that a court reporter isn't needed especially when someone is gesturing and the video couldn't get to them in enough time.

Lawyer, court reporter and interpreter collaborations

2009-02-13T13:34:00.000-08:00

You all ready have the deposition planned and scheduled, you already understand that a key witness speaks a foreign language, and you already know that you'll need a court reporter. However, your main concern as a lawyer is to make sure that the court reporter and interpreter work hand in hand and the transcription is perfectly executed.

In order to ensure a seamless collaboration between both parties…communication is imperative. Make sure that your court reporting service has qualified court reporter that have been trained to approach the interpreter about providing names of people and places in the foreign languages so that it can be put into place during the transcription process.

Tell your interpreter to tell the witness not to gesture or nod or say words liek "uh huh". This way your court reporter will have a clear record. Also, make sure your interpreter sits between your court reporter and your witness. Lastly, swearing in the interpreter first and then the witness with the interpreter helps in the long run.

Your court reporter should already know what to expect when faced with an interpreter. He or she has the option of requesting that the interpreter use equipment to speed up the interpretation process.

Highly Technical Depositions and Your Court Reporter

2009-02-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

One of the most difficult lawyer and court reporter jobs is when a deposition is highly "technical" meaning an expert witness or lawyer has to say medical terms (or similar words) repeatedly throughout the deposition. Even though a number of court reporters have been trained to handle technical words, even a seasoned veteran can get things wrong. This can definitely be an issue if actions aren't taken immediately to correct the problem.

From the lawyers point of view, if the transcript is already completed and you notice errors in the way your deposition questions or witness answers are transcribed it's important to send a letter to the opposing counsel immediately to consent to having the court reporter to fix the errors. The opposing counsel should agree, because if not most likely a case would be made to start the entire deposition over and that can be a waste of money.

However, this can be avoided if both court reporters and lawyers make an effort to ensure that highly technical words are taken down effectively. As a lawyer, after deposing a doctor or a similar profession, go over the technical jargon with the court reporter to make sure he or she understood. Another great tip is to give your court reporter a dictionary with the medical words to use when creating the final transcription copy.

As far as court reporters, we try to ensure that our court reporters get it right the first time by encouraging them to flag all spellings of technical words that may have been misheard and then go up to the lawyer and doctor to review the words and get the correct spelling. Anther tip for counsel is to have exhibits that have the details written down or in chart form to help court reporters get the right words the first time.

For more information on where you can find a court reporting service that follows these guidelines to visit http://www.courtreporternet.com/. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

What to expect from a court reporting service

2009-02-05T15:47:00.000-08:00

When choosing a court reporter service for your next deposition, remember that dependability, experience, and quality do matter. Your court reporting service should have well trained court reporters and staff that are available to answer any question are served any need you may have.
So what can you expect when you hire a hire a four court reporting service?

Well the first thing that you should expect is instant, expedited, and fast transcript delivery after a deposition. Immediately after a deposition, your court reporter should give the transcript back to you in a record amount of time. It should be accurate, it should be free of errors, and it should take less than 24 hours.

The second thing you should expect from the court reporting service is the availability of nationwide conference rooms. These allow you to be able to meet in a professional, quiet, and organized setting.

The third thing you should expect from the court reporting service is the ability to receive a transcript in many formats. These formats should include electronic delivery, as well as traditional mail delivery of the original transcript. In this technologically advanced age, electronic delivery of transcripts is not only convenient but a necessity. Other technologies offered should include real-time Internet feeds, Internet scheduling, and LiveNote.

The fourth thing you should expect from your court reporting service is a storage area for your transcripts. If something happens after a deposition, to your files, or to your office, you should have the ability to call your court reporter and retrieve your transcript. This service should be standard in all court reporting agencies.

These four things are very important when looking for a court reporting service. Other services include, but are not limited to, mini or condensed transcripts, keyword indexing, daily video grapher, toll free telephone support, and video and audio transcription.

For more information on where you can find a court reporting service that follows these guidelines to visit http://www.courtreporternet.com/. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

8 ways lawyers can get the best out of court reporting services

2009-02-02T20:01:00.001-08:00

So you found a court reporting service and got assigned a court reporter; then it happened, the transcript was missing a few things, a name was missing, etc. It's the common mistake most lawyers make when hiring a court reporting service... not understanding how to get the best out of your court reporter.

At courtreporternet.com we want you to enjoy your experience with us and get the most out of your court reporter. You can do this by following a few guidelines during a deposition:

Speak clearly
Speak slowly
Have a business card on hand
Write your position on the card either defendant, prosecution, etc.
Don't talk while someone else is talking
Don't let the witness answer until you finish you question
Don't let witness answer with uh-uh or uh-huh
State from the beginning who is in the room to avoid disputes in the future

We know lawyers and we know court reporters! For more information visit http://www.courtreporternet.com/. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

Via Illinois Bar Journal

What Your Court Reporter Should Be Doing After The Deposition

2009-01-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

After the deposition is over, lawyers seem to face their biggest problem when dealing with court reporters. You don't follow up on lots of little details that every court reporter should participate in after the deposition.

The end of the deposition does not mean the end of a court reporters job. There are plenty of tasks that should be completed in a timely matter.

Review and Edit
After the deposition a court reporter should download all the information gathered during the deposition on to a computer and get to editing. Just because your court reporter types everything during the deposition, doesn't mean an instant final copy is ready. Court reporters should go back through audio tapes and fill in any gaps missing in the transcript; then someone should look over the first draft by proofreading and making any corrections.

Final Draft and Formatting
Next, the proofreader should send all the corrections back to the court reporter to prepare for the final draft. The final draft should not only be free of grammatical errors and misspellings, it should also be formatted with page numbers, indexes, and a condensed transcript for quick reading.

Delivery
Next, the court reporter sends the transcript to you, but before that the court reporter should have made a copy of the transcript and exhibits and filed it appropriately. Additionally, you should receive two copies; one original in the mail and one electronic copy.

The Court Copy
Lastly, after you have looked over the entire document and are satisfied, you sign it and send the original back to the court reporter to be filed with the court.

For court reporters for your next deposition, plus a WHOLE lot more, visit http://www.courtreporternet.com/. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

The Origins of Court Reporting Shorthand

2009-01-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

With our society at the most litigious time during any point in its history, court reporters are more in demand than ever. Court reporters provide a valuable service to the legal community, creating an official written record of everything that is spoken during trials, motions and depositions.

But where did the court reporting industry start? And more importantly, what are the origins of the equipment and shorthand systems used today around the world?

In order to track down the first official court reporter, one must go back to ancient time – 63 B.C. to be exact. It was in this year that a slave named Marcus Tullius Tiro, the property of the great Cicero became the world’s first shorthand reporter. Tiro first known transcription was of a speech by Cato. To help him copy every word of the speech accurately, Tiro used a series of shorthand notes and symbols. Tiro’s system was simple but groundbreaking. He used single symbols to represents full sentences, and did not record smaller, common words that he knew could be entered into the official record at a later time.

As a result of Tiro’s work, the art and science of stenography was born, and although most of the symbols he used are no longer with us, the ampersand (&) still exists and is a part of hundreds of languages around the world.

The John of Tilbury, a monk, developed the first English shorthand sometime around the year 1180. His system remained the standard in England until the 16th century when a doctor named Timothie Bright created a 500 character shorthand symbol system that would replace it.

