Do you kick butt at typing, amaze others with your listening abilities and dress like someone off The Practice? If so, you may have some of what it takes to become a successful court reporter. Rate yourself on these five top traits for court reporters.
1. Successful court reporters have an interest in law
In order to become a successful court reporter, you’re going to have to learn quite a lot about law and legal proceedings. If you have a genuine interest in these topics, you can rest assured that you will not be bored. During training to become a court reporter, you will study legal theory, law and legal terminology, reporting procedures, and court reporting English. You may even learn general psychology, medical terminology, physiology and anatomy.
2. Successful court reporters possess technical skill
If you want to be a successful court reporter, you have to be able to listen well and type fast. If you want to become certified, you’ll need to develop a machine shorthand typing speed of at least 225 words per minute. This speed will allow you to keep up with the normal pace of courtroom proceedings. Of course, fast typing is worthless if you’re not typing accurately. A lot of accuracy comes from listening closely to what is being said, so superior listening skills are beneficial.
3. Successful court reporters present a professional appearance
If you want to work in t-shirts, jeans and sneakers, court reporting is probably not the career for you. On the other hand, if you love dressing professionally, enjoy coordinating your suits, shirts and ties, and have no desire to express yourself with facial tattoos or wild piercings, you should fit right in to the courtroom environment.
4. Successful court reporters know how to concentrate
The courtroom moves fast. The witnesses are talking, the judge is talking, the lawyers are talking – and you have to type it all down. If you are easily distracted, accurate and efficient court reporting will be difficult. If you are able to retain a laser-like focus at all times, you should excel.
5. Successful court reporters want to make a difference
A successful court reporter understands that the transcription he or she creates of the courtroom proceedings is invaluable to both sides of the case. A court reporter who always does his or her best will be making the legal process easier on all involved.
Are you the next great court reporter? If you believe that could be the case, now is the time to learn more about what to expect from your education and career as a court reporter. Please check out our other articles and resources as you continue to explore the field.
