SHORTHAND REPORTERS AND COURT REPORTERS Number 162 Interest Area 7 1998
THE JOB
SHORTHAND REPORTERS/COURT REPORTERS record all statements made at trials, hearings or meetings to furnish an official written record. Shorthand is a method of rapid writing using symbols to represent sounds (phonetics) of language. They may take notes in shorthand or use a stenotype or shorthand machine that prints letters on a paper tape. The coded information is then transcribed (translated) to readable text.
Court Reporters (Official Reporters) are Shorthand Reporters who record court proceedings. Hearing Reporters record governmental hearings. They prepare transcripts of the proceedings.
Freelance Shorthand Reporters work in private practice and record meetings in a variety of settings like law offices or conference rooms. They get their own clients or may contract with private or public agencies for assignments. Taking depositions takes up about 85% of free-lance reporters' time.
Shorthand Reporters must be able to understand and record the spoken word quickly and accurately. This is sometimes difficult when a speaker uses technical language or has an accent or speech problem. Frequently they must read statements aloud directly from their notes, so they must be able to speak clearly.
Computer-aided transcription (CAT) is the keystone of new technology which allows for computerized shorthand reporting. This new reporting technology uses stenotype machines which are attached to computers to transcribe and display the English translation on monitors. Television closed-captioning for hearing-impaired subscribers brings a brand new career field to Shorthand Reporters who transcribe television programs. Words are converted electronically into captions that appear seconds later on the home TV screen. Translation of live broadcasts now make it possible for hearing- impaired people to enjoy the dialogue and "sounds" appearing as closed- captioned subtitles along with the action. They can get near-instant translation of the World Series, the Superbowl, news, weather reports, and entertainment. Closed captions are encoded and sent with the regular television signal. Viewers use a decoder device attached to the screen to receive them. Many TVs now have a built-in computer chip to activate closed-captions.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Court Reporter and Shorthand Reporters may work without breaks for long stretches at a time. They work under pressure to record proceedings flawlessly and meet strict deadlines. Reporters have little control over work schedules. Many of them transcribe their notes at home or hire someone else to do the transcription. They usually buy their own stenotype machine and ancillary computer equipment.
Shorthand Reports frequently travel to various courthouses, attorney's offices or hearing rooms. Mileage may or may not be reimbursed.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Stenographers which includes Shorthand Reporters and Court Reporters.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 9,380 Estimated number of workers in 2005 9,070 Projected Growth 1993-2005 -3% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,970
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Employment opportunities may decrease slightly over the next five years as CAT technology offers better reporting methods with fewer workers. Job openings for those with computer skills are expected to increase. Between 1,200 and 1,500 Shorthand Reporters work in the court system, with the balance working in other area, such as recording depositions.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Earnings vary widely both with geographic locations and the job setting. Official Reporters permanently assigned to courts in urban areas earn between $35,000 and $60,000 a year. They also get paid for transcripts. This can add to their over-all compensation. Vacation, sick leave, dental and medical benefits are usually paid by employers. Freelance reporters are paid by the job, a percentage of the billing for the deposition page, or per appearance, or a combination of these. Their earnings can be as little as $13,000 or as high as $80,000 per year and depend largely on building a reputation, by networking, and a willingness to work long hours.
The customary workweek is 40 hours, but freelance and hearing reporters may work 12 hours a day for weeks at a time. Workweeks may be longer if they produce the transcripts themselves. Travel is also common for freelancers. Their income is sometimes limited only by the number of assignments they desire to undertake.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Certified Shorthand Reporters (CSRs) are licensed by the State Board. They must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. They must pass the State Board exam, and, in the most recent five years, meet one of the following requirements:
One year's experience taking word-by-word records of meetings, hearings or other events by shorthand or by machine, or
Verified certificate of satisfactory completion in a recognized California Court Reporting School and have the ability to make a verbatim record from dictated material, or
National Court Reporters Association certificate of proficiency or certificate of merit, or
Passing grade on the California State Hearing Reporter examination, or
Valid Certified Shorthand Reporters certificate or license issued by another State which is approved by the board.
The State examination is very difficult, and most persons who take the test do not pass. Only 14 percent of the persons who took the November 1997 test passed. The test is administered twice a year.
Although reporters do not have to be certified, most employers prefer certified Shorthand Reporters. Uncertified reporters cannot take depositions or work in courtrooms if certified reporters are available. Uncertified reporters could do insurance statements and the like.
The best way to get the necessary skills is to attend a shorthand reporting school. The State Court Reporters Board provides a list of accredited schools. It is possible to get through training in 18 months, but most full-time day students take three to five years to graduate. While entrance requirements vary, most schools require typing skills. High school students should take English courses that stress grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling, as well as typing and computer data entry classes.
ADVANCEMENT
No clear promotional ladder exists for Shorthand Reporters. However, reporters do move back and forth between general, hearing and court work that provides challenges in assignments and can mean higher pay. Advancement for freelance reporters is measured by greater responsibility, higher wages and increased opportunities through networking.
FINDING THE JOB
Jobseekers should also network with association members and apply with their school placement center, courts, lawyers, and county, State and federal personnel agencies. Additionally, they can register with the nearest Employment Development Department Job Service. The Job Hunt Survival Kit, California Occupational Guide #600, also provides good job search tips.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The Court Reporters Board of California 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 230 Sacramento, CA 95833 (916) 263-3660
California Court Reporters Association 3031 F Street, Suite 201 Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 443-5090
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Typist and Word Processing Technicians No. 20 Stenographers No. 25 Secretaries No. 128 Legal Secretaries No. 172 Medical Secretaries No. 177
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Shorthand Reporter (clerical) 202.362-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Stenographers 553020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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