Dr. Bright’s system was accepted throughout England until the year 1772 when it was replaced by a new shorthand system developed Thomas Gurney. Gurney worked for the government and his new, easy-to-use system of transcription and note-taking became the official shorthand of Parliament. The final switch in England’s shorthand system came in 1837 when Isaac Pittman developed a phonetics-based shorthand system that is still in use by many British court reporters today.

Across the pond, Gregg’s system was used in the courts of the United States until the invention of the shorthand machine later in the century. In 1879, a man by the name of Miles Bartholomew, who was part of what was already a growing number of professional court reports working in the American legal system, received a patent for what would become the modern typewriter. It had a single keystroke for each letter and would become a major tool of business in the decades that followed.

But for the purposes of modern court reporting, things needed to work more quickly. During the post-war era of the 1950’s the United States Military and IBM developed groundbreaking machines and software that would translate foreign languages directly into English. After this project was complete, the same team of engineers used this technology to create shorthand translation machines.

It was out of this technology that the modern shorthand machine, used today by tens of thousands of court reporters was born.

How to Hire a Court Reporter for your Next Deposition

In the course of a busy day, it is easy to forget that you need a court reporter for your upcoming deposition. With that in mind, we offer the following helpful tips for making sure that you get an accurate written record of everything that transpires during the proceedings.

1. Confirm the dates of your deposition. If the actual date of your deposition is still up in the air, then you are not quite ready to hire a court reporter. In order to avoid cancellation fees, or inconvenience the reporter herself, it is best to get the time and date set in stone before placing a call.

2. Reserve your conference room. Inside many law firms the biggest fight isn’t over who will be made partner, but rather over valuable conference room space. Make sure that you’ve got one reserved for the specific date and time of the scheduled deposition.

3. Ask for recommendations. If you are unsure about who to call to get a court reporter to work your deposition, ask other attorneys for a recommendation.

4. Determine if your deposition will take place over more than one day. In order to insure that a qualified court reporter is available for the entire deposition, be sure to determine beforehand whether or not the deposition will conclude in the span of a single day.

5. Ask about bi-lingual court reporters. If there will be languages other than English spoken at the deposition, ask the court reporter (or their service) about the availability of bi-lingual court reporters. If a bilingual reporter is not available for the deposition, you can also hire a translator after the fact to convert the record into another language.

6. Contact a court reporting service. The beauty of a court reporting service is that it takes all the guesswork out of hiring someone to transcribe your deposition. The process couldn’t be easier. Simply contact the service online or over the phone and let them know the details of your upcoming deposition. They will let you know who is available, what their experience level is and what you fee will be.

7. Be mindful of the court reporter’s time. Try not to keep the court reporter waiting around for long stretches of time before or after the deposition. Just like you, their time is valuable and always needs to be accounted for.
With these tips in mind, the scheduling and execution of your next deposition should go smoothly. Remember that although most court reporting services can send someone to you on short notice, it is always better to book ahead whenever possible.

For court reporters for your next deposition, plus a WHOLE lot more, visit http://www.courtreporternet.com/. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

The Best California Court Reporting Firm

2009-01-26T17:27:00.000-08:00

Court Reporter Net in California is the best court reporting service in the state, hands down. Here are a few reasons why:

We know how important it is for court reporting cases to be transcribed with complete accuracy, precision and clarity.
We are aware that every situation has different needs.
We are a fully qualified transcription service ready to handle court reporting in California.
We promise to be at assignments on time
We make sure that our California court reporters bring skill to their transcription, court reporting and videography assignments.
They worked with some of the most prestigious law firms throughout the country
We offer services for depositions, arbitrations, conferences, hearings, conventions or meetings
We employ cutting-edge legal court reporters and videographers along with the most experienced certified specialists in the California area.

For court reporters, plus a WHOLE lot more, visit www.CourtReporterNet.com. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

Tips for working with court reporters during a deposition

2009-01-22T08:38:00.000-08:00

When working with Court Reporters during a deposition it's important to follow a few key tips to help get the most out of your court reporter and your time.

Before the deposition
First, make sure that the deposition is scheduled in advance and that if it is canceled contact the court reporter as soon as possible. Also, during the scheduling process get enough information as possible and relay it to your court reporter. They need just as much information as a lawyer including the deponents, case caption, names, subject matter, etc.

During The Deposition
During the deposition your court reporter will need your business card, names of everyone present, and at least 15 to 30 minutes to set up. Also, make sure the court reporter is sitting close to the desponent so that she can clear hear what he or she has to say. Lastly, make sure all devices are cut off so that nothing will interfere with the court reporter's equipment.

Attorneys looking for court reporters shouldn't don't settle for less! For court reporters, plus a WHOLE lot more, visit www.CourtReporterNet.com. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

Court Reporters and Deposition Services

2009-01-21T21:12:00.000-08:00

Although most people believe that court reporters spend all their time in a court room, the bulk of their professional activity is much more likely to take place in a conference room at a law firm. That’s because deposition services, and not in-trial proceedings is the leading reason why court reporters are in such constant demand.

How a Court Reporter aids in a Deposition

· By providing a written record of testimony. Every deposition is valuable to the advance of that given court case, and since witnesses cannot be brought in again and again to repeat what they have said, the written record created by the court reporter must speak for them.

· By preparing a record to be used in court. If the witness being deposed is unable to appear in court, the transcript created by the court reporter will be used instead. These documents are also use to corroborate testimony during a trial. Say for example a witness is brought before the judge. They make statements that differ from those given during the deposition. Counsel is able to point out the discrepancies thanks to the written record.

· To certify any document presented as evidence during a deposition. Many court reporters are also notaries, meaning they can make any deposition-related documentation official in the eyes of the court. This may include evidence, statements and even the transcript of the deposition itself. (NOTE: Ask you court reporting services beforehand if the court reporter they are sending out is currently a notary public.)

Other Deposition-Related Court Reporting Services

One of the fastest growing legal services is Videography, and it comes into play often with depositions. More and more attorneys are choosing to videotape their depositions for the record, or use later in court. Sensing a shift in demand, court reporting services have brought in expert video camera operators to shoot and edit these depositions.

Translation and interpreter services are also offered by many court reporting services and can provide benefits for those who need to depose individuals who may not speak English as their first language (or at all). The same accuracy and speed is required of bi-lingual court reports as they must not only comprehend the second language being spoken, but create a transcript of it as well.

Millions of depositions take place in the United States each year, and for each one there is likely to be a court reporter present to create a flawless record of what is said. It is just one of the myriad ways that a court reporter provides the backbone of the legal record.

Technological advances in the court reporting industry

2009-01-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

Some lawyers are pleasantly surprised when they realize exactly how much the court reporting industry has changed. Even though stenographs are still used, lots of other technologies have come into existence that can allow a court reporter to provide services above and beyond the call of duty.

Here are some of the latest advancements that could benefit you or firm in making the decision on which court reporter would be right for you:

Laptop Computers
This is the most obvious advancement and it is slowly, but surely, taking the place of the stenograph machine. The laptop computer is allowing court reporters to increase their workload and speed daily.

Video and Transcript Comparison Software
These software options allow a videotaped deposition to be synced and viewed side by side with transcripts. It can even transcribe a court reporter’s words spoken into a mouthpiece.

Interactive Scanning
Documents and photos can not only be scanned, but can be made electronic with clickable links and instant filing. This allows paper to be saved and organization to be a click away.

There are many more technological advances in the field and when looking for a court reporter, this should definitely be examined further.

