20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You usually start by checking the schedule in Microsoft Outlook or Courtpages for depositions, hearings, and trials that day. Expect to sit in courtroom sessions, transcribe live using a stenotype machine or realtime software, and pause only for short breaks between proceedings.
After hearings you proofread and certify transcripts in Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect, handle requests for certified copies, and coordinate with lawyers and clerks. Some days also include typing court orders, digitising documents, or attending out-of-court depositions.
Most reporters use a stenotype machine linked to software like Advantage Software Total Eclipse, Cheetah SmartCAT, or AudioScribe SpeechCAT for realtime output. For final transcripts you’ll export into Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect and email via Microsoft Outlook.
You might also use Courtpages for court scheduling, and tools to digitise audio or documents. Learn the specific system your court or agency uses—many places standardise on one package.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2025), there were about 12,870 court reporters employed. The median annual wage was $72,420. The lowest tenth earned about $42,130, while the top tenth earned about $130,560.
Pay varies by location, freelance vs. staff work, realtime capability, and whether you do official transcripts or broadcast stenocaptioning.
Start with a court reporting program or community college course that teaches stenotype, shorthand theory, and transcription methods. Practice typing accurately and learn legal terminology and court procedures used in hearings and trials.
Get experience with software like Total Eclipse or SmartCAT during training. After school, pass any required state certification or licensure and join professional associations to stay current.
They overlap but aren’t identical. Court reporters transcribe live proceedings verbatim with a stenotype machine, certify transcripts, and may administer oaths or type court orders. Closed-captioners often work from prerecorded audio or for TV broadcasts and may use similar realtime software.
Some reporters do stenocaptioning for live broadcasts using the same machines and software, but other transcription jobs (just typing from recordings) don’t require realtime stenotype skills or official certification.
AI can help for a first draft from audio, but court reporting requires certified, verbatim accuracy. Use AI only to assist after you capture audio or your realtime output; always proofread, correct legal terms, and ensure the transcript matches the stenotype record before certifying.
Never rely on AI to certify accuracy. Court reporters must correct spelling, inaudible statements, and legal names themselves, and they are responsible for the final, certified text.
Realtime accuracy under pressure: being able to capture spoken words on a stenotype machine at high speed without errors. That includes fast, accurate audio-to-steno translation, plus knowing legal terminology so you don’t guess words.
Combine that with quick proofreading using Microsoft Word or WordPerfect and the ability to ask speakers to clarify inaudible statements during breaks. Those concrete habits keep transcripts error-free and certifiable.