Class Title: Court Reporter I
Scope of Work
This is work providing judges and attorneys with simultaneous transcription of testimony to assist with trial preparation. The Court Reporter II stenographically reports all proceedings in courts in order to create an accurate and verbatim transcript of the proceedings. Duties include providing realtime hookups during trial when requested by the judge, reading back requested portions of the proceedings from real-time translation via laptop computer, and preparing for trial in realtime by obtaining witness names, street names, etc., for the utmost accuracy in transcription. Duties also include editing stenographic notes and translating notes from steno to transcript (booklet form and is written in English), proofreading transcript, verifying the correct spelling of names, places, medical terms, scientific terms, technological terms, etc., by comparing transcript to court file, and correcting spelling discrepancies. The Court Reporter II prints and binds completed transcripts, copies back-up transcripts for archive purposes, archives notes and accompanying dockets; maintains, updates and edits stenographic dictionary; and maintains an accurate log of each day’s proceedings. The Court Reporter II stays abreast of latest technological advances in the field and new terminology that is offered in felony cases such as DNA data, medical and psychological opinions in order to increase speed and accuracy in work. Work is performed under the supervision of a Manager, Court Reporting Services or other court manager.
Education and Training Guidelines
Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent and an Associate’s degree from an accredited court reporting school, and five years of stenographic experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience in legal/court reporting.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of court system, procedures, and practices. Knowledge of legal and medical terminology as well as extensive vocabulary. Knowledge of applicable statutes, rules, regulations, laws and ordinances. Skill to operate a variety of office equipment, including computer keyboard, printer, fax machine, copying machine, telephones, calculator, etc. Skill in operating a computer keyboard using standard and specialized software applications. Skill in using standard office practices, procedures and equipment. Ability to record testimony at the standard required both for speed and accuracy. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to create stenographic brief forms to streamline trial record realtime. Ability to handle multiple tasks with deadline requirements. Ability to plan, organize and performs a variety of clerical functions. Ability to perform realtime capability. Ability to answer questions from judges and attorneys regarding the use of realtime software. Ability to maintain efficient and effective work methods and procedures. Ability to effectively use business English, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions. Ability to interact professionally and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers, government officials and the public. Ability to concentrate and sit in one position for long periods of time, often without a break. Ability to work in a fast-paced, automated environment with many interruptions. Ability to perform real-time hookup from a stenograph machine to a laptop computer. Ability to utilize Windows-based processing applications such as Word Perfect, translation software such as Eclipse, and to access and use the Internet for research.