For court reporters, plus a WHOLE lot more, visit www.CourtReporterNet.com. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

Court reporter and lawyer relationships are key to litigation success

2009-01-15T10:56:00.000-08:00

The relationship between a lawyer and a court reporter is the key to success in the litigation field for both parties. According to Wayne Cohen, who wrote on the subject in the July-August 2006 Journal For Reporting and Captioning Profession:

"Many more seasoned attorneys still haven't the slightest clue what court reporters actually do. We don't understand how court reporting equipment or software works. We have no idea how court reporters use the key strokes or how the transcripts go from the court reporter's computer to production."

That's why at CourtReporterNet.com we train our court reporters to take that extra step to ensure that clients are happy and comfortable with our court reporters. In order to make that happen, we encourage our court reporters to follow a few guidelines:

1. Always put your best foot forward by arriving to everything on time or early, especially depositions.

2. Try to have conversations on topics other than work every now and then.

3. Be prepared to listen to what everyone is talking about. Asking "How was your day?"or "Did you enjoy lunch?" can go a long way.

4. Also, smiling and being cheerful can help a court reporter stand out from the crowd. Litigation is a very serious matter, but lightening the mood a little can help put everyone at ease before and after a case.

5. Having a great attitude is self explanatory, never has anyone wanted to be around someone who never smiles and always has something wrong.

For a court reporter that can really add value, and for a WHOLE lot more, visit www.CourtReporterNet.com. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

What To Look For In A Court Reporter

2009-01-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

Everyday hundreds of legal professionals hire court reporter firms without understanding exactly what they are looking for. A good court reporter is hard to find that’s why it's important to understand what a quality court reporter is. A quality court reporter should be:

Attentive
Outside distractions, interest in the story line, even day to day thoughts can stop a court reporter from hearing proceedings and recording them precisely. An attentive court reporter is ideal because they concentrate on every detail of the legal proceeding without falling prey to inaccurate court reporting.

Prepared
How many times has a great employee fell short because of un-organization? We've heard the story many times in today's courtrooms and unfortunately, a bad court reporter can fall into this category. Organization is key in order for a court reporter to use a stenotype machine, file documents, organize workspaces, and keep careful record of legal proceedings. Without these characteristics legal issues will turn up.

Flexible
From the long hours, to mounds of paper work, canceled proceedings, and moved meetings; flexibility is a key attribute every court reporter should have. This comes into play especially when proceedings continue past the scheduled time.

Established
An established court reporter is a mature court reporter. He or she has experience on the job and knows the importance and severity of her role in today's legal proceedings. Even when the subject matter may past a "normal" level, court reporters should not only keep their bearings but also behave in the most professional way possible.

Punctual
Lastly, and most importantly, court reporters should be punctual because in this business nothing can be overlooked or missed when it comes to people's lives. It's such an important characteristic because courtrooms will refuse to start or continue until the court reporter shows up.

Court reporting services should offer you a court reporter with combination of all these characteristics and more. For court reporters, plus a WHOLE lot more, visit www.CourtReporterNet.com. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

How Smaller Law Firms Should Use Court Reporting Services

2008-12-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

It’s one thing for big, hundred-attorney law firms to keep a court reporting firm on their speed dial and give them a ring any time they need a reporter to handle a deposition or court case. But smaller firms need to be a bit more judicious about how they spend their money – especially in this troubled economy.

The following represents some helpful tips on how smaller law firms can best utilize court reporting services and help their businesses run more smoothly as a result:

Document indexing.
Sorting and indexing documents can significantly tax your resources. Using a court reporting service to not only transcribe depositions but also index and organize them by key terms and phrases can really be a time/money saver.

Video and Audio Transcriptions.
Having a paralegal perform video and audio transcriptions can take them away from client projects where they can be billed out at a much higher rate. Use a court reporting service to supply people to turn the spoken word into written documentation.

Translation Services. It would be nice to expand your target client demographic by offering more bilingual services, but chances are you don’t have the resources to hire someone full time who speaks multiple languages. Why not bring in expert translators and interpreters on an as-needed basis to perform these duties? You will generate more revenue while not raising your overhead too significantly.

Overall, court reporting services offer smaller firm a chance to offer more services without having to hire full time employees. Like general temp services, court reporters are an efficient way to get just the jobs you need done – without staff sitting around and “eating money” for the rest of the year.

For court reporters, plus a WHOLE lot more, visit www.CourtReporterNet.com. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

Economic cutbacks threaten Florida court reporters

2008-11-05T20:47:00.000-08:00

Like every part of the country, Florida has been hit hard by recent economic struggles. Sweeping cutbacks are going on in private businesses and now the public sector as well. These cuts may finally be reaching an area once thought of as untouchable, Florida court reporters.

Two significant events have touched off the layoffs: government cutbacks affecting all sectors of state and federal judiciary systems, and the advent of inexpensive digital recording devices used to replace the human reporter element.While burning DVDs of court proceedings may work well enough, many in the field still believe that a human court reporter is the best way to go. For one thing, if someone says something unintelligible during a trial or hearing, only a human being can ask them to repeat it for the permanent record.

The Florida court reporter is by no means going the way of the Dodo however. There will always be enough depositions and arbitration hearings held in private law offices to keep these highly skilled professionals busy, especially given the litigious nature of the state of Florida.Yet the laying-off of the courts official reporters in several counties may be ushering in technology and ushering out an era as old as the court system itself.

To find a top Florida Court Reporter in your area visit http://www.courtreporternet.com/. This valuable site can help you quickly locate an outstanding reporter even on short notice.

New Jersey Court Reporters use Digital Recordings for Backup

2008-10-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

When a New Jersey Court Reporter sits down to perform a live transcription of a court proceeding, theres a lot of pressure. They have to get every word spot on and be ready to read back the dialogue they have transcribed on the spot if requested by the judge or counsel.
Luckily, court reporters need not be the last line of defense in terms of preserving everything that is spoken in court.

Many New Jersey court reporters now use FTR or For the Reporter, a CD-based system that allows them to create a digital master of the entire trial or hearing. Generally, these recordings are sealed and stored away in case of an appeal in the trial but they still form a nice back-up for those occasions when a judge or attorney wants to hear an immediate playback of what transpired in court after the fact and doesnt have time to read through a full transcript.

Court recordings of this nature are especially vital around the holidays, because many attorneys appeal their cases right before the end of the year. With a huge volume of cases coming up for appeal, the system helps court reporters and other transcription services avoid overload.
The recordings are an important part of the technology, but just another example of why there always needs to be a human court reporter present in order to guarantee proper transcription.

With outstanding New Jersey court reporters in greater demand, it is more important ever to work with a top court reporting service. Services like the ones found at www.courtreporternet.com can help you locate an outstanding reporter even on short notice.

Why being a New York Court Reporter is better than being a New York Attorney

2008-10-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

Sure, it sounds like a joke, but just following our reasoning below and you’ll be reaching for the nearest transcription machine and getting your speed up to 240 words per minute.

Why it’s better to be a New York Court Reporter

Court Reporters have lower student loans. The cost of becoming a licensed and accredited New York Court Reporter is considerably lower than law school. The salary is good, and court reporter won’t spend half their lives giving half of it back to Sallie Mae!

There’s no stressful partnership track. In the dog-eat-dog Manhattan legal community, an attorney can get lost in the competition to make partner. Not so with the court reporting business. Men and women who excel at their craft are given great opportunities to grow their careers without billing 100 hours a week.

