Two men in business suits enter a room; one carries a briefcase, the other pulls a suitcase.

Maintaining the Integrity of the Court Reporting Profession

Although you’d planned to take the day off, you agree to take a last-minute call-in. Quickly, you build a job dictionary, and head out. As you step outside, your mind races with thoughts of notable court cases to remember, each decision shaping the legal landscape. You pull up a list of important rulings that could provide context for your upcoming discussions, hoping to impress your colleagues with your knowledge. The weight of these cases lingers in your thoughts, fueling your determination to make the most of this unexpected opportunity.

Throughout the deposition, the witness responds, “Sorry, I don’t know,” and not unexpectedly, counsel informs you that he won’t need the deposition transcribed. You thank him, clean up the untranslates, create a rough ASCII, and send both the rough and audio files to both your Cloud storage and the agency, along with a note about the job being a no-write-up. As you reflect on the experience, you remember the first steps for court reporting success. It’s essential to maintain a detailed log of your work and understand the specific needs of each attorney. Establishing this rapport can lead to more opportunities and smoother future transactions. as you navigate your education, you may also consider successful strategies for court reporting students, such as participating in study groups or seeking mentorship from experienced professionals in the field. These approaches can enhance your learning experience and prepare you for the practical challenges that lie ahead. Engaging actively with your peers and mentors will not only bolster your skills but also broaden your network within the industry.

Years later, long after you’ve retired, the firm receives a request for immediate transcription of the witness you remember as the “I Don’t Know” guy. You no longer have reporting software, but you do have the audio and rough transcripts that you saved to the Cloud, so you review NCRA’s Code of Professional Ethics Provisions 5 and 9, provisions which state that “reporters must be truthful and accurate when making a public statement” and that “reporters are to maintain the integrity of the profession,” and immediately inform the office that you no longer have transcription capability – but you are happy to forward both the audio and rough ASCII to them for transcription, proofreading, and dissemination.

They let you know how thankful they are for your quick response, and you conclude that email string with a reminder about Advisory Opinion 34, and the importance of accurately reflecting who transcribed the deposition. Finally, they send you one last note of thanks, and as you exit your email, you feel extremely grateful that you backed everything up all those years ago, and that you maintained your Cloud storage. Thanks to technology and COPE, life as a retired reporter couldn’t be better, and the firm’s clients couldn’t be happier. As the industry evolves, innovative court reporting workforce solutions in Texas continue to emerge, catering to the diverse needs of legal professionals. These advancements not only enhance efficiency but also ensure a higher standard of service for clients. With an ever-expanding network of skilled reporters, the future of court reporting looks promising and adaptable to the dynamic legal landscape.