Court Reporter Jan Hamilton shares with Planet Depos what she loves most about reporting, her most memorable witness, and a bittersweet assignment. “It’s the people with whom I’ve had the honor and privilege to work, the newness and spontaneity of every day, and the endless opportunities to learn.”
Counsel nearly coming to fisticuffs is something Jan’s seen quite a few times in her 36 years as a reporter, but in what she describes as the first time she ever saw anything like it, counsel actually lunged at one another from across the conference room table. That event left “The Puppy Case” forever ingrained in her memory.
Jan has met world-renowned experts ranging from computer developers who hold multiple patents, neurosurgeons who are pioneers in their field, and scientists who have invented vaccines. The brilliance of the minds of these experts never ceases to fascinate her. She thrills at each opportunity, and remembers one who was not only brilliant, but sweet. He was a doctor/scientist, who at the conclusion of his testimony mentioned he needed to catch a flight to Boston, where he was scheduled to speak. Jan gladly drove him to the airport, and to show his appreciation, he handed her an antique piece of silver, followed by a handwritten thank you note sent all the way from Israel.
Jan loves the challenge of keeping up with every speaker and the fact that she never knows what’ll be next. A bittersweet experience that Jan recounts stems from her handing a dying witness her card, telling him, “I don’t look much like a farm hand, but I know how to use a pitch fork, I’m not afraid of dirt, and I’d be happy to lend a hand with your horses.” The gentleman passed away shortly after Jan began helping on the farm, and Jan is grateful that she today remains dear friends with his fiancée.
As Jan tells Planet Depos, “No other profession provides the highs, the lows, the adrenaline-pumping moments and learning opportunities that court reporting does. Anyone who thrives on challenge and never knowing what’s around the next bend would love court reporting.”