Better job security. Every year, the schools of America continue to graduate thousands of young attorneys. And when the economy gets bad, many will struggle to find a position that meets their financial needs. Currently, the opposite is true for New York court reporters. In fact, there aren’t nearly enough of them to go around, meaning that this is a career where demand far outstrips supply.

When was the last time you heard a “How many court reporters…” joke? Well, we haven’t heard one anyway. Enough said.

With outstanding New York court reports in greater demand, it is more important than ever to work with a top court reporting service. Services like the ones found at www.courtreporternet.com can help you locate an outstanding reporter – even on short notice.

How New York Court Reporters Stay Sharp

2008-10-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

You’d be hard pressed to find court reporters anywhere in the United States who are more hard-wired into their local legal community that in New York. That’s because things happen FAST in Manhattan, and court reporters have to be ready for anything! Here’s a quick look at how they stay on top of their game.

1. Continued training and practice. New York court reporters are always looking to sharpen their skills and learn the latest techniques from within their industry. Many will take continuing education classes or just practice their typing speed at home to stay sharp.

2. Keeping their cell phone handy at all times. Sometimes attorneys need a court reporter on very short notice. Therefore, the ones who get the most work are those who maintain a flexible schedule and always keep their phones on.

3. Learning new languages. The demand for court reporters who speak multiple languages continues to grow in New York City and around the country. Reporters who become fluent in languages from Spanish to American Sign Language are looking at a steady stream of work in the years to come.

4. Maintaining a professional look. Finally, New York court reporters understand that there are certain expectations placed on them in terms of appearance. As such, they always stay cleanly groomed and keep at least three business suits at the ready in case of a lengthy trial.

With outstanding court reports in great demand through New York City and the rest of the Empire State, it is more important ever to work with a top court reporting service. Services like the ones found at www.courtreporternet.com can help you locate an outstanding reporter – even on short notice. Every court reporter at www.courtreporternet.com is hand selected for their professionalism and outstanding skill set. Visit the site today for more information!

What a Florida Court Reporter Needs to Know

2008-10-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

Florida is one of the most diverse legal communities in the United States. Every day a wide variety of cases – everything from drug trafficking to estate planning – pass through the court houses of Miami, Tallahassee, Tampa Bay and other major cities. But what about the Florida court reporter who provides the official record of all these proceedings? Is there anything special that they need to know in order to perform their jobs to the fullest?

Here’s a quick look at what every Florida court reporter needs to know.

* An understanding of a wide variety of cases. A Florida court reporter may be working on a deposition in a drug case one day and a court hearing for a contested will the next. Having a broad understanding of the different types of court cases will serve the reporter well.

* Be bilingual. Especially in Dade County, where there is a large Hispanic population, it is a good idea to know Spanish as a means for getting more court reporting work.

* How to be professional. Most importantly, those court reporters who appear on time and always handle themselves in a highly professional manner will get the most work, no matter what part of Florida they live in.

* To be ready on short notice. Many court reporting agencies offer their reporters out for hire on very short notice. That means Florida court reporters must be ready to put their “game face” on in a matter of just hours.

Your business needs top court reporters. To work with a top court reporting service in your area, visit www.court-reporter.net today!

How to get the most out of your court reporting agency

2008-10-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

So you’ve got an upcoming court case or deposition and need a certified, top-flight court reporter to transcribe the event. Contacting a court reporting agency is the fastest, easiest way to get the professional help you need to handle the job.

The following are some helpful tips to help you get the most out of the court reporting agency you choose.

* Explain the specifics of the job. The easiest way to insure that you get the right person for the job from your court reporting agency is to explain, in detail, everything the job entails. This way, the court reporting agency can search all their available employees for the right reporter with the ideal background. Remember, the more specific you can be the better!

* Call in advance. While most court reporting agencies can send you someone on short notice, there may be a premium on the last-minute service, and the selection of court reporters will always be better the longer the lead time you give the agency.

* Ask for references. If you feel unsure about working with a court reporting agency for the first time, ask the company for professional references. Reputable agencies will have no problem providing you with this information.

* Provide accurate information. Make sure that the court reporting agency knows the exact address of where the meeting or hearing will take place, and the specific time it will begin. This will help the court reporter get there on time, and greatly reduce the chance that the proceedings will be held up because of a tardy reporter.

Your business needs top court reporters. To work with a top court reporting service in your area, visit www.courtreporternet.com today!

Court reporting agencies less impacted by the economic crisis

2008-10-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

While few Americans (save the 1% of the population that is the wealthiest) will go unscathed through the current economic crisis, court reporters should breathe a little easier than most. The fact is that although times are tough, court reporting agencies remain busy. Why? Consider the following facts.

* People are still litigious. The residents of the United States continue to sue one another at a higher and higher rate each year – regardless of the economy. This represents steady work, and increased demand for court reporters.

* Court reporters can’t be laid off. If there’s a court case, you are going to need court reporters. If times are tough, a law firm may cut back on the donuts and coffee, but they will always need someone to provide a transcribed, official record of events.

* Demand for court reporters still far outstrips the supply. Even if there were a slowdown in the legal field, there are still barely enough court reporters to go around, making the industry recession-proof for at least the foreseeable future.

The economic downturn doesn’t benefit anyone in America – but that doesn’t mean some people won’t make it through better than others. Put court reporters on the favorable side of that coin.

With outstanding court reports in greater demand, it is more important ever to work with a top court reporting service. Services like the ones found at www.courtreporternet.com can help you locate an outstanding reporter – even on short notice.

Five things a court reporter can do better than you

2008-10-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

We all look at certain jobs and sniff, “heck, I could do that!” But when you consider everything a court reporter is able to accomplish while on the job, you may have to rethink that position of superiority.

To plead the case, here are five things a court reporter can do better than you!

#1 They type faster - Sure, it may be on those strange looking steno machines, but qualified court reporters can still torch the competition by reaching speeds of over 200 words per minute. Try topping that on your next company-wide memo.

#2 They’re more accurate – Not only do court reporters reach blazing speeds, they do it while rarely making mistakes. We hit the backspace button approximately 145 times while writing this blog entry. A court reporter would have pulled it off flawlessly on the first pass.

#3 They focus better – You can’t type a one page thank you letter without checking your email and updating your Facebook status twice. Court reporters know that they have a job to do and never let any distraction in the court room or the deposition room distract them from that task.

#4 They dress better than you – Court reporters always look sharp. Appearing in front of judges and high-powered attorneys all day, it’s an absolute must! Have you checked to see if your shoes match your belt today?

#5 They worry less about their job security – Court reporters are in demand. A slowdown in the number of people attending court reporting school (coupled with the rise in court cases) has made this a fantastic time to become a court reporter. Court reporters enjoy flexible working hours and lucrative salaries.

For the best court reporters around the country, visit www.CourtReporterNet.com. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction.

The top 7 best states to be a court reporter

2008-09-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

The United States is one of the most litigious countries in the world. Every day, millions of Americans bring legal action against their fellow citizens, and while it might not be good for them, court reporters have reaped the benefits of all these court cases.

Yes, court reporters are in demand now more than ever, but some states feature more opportunities than others. The following is a list of the best states for court reporters in terms of the demand for their services (cost of living, quality of life and other issues have not been included in this discussion).

The seven best states to be a court reporter

1. California – The biggest state in the country is also the most litigious. Court reporters in California are always in demand around the major urban centers of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and San Diego and the countless small towns in between.

2. Florida – With its huge elderly population, Florida is also home to countless disputes over the estates of its deceased residents. That means there will be a call for court reporters to record depositions and court hearings regarding will, trusts and other estate planning matters.

3. New York – Inside New York State you’ll find Manhattan, and in Manhattan you will find the
most vibrant legal community in the world. Court reporters in New York can take on more work in the course of a day because of the physical proximity of all the law offices in Manhattan.

4. Illinois – Not much going on in Illinois…oh, except for Chicago – home to some of the most well-regarded legal minds in the country. Chicago court reporters may be called to work on Federal cases as well as those regarding the byzantine, always colorful local political scene.

5. Texas – Texas court reporters may find themselves working on a wide variety of case types
on any given day. The Lone Star State is home to immigration cases, large corporate anti-trust suits and even narcotics-related cases stemming the activity of drug cartels operating across the border in Mexico.

6. Nevada – The fastest growing state in the U.S., Nevada is a good place for a court reporter to set up shop. Because the population growth is such a recent occurrence, there is a chance for a court reporter to establish a comprehensive “network” as a trusted source on Nevada legal proceedings (as they pertain to court reporting and the filing of legal documents).

7. Louisiana – With Hurricane Katrina came a bevy of legal proceedings. Although it has been two years since the storm, there will likely be enough litigation in the New Orleans area alone to last for many years. Since many skilled professionals left the area after the Great Storm, there is a high demand for court reporters in the area.

For the best court reporters around the country, visit www.CourtReporterNet.com. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

Questions to ask if you’re considering a school for court reporters

2008-09-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Not all court reporting schools are created equal. Some are better equipped to help budding court reporters enter the competitive job market than others. But how do you know the difference between a top flight school for court reporters and a fly by night operation?

Here are five simple questions every prospective student should ask about their potential
training program.

1. What are the job placement rates? Ask about how many students have been placed into court reporting jobs in the past year or two.

2. How many students graduate from the program? Want to know if a program is worth taking? Simply ask about graduation rates and you’ll get your answer. If 90% or more people stuck it out until the end, you know there’s some value there.

3. Do the instructors have experience? You want to be taught by people who know the industry best, so always look for programs taught by people who are in the front lines of the court reporting business right now.

4. Do you have to bring your own steno machine? It may sound silly, but this is a perfectly legitimate question to ask up front. Steno machines are expensive, and eventually you will have to buy one if you pursue a career in court reporting, but many schools supply the device to its students for use in the coursework.

5. May I speak to some alumni? Graduates of the program are going to give you a more unbiased opinion about the school and whether or not it is worth investing in. Ask for an Alumni Guide, or access to some names and phone numbers of those who have completed the program.

For the best court reporters around the country, visit www.CourtReporterNet.com. CourtReporterNet.com is the one-stop source for all your Court Reporting, videography and Transcription needs. Powered by innovative technologies, and a professional customer support staff, CourtReporterNet.com is sure to meet your complete satisfaction. The court reporters of CourtReporterNet.com are currently available in New York, California, Florida, Chicago and other areas throughout the United States.

Court reporting and the deposition

2008-09-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

While many people believe that the bulk of court reporting takes place inside an actual court house, the reality is that court reports spend an overwhelming proportion of their time in law offices and meeting rooms working on depositions.

Depositions are a crucial part of the legal process and are used to create a written record of the testimony of key parties involved in a case. Depositions are generally taken for one of two reasons: either because the witness is unable to appear in court or to create a written record of that witness’ testimony which will later be corroborated against their live appearance in court.

In either case, creating a completely accurate record of the deposition testimony is an essential component of the case. And that is why professional court reporting is such an important part of the process.

Court reporting during a deposition requires an uncommon mixture of speed (individuals will be talking at normal conversational rates, or higher if nervous) and accuracy (the record created at the deposition will be used by the court as a verbatim recreation of that testimony).

Unlike a court room, court reporters must become accustomed to strange surroundings very quickly. The office in which the deposition is taken may be hot, cramped or just generally uncomfortable, but the court reporter must still provide the same top-tier service to their client.

The increasingly litigious state of our country has placed greater demands on trained and certified court reporters to work these depositions in civil cases and criminal cases as well.

If you have an upcoming deposition, your business needs to work with a top court reporting service in your area. The website www.courtreporternet.com can help you locate an outstanding reporter – even on short notice.

Five great reasons to become a court reporter

2008-09-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

This decade has been a good one for court reporters. The job is in demand and shows no signs of slowing down in the next decade. Relatively unaffected by the economy, court reporting is a great choice for the reasons that follow:

1. You will be in demand. Currently there is a significant demand for court reporters all around the country. Simply put, there’s more work than ever for a professionally trained court reporter – which makes this an excellent career choice in this difficult job market.

2. You will make good money. Employment data shows that court reporters earn an average of $65,000 - $70,000 per year.

3. This is an exciting job. Court reporters are given a chance to meet new and interesting people, and take part in legal cases that can change lives as well as our society as a whole. Few positions offer this kind of “front line” access to the fascinating comings and goings inside the legal system.

4. This is a chance to learn about the law. Anyone who is considering going to law school, or working in other areas of the legal community can benefit from being a court reporter. For those who are observant and learn by watching, the position offers a chance to excel in other areas of the business.

5. It is a job with stability. Court reporters cannot be replaced by computers. There is just too much of a human element involved. Also, it is a job that would be difficult to outsource to other countries due to the language requirements of the job.

Your business needs top court reporters. To work with a top court reporting service in your area, visit www.court-reporter.net today!

Texas court reporter on the receiving end of an unwanted kiss

2008-09-10T05:34:00.000-07:00

It happened in the 249th District courtroom of the Fort Worth, Texas judiciary system. Longtime court reporter LuAnn Gill was transcribing a case when she became distracted by Jerry Loftin, one of the courtroom attorneys, who was making unwanted noise that was making it difficult to do her job.

According to witnesses, Gill tapped Loftin on the shoulder and asked him to quiet down. Then, Loftin alleged bent down to thank Gill for being so conscientious and planted a kiss on her cheek.
Loftin denies it, but now finds himself in all kinds of trouble with the Texas Bar Association and the Johnson Court System, which recently charged the Fort Worth attorney with assault by offensive contact, a Class C misdemeanor that carries a maximum $500 fine.

His story sounds a bit shaky, "I didn’t really kiss her," he said. "She said I patted her on the back and kissed her cheek. I reached down and blew her a kiss — well, I was next to her cheek."
Regardless of the positioning of the kiss, the case is going to put a wrinkle in the veteran attorney’s career. As for the court reporter, she is taking the matter more seriously, "There is another side of this. He just doesn’t want anyone to hear it," Gill said. "The facts will be presented in court and you can hear what I have to say then."

The case is a rare instance where the court reporter is placed into the spotlight. The goal of any good court reporter is to remain behind the scenes – and focus solely on creating an accurate, impartial record of the events in court or during any peripheral legal proceedings.

Your business needs top court reporters. To work with a top court reporting service in your area, visit www.courtreporternet.com today!

Things you might not know that a court reporters can transcribe

2008-09-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

While everyone who has ever watched television knows that court reporters can transcribe what is being said during a courtroom trial, fewer people know about all the other functions that these valuable, skilled individuals can handle with ease.

Did you know that court reporters can transcribe the following?

· Depositions - The lion’s share of the court reporter’s time will be spent recording these testimonies of individuals who cannot appear in court or will need to have their in-court statements corroborated at a later date.

· Arbitration hearings – Two parties engaged in arbitration are going to want a complete written record of everything that was said as the two sides reached their agreement.

· Sales meetings - Companies often need to record the words used to “fire up the troops” for future sales meetings, or as an education tool for the next generation of salespeople

· Corporate events and functions –Annual stockholder meetings and company-wide get-togethers both can benefit from having a court reporter present.

· Closed-captioning – One of the fastest growing areas for court reporters. Television shows, live productions and other media all need fast transcribers to bring the message to the hearing-impaired as soon as it is spoken.

· Webinars – A court reporter in Omaha, Nebraska can transcribe a meeting in Los Angeles and New York if that corporate gathering is held online. Just like traditional meetings, the reporter records everything that is being said, and provides a comprehensive written documentation of the proceedings, via email, to all appropriate parties.

· Public gatherings – A court reporter can be used to transcribe anything from town hall meetings to church services.

With so many valuable uses for court reporters, your business needs to work with a top court reporting service in your area. Services like the ones found at www.courtreporternet.com can help you locate an outstanding reporter – even on short notice.

Court reporters more in demand than ever

2008-09-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

Court reporters play a crucial role in the legal system. They are the official record bearers of all court proceedings, depositions, hearing and other official meetings. And with a country that is more litigious than ever before, one would have to believe that more and more individuals are entering the court reporting field.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Recently, the National Court Reporting Association reported that their ranks had thinned in recent years. For evidence, they pointed to several key statistics:

· There are now only 130 schools across the United States that offer classes in court reporting – down significantly from the late 20^th century

· The number of court reporters registered with the NCRA is down to 23,000 – the lowest levels in two decades.

· Perception of the job is constantly referred to as “old fashioned” and “out of date” by those surveyed.

What is odd about these numbers is that the average court reporter earns almost $70,000 dollars per year and enjoys a tremendous amount of flexibility in their hours. They also work with the latest technologies and gain entrée in the legal profession that even most law students can’t claim to have.

For those wondering about the longevity of this career choice, they need look no further than the case of Margaret Wasmund, an award-winning court reporter who has built a stable, rewarding career in the business. Wasmund echoed the call of many in the legal profession when she said, “we do need more reporters and I think there are fewer than there once was. I just don't know where they are!”

With outstanding court reports in greater demand, it is more important ever to work with a top court reporting service. Services like the ones found at courtreporternet.com can help you locate an outstanding reporter – even on short notice.

Become a Court Reporter

2008-08-28T23:19:00.001-07:00

Court Reporting Contest - 280 Words Per Minute!

2008-08-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

COCRA Message to Members and Friends

2008-07-03T22:44:00.001-07:00

Iowa Court Reporters Association Convention

2008-07-03T22:43:00.001-07:00

NY Torture Victim Faces Alleged Attacker

2008-07-03T22:30:00.001-07:00

PlusNY Torture Victim Faces Alleged AttackerNY Torture Victim Faces Alleged AttackerThe Associated PressA Columbia University graduate student who was raped and tortured during 19 hours of nightmares.

Dozer Boy Escapes Death Sentence

2008-07-03T22:29:00.003-07:00

Neocon Gingrich Fearmongers Nuked City in Order to Bust Due

2008-07-03T22:29:00.001-07:00

Marsha Mills Appeal Hearing

2008-07-03T22:28:00.001-07:00

George W. Bush Blames Torture Policy on U.S. Troops

2008-07-03T22:27:00.007-07:00

Bush's Supreme (Court) Hypocrisy: "Slander[ing] America"

2008-07-03T22:27:00.005-07:00

Fox on Atlantic Yards Eminent Domain Supreme Court Petition

2008-07-03T22:27:00.003-07:00

Federal Judge rules Patriot Act... Un-Constitutional!

2008-07-03T22:27:00.001-07:00

The Iowa Court Reporters Association Hypnotist

2008-07-03T22:26:00.005-07:00

Governor O'Malley swears in Sally D. Adkins

2008-07-03T22:26:00.003-07:00

the "malicious troll" videos that inmendham DMCAed

2008-07-03T22:26:00.001-07:00

Anwar Ibrahim - Foreign Correspondent

2008-07-03T22:25:00.007-07:00

Anthony Lewis Speaks about Free Speech

2008-07-03T22:25:00.005-07:00

Jillen Stelding explains court reporting

2008-07-03T22:25:00.003-07:00

TV Reporter talks to a lesbian

2008-07-03T22:25:00.001-07:00

Bill Gates Rain Man Deposition

2007-12-02T16:38:00.001-08:00

The Office-Best Scenes-The Deposition

2007-12-02T16:27:00.001-08:00

The Dolan Law Firm of San Francisco - What is Discovery?

2007-12-02T16:24:00.002-08:00

In this video, our Northern California lawyer, Christopher Dolan, explains the definition of discovery; which involves two processes: written and deposition. Written discovery is where you need to prepare all the documents related to your case. Deposition discovery is when you sit down with the court reporter.

fbi agent acused of corruption

2007-12-02T16:24:00.001-08:00

NCRA 100 Presidents

2007-12-02T16:23:00.001-08:00

Part of the opening montage at the 2007 NCRA Annual Convention honoring the 100 Presidents the organization has had.

New York Court Reporting

2007-12-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

Court reporter net is the premiere New York Court Reporting ageny. They offer the highest level of court reporting available in the USA and around the world. Court reporter net has offices in NY and all around the world. Visit them today and see what court reporter net can offer you!

Court Reporting, Videography and Transcription needs

2007-11-14T09:48:00.001-08:00

Our Court Reporting Services - court reporters agency

24/7 online document repository
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Call Today 800-960-1861 Or Click Here Court Reporting Firm

Legal Transcription and Court Reporting

2007-11-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

Court reporters are very special people who are responsible for converting speeches, conversations and all legal proceedings into typed or written transcripts as these are very essential and important records that is required for communication. Transcription work done by the court reporters can fall into any of the following categories,

Real time court reporting
Steno machine/computer aided court reporting
Voice writing method
Transcription for the disabled (hearing impaired)
Deposition transcriptions at attorney offices (out of the court premise)
Transcription of meetings / conventions etc

In the steno machine method reporters have to press multiple keys so that a combination of letters is recorded. Each of these letters represents certain words or sound. These are later transcribed with the help of the computer.

The American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT) certify electronic court reporters. The different types of certifications include, Certified Electronic Court Reporter (CER), Certified Electronic Court Transcriber (CET), and Certified Electronic Court Reporter and Transcriber (CERT). What are the basic skills and requirements to become a good court reporter? Well here is a brief list of requirements to become a court reporter;

Active listening skill
High accuracy
Awareness of current happenings, events
High speed work
Be able to listen and speak simultaneously
Good spelling of names of places / people etc
Good legal terminology / vocabulary
Knowledge of appellate procedures
Good computer literacy

Besides legal transcription, quite often court reporters are also known to assist judges and lawyers with regards to the different court procedures and also in administration.

Why My Court Reporter Quit

2007-10-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

This is a funny video of a court reporter having a hard time tring to report the court reporting transcrition.

This court reporter may have been from new york court reporting firm or a new jersey court reporter.

Court Reporting: The art of perfection

2007-10-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

Simply put court reporters don't miss a beat in recording every single word that is said. Just ask the professors who we've entrusted our children's' education with

"Some professors expressed concern that taking notes on computers rather than with a pen and paper is not conducive to learning.

"They become so nervous they actually become court reporters - they take down every word I say," said University of Washington law professor Maureen Howard, who once had a student e-mail her a nearly verbatim account of a lecture asking if she could fill in the missing words."

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/local/state/story/9353964p-9268104c.html

Enough said.

Classic Carol Burnett Court Reporter

2007-10-08T08:36:00.001-07:00

Do Fisa wiretaps prevent terrorist attacks?

2007-10-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

Are terror Prosecutions in Jeopardy?

2007-10-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

Could President Bush's refusal to obtain warrants ultimately prevent the prosecution of known terrorists?

Kate Martin, Director of the Center For National Security Studies, and veteran Supreme Court reporter Lyle Denniston join Professor Connie Rudnick on this episode of The Massachusetts School of Law Educational Forum, Spying on Americans.

Arnella Sims: "A stable and reliable retirement"

2007-10-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Arnella Sims, a 31-year Los Angeles County Superior Court reporter, shares her dream of a secure retirement

Britney Spears and K-Fed Custody Battle Update

2007-10-08T08:31:00.001-07:00

A court commissioner ruled Wednesday that Britney Spears can have visits with her two sons but did not reverse an order giving temporary custody to Kevin Federline, the pop star's ex-husband, his attorney said.

Superior Court Commissioner Scott M. Gordon was expected to issue an order later in the day detailing the visitation rights, Federline's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan said.

Federline attended the hearing but Spears did not. Her attorney, Sorrell Trope, did not speak to reporters.

Britney Spears' former bodyguard, Tony Barretto, plans to meet with officials from Child Protective Services from about 6 to 7:30 p.m., according to his attorney, Gloria Allred. Barretto has alleged that Spears used drugs and engaged in other misconduct in front of her two children.
Court spokesman Allan Parachini indicated Spears would be allowed monitored visits every other day.
Federline, 29, and Spears, 25, were ordered back to court Oct. 26 for another hearing.

(Clip and Text From KNBC 4 - Los Angeles)

For the record: Court reporters are in short supply

2007-09-10T14:21:00.001-07:00

Transcribing trials is a must, but these days, fewer people are entering the profession

Sunday, September 09, 2007
By JEFF HARRELL
STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- They've been around since before the days of Perry Mason, tapping out trial testimony to create a permanent record. But these days, the ranks of court reporters are dwindling, making them almost as valuable to court proceedings as the more vocal players -- the witnesses, lawyers and judges.

Courts on Staten Island and elsewhere are scrambling to find good ones and the shortage looks like it will continue. In a city that is home to 8 million people, there are just 405 Supreme Court reporters -- just 25 on Staten Island. There are 10 court reporters deployed in family, civil and criminal court.

According to Reesa Parker, president of the National Court Reporters Association, the number of schools taking part in NCRA's certification programs and their graduates have steadily declined over the decade. Almost 1,000 students graduated from more than 100 NCRA-certified schools in 1996. This year, 62 certified programs across the U.S. will graduate fewer than 350 court reporters.

Student enrollment is down at area schools that offer specialized courses in court reporting, such as Manhattan's New York Career Institute, SUNY Alfred State University and Stenotech in New Jersey.

Many prospective students are scared away from the career path at the get-go, fearing they'll eventually be replaced by a tape recorder.

"They don't want to start a career that may be phased out eventually," says Supreme Court reporter Robin Lueddeke in St. George.

The shortage of court reporters started a number of years ago in state, largely due to a state pilot program that used electronic recording.

"They had made it public knowledge by putting it out in newspapers, that the court systems [were] going to be installing electonic recorders," says Brian DiGiovanna, president of the Association of Surragate's and Supreme Court Reporters, the city's court reporters' union. "It scared people. It scared parents and it scared people who were thinking of going into the field."

When less people showed up to apply for entrance level testing, "they realized that it was a big mistake, and they tried to correct that mistake," DiGiovanna says.

State court officials tried to right the ship by expanding college training programs that had dwindled down to two schools in the New York City area.

Find a court reporter nationwide today

Transcript Treachery

2007-09-10T14:18:00.001-07:00

Dobbs: ...White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said we're waiting for full transcripts...
Toobin: This is bizarre. Perhaps not a phrase we want to use today, but it is not rocket science to produce transcripts. Every trial has a court reporter.
Dobbs: Right.
Toobin: You can't have an appeal before you have the full transcript. I mean, it's simply inexcusable not to have transcripts this late after a trial....
[...]
Toobin: Well, and -- you know, the justice system stops in its tracks, because an appeals court can't evaluate a trial until they can read what happened. So it is totally unexpected. I've never seen this long for a transcript.

Second Hand Smoke on Trial

2007-09-10T14:17:00.001-07:00

This clip from the new unreleased feature film "The Pack" directed by Alyssa Rallo Bennett, where addiction, love and murder are burning issues.

"The Pack" is the riveting tale of how second-hand smoke destroys a family and divides a nation. "The Pack" has its finger on the pulse of the America and where people stand regarding this major social issue plaguing our country.

Times change and any of us can get caught in the cultural shift of our nation. "The Pack" asks the searing question: "What if your behavior was legally accepted for dozens of years and all of a sudden it came into question?"

Written by Alyssa & Gary O. Bennett of Electric Movies & Jamaad Productions the film stars
Lucie Arnaz
Molly Culver
Tibor Feldman
Adam Ferrara
Dan Frazier
Zach Galligan
Ryan Homchick
David Laundra
Carlos Leon
Angie Martinez
Elisabeth Moss
Roger Robinson

"The Pack" is a powerful dramatic story about second-hand smoke and personal responsibility inspired by real life stories and documented cases where secondhand smoke is believed to be the cause of a loved ones death.

In "The Pack", an ambitious Assistant District Attorney (Carlos Leon) prosecutes a wife and mother (Lucie Arnaz) on three counts of murder after her forty-seven year old husband (Scott Bryce) dies of lung cancer from breathing her second-hand smoke for thirty years. In a wrenching twist, it turns out that the Assistant DA is acting at the request of the couple's twenty-year-old son (Ryan Homchick) who is mourning the loss of his father. At first, the jury (played by an amazing and notable ensemble cast: Fiona Choi, Jim Coope, Molly Culver, Adam Ferrara, Dan Frazer, Suzanne Froix, Zach Galligan, Brooks Hornsby, Angie Martinez, Jennifer McCabe, Charlie Moss & Roger Robinson) struggles with what appears to be a ridiculous case, but as one juror delves deeper into the facts, the jury finds itself drawn into an intriguing, emotional and complicated choice regarding addiction, awareness and individual responsibility. Tibor Feldman, Peter Francis James, David Laundra, Carlos Leon, William C. Mitchell, Elisabeth Moss, Angela Pietropinto and Rick Washburn round out the ensemble cast.

"The Pack" brings to the forefront the complexities and anguish surrounding this vital social issue. Grounded in legal reality, the films deals with the heart wrenching issues surrounding love, loyalty, and personal accountability.

"The Pack" evolved over several years with the film's writers honing the screenplay with the input of many prominent actors including Paul Sorvino (a script consultant), Lucy Arnaz, Joe Jackson and James Earl Jones.

Alyssa Rallo Bennett (Sonnets in the City, The Weather Report, Dance for Me Velma, Jack & Jill, and Juden Rift -- 2004 Fade In Screen Play Award) creates The Pack's cinematically beautiful texture by weaving flash backs, home style movies and courtroom sequences together using both 35 mm and digital cinematography.

"The Pack", co-produced by Ms. Bennett and Josselyne Herman-Saccio (Anne B. Real, Tollbooth, A&E's Biography, They're Just My Friends, Madness Is Catching), is now about to enter the festival circuit.

A two-minute trailer, additional clips from the movie, cast info, and production stills can be seen by visiting

Govt. Witnesses Vandalize to get Evidence

2007-09-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

During a break, in another malicious prosecution, by the Govt of Ontario's loved and respected lead Crown Attorneys , Adam Zegouras and his boss Lee Burgess, their star witness having been caught in many lies does his best to manufacture evidence for the Govt Of Ontario during a break. This is totally legal, we must conclude, because while here is clear proof of vandalism and harassment, a violation for a court order to have no contact with myself (you can't see me but I'm working on the side of my former home) crown witness Mr. Tim Young was not held accountable. He did not even have to stand trial. The biggest thing this video shows, is perjury by Mr. Young's wife, she lied in court claiming she new nothing about the months of criminal harassment, vandalism, assaults and Moore. The Learned Judge Stephen, said he found Mrs. Young to be creditable. Mrs. Young was in the family van once, when Mr. Young ran into a fence post, she was laughing. However I can't prove that at this time, but it did happen. You can see much more about how our courts work over here

Do Fisa wiretaps prevent terrorist attacks?

2007-09-10T14:12:00.001-07:00

Has the government's violation of the 4th amendment (unreasonable searches and seizures) made us safer?

Kate Martin, Director of the Center For National Security Studies, and veteran Supreme Court reporter Lyle Denniston join Professor Connie Rudnick on this episode of The Massachusetts School of Law Educational Forum, Spying on Americans.

The full episode of Massachusetts School of Law Educational Forum is available at
http://tinyurl.com/25hhs9. The Massachusetts School of Law also presents information on important current affairs to the general public in television and radio broadcasts, an intellectual journal, conferences, author appearances, blogs and books. For more information visit www.mslaw.edu. MSLAW podcasts are available from http://mslaw.libsyn.com/rss and on iTunes

Media Law court Reporting and Contempt of Court

2007-09-10T14:11:00.001-07:00

Court reporters use skills to document veterans' memories

2007-09-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

written by: Adam Schrager , Political Reporter

http://www.9news.com/news/politics_govt/printarticle.aspx?storyid=70928

DENVER - As a court reporter, Kirstin O'Malley has seen conflict up close and personally. But what she's doing on her vacation time is introducing her to a different type of conflict, one she feels is absolutely critical to record.

"I think these are incredible men and women who have served our country and they've had amazing experiences," said O'Malley, who is one of a number of Denver Academy of Court Reporting graduates who are using their professional skills to take down the personal stories of America's wartime veterans. "You have to appreciate what they go through in even telling the story, letting us into their private experiences."

The court reporters are participating in the Veterans History Project through the Library of Congress in Washington. The program was established on October 27, 2000 to collect oral histories, letters, diaries and photographs from veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars.

On a recent Saturday, O'Malley was recording a different type of deposition. This one was from Vietnam Veteran Charles Cusack.

"My most emotional situation was when a good friend of mine was killed," Cusack said with his wife Virginia and his daughter Ami watching and listening.

As Cusak shared stories of bombing runs under intense fire, the women in his life listened with their mouths open.

"As I started to roll in, they started to shoot at me and the sky was full of anti aircraft fire," he said of one run into North Vietnam. "Black puffs, white puffs, green tracers, pink tracers, red tracers, they were coming all around me.

"Once I released, I started pulling and the napalm smacked the target . . . I lit the afterburners and I didn't stop until I got through the cloud layer at 22,000 feet. I went right straight through that cloud and the forward air controller just kept screaming, 'You got it, you got it, you got it.'"

Over in a nearby room at the academy, Harold Dawe was describing how he earned the bronze star during his time in Korea.

"There were 50 of us who went up (a) hill and defended it against hundreds of Chinese for 12 hours," Dawe told the court reporter assigned to hear his stories from Platoon 635. "They figured that was worthy of some recognition."

For the court reporters, the opportunity to participate was welcomed. Used to being the keeper of legal records, Kirstin O'Malley says the chance to be the keeper of the historical record is a logical extension.

"One of my passions is to take memoirs," said O'Malley, whose husband did three tours of duty in Vietnam. "I feel very honored to take (their stories).

"I've come away with more compassion and understanding for veterans."

Court Mishaps

2007-08-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

The Depo Trail

2007-08-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Two kinds of writing - Court Reporting

2007-08-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

Court Reporters Job Description

2007-08-09T09:43:00.001-07:00

The Service of court reporters nationwide

Court Reporter Jailed

2007-08-09T09:41:00.002-07:00

This company didnt use Court Reporters Net see what happens.

A court stenographer was freed Monday evening, 12 March 2007, after spending the weekend in the Broward County Jail trying to finish a trial transcript needed for the long-delayed appeal of a convicted child rapist.

On Friday, Broward Circuit Judge Charles Greene jailed Ann Margaret Smith, 44, of Lauderhill, for contempt of court after he said she missed several deadlines from the 4th District Court of Appeal.

Greene put Smith under house arrest Monday while she finishes the last 400 pages of the 1,500-page transcript.

Smith's attorney argued she has three children to care for and she was making less progress typing up the transcript in jail: 91 pages in the past 21/2 days.

"If I was home, I would be working until 2 or 3 in the morning. And being in prison ... my mind is boggled thinking about my kids," Smith told the judge. Church members have been caring for her children.

Smith, a court stenographer for 21 years, said she had never before missed an appeals court deadline.

The transcript is from the trial of Damion Winston Foster, who was convicted of raping a 2-year-old Pompano Beach boy. In April 2006, Foster was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without parole

Kanabay Candid Camera Court Reporter

2007-08-09T09:41:00.001-07:00

Court Reporter Jailed

2007-08-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

A court stenographer was freed Monday evening, 12 March 2007, after spending the weekend in the Broward County Jail trying to finish a trial transcript needed for the long-delayed appeal of a convicted child rapist.

On Friday, Broward Circuit Judge Charles Greene jailed Ann Margaret Smith, 44, of Lauderhill, for contempt of court after he said she missed several deadlines from the 4th District Court of Appeal.

Greene put Smith under house arrest Monday while she finishes the last 400 pages of the 1,500-page transcript.

Smith's attorney argued she has three children to care for and she was making less progress typing up the transcript in jail: 91 pages in the past 21/2 days.

"If I was home, I would be working until 2 or 3 in the morning. And being in prison ... my mind is boggled thinking about my kids," Smith told the judge. Church members have been caring for her children.

Smith, a court stenographer for 21 years, said she had never before missed an appeals court deadline.

The transcript is from the trial of Damion Winston Foster, who was convicted of raping a 2-year-old Pompano Beach boy. In April 2006, Foster was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without parole

Spotlight on Court Reporting and Captioning

2007-08-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

Classic Carol Burnett Court Reporter

2007-08-09T09:38:00.001-07:00

Why I Quit Court Reporting

2007-08-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

Need a Court Reporter? Find a court reporter online fast... nationwide.