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Thursday, 7 July 2016

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lex Reporting Service Receives 2016 Best of Bronx Award

Bronx Award Program Honors the Achievement

BRONX July 7, 2016 -- Lex Reporting Service has been selected for the 2016 Best of Bronx Award in the Court Reporting Services category by the Bronx Award Program.

Each year, the Bronx Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Bronx area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2016 Bronx Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Bronx Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Bronx Award Program

The Bronx Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Bronx area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Bronx Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Bronx Award Program

CONTACT:
Bronx Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@awardconnect.org
http://www.awardconnect.org

Tuesday, 29 March 2016

Today's 2016 Court Reporter Outlook

Court reporting has become the popular kid at the occupational lunch table.

While student loan debt continues to hit the headlines this year as a major political campaign issue, many individuals are also looking for jobs in areas not requiring years of studying topics unrelated to their desired occupations.

Many people are not aware of the opportunities in the court reporting industry. The field is wide open, partly because it’s not a career that springs readily to mind. Once becoming cognizant of its advantage, it presents an understandable attraction to those seeking to start a new profession.

Although court reporting brings to mind an individual typing away at a courtroom trial, the majority of court reporters are independent contractors. They perform their work in corporate conference rooms, law offices, board meetings and the like. Freelance court reporters enjoy a unique flexibility found in few other vocations; they set their own schedules, working when, where and for whom they desire.

According to a recent reports, it may take anywhere from eighteen months to three years to complete studies, depending on the student’s situation and ability to stay on track. After graduation, students qualify for internships that often lead to employment opportunities. The graduate may go to work for one agency, from whom he/she will receive their assignments, or may choose to receive assignment from multiple agencies. The choice is theirs.

The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) is optimistic regarding the industry’s continued growth. Sarah Nageotte, NCRA president, stated in a 2014 article that, "15 percent of the industry is poised to retire. That adds up to about 5,500 new job openings over the next five years." Thus, increasing demand and future reporter shortages are anticipated.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook asserts that those with, ”experience and training in techniques for helping deaf or hard-of-hearing people, such as real-time captioning and Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART), and closed captioning are among the available job prospects for experienced court reporters.”

Questions or comments about this story? Are you looking for a qualified court reporter? Call us today!

Tuesday, 29 March 2016

Benefits of Using Videography in Depositions

  • Record Witnesses not available for trial
  • Enhanced understanding of how witnesses will perform
  • Helps Lawyers Prepare Witnesses for Trial
  • Influencing the Judge and Jury

Videography is very useful for capturing the testimonies of witnesses not available for the trial.

This has some obvious advantages, as it allows the judge and jury to gather greater clarity and insight of the witness's testimony. Video brings the witnesses to the courtroom, when circumstances dictate their absence live.

Both the judge and jury members are going to be influenced more persuasively by a video, rather than a written transcript read out-loud or captured audio. Modern technology has conditioned people to watch videos as their main source of information.

Also, videotaped depositions can show a disparity in the behavior of a witness, compared to their trial performance. Capturing the witness in a more raw environment, reveals greater insights into the validity of their testimony

From the lawyers standpoint, being able to gauge the witness's body language and inflections outside of their nominal words, enhances their understanding of the witness's holistic testimony. Their performance under the pressure of a sworn deposition being videotaped, helps lawyers on both sides gain a better understanding on how they'll perform in a trial.

This understanding will help form the strategy used in the proceedings forthcoming. Video is more compelling and telling, and lawyers can study key points in tandem with the stenographic transcript. The nuances and inflections of the witness's speech and body language reveal deeper insights, which foretell any surprises or perceptive challenges. That is to say: a person could be a very powerful witness, yet their nervous performance is not convincing.

Videography can be used in depositions to help the attorneys themselves come to a better understanding on how to best proceed. With the ability to study the video later, without the distractions of the deposition itself, lawyers will enhance their understanding on how the witnesses will perform later in the trial.

Using a Professional Videography Service is Very Important.

Hiring a specifically trained and certified legal videography service to record a deposition, will ensure a clear and precise recording is captured. Not only this, but they'll have the legal expertise to understand the issues and strict requirements around video documentation. Also, every subtle nuance and reaction will be captured, while expertly created segments can be utilized to enhance visualization of the proceedings.

Video technology is more readily available than ever today.

Using every available means to successfully litigate a case should be considered by attorneys. The impact and influence video has on the case overall cannot be understated, and so choosing a proven and trusted professional videography service is important.

For law offices in New York City, Lex Reporting Service offers premium legal videography services among our comprehensive court reporting services. We have the experience, technology, and expertise to serve our clients in the professional manner they require and deserve. Please contact us today with any questions, and we'll be glad to help.

Tuesday, 29 March 2016

What is the Difference Between a Freelance and Official Court Reporter?

Are you thinking about starting a career as a court reporter? If so, it is important to understand there are generally two ways to find employment in this exciting field. You can work either as a freelance or official court reporter. Here you can find more information on the difference between a freelance and official court reporter and how it can impact your career.

Freelance Court Reporters

Freelance court reporters usually work as independent contractors for court reporting agencies . They make their decision whether to work solely for one agency or for multiple agencies. Freelance court reporters perform their services at depositions, conferences, hearings, board meetings, and the like. They earn a fee-per-page for their transcripts as well as an appearance fee. Their earnings depend upon how many assignments they handle. As independent contractors they may set their own schedules, working when, where and for whom they choose.

Freelance court reporting is a great job for individuals who are comfortable working at different locations. They can enjoy a flexible schedule and ultimately decide how many hours to work each week, and take on more assignments as they see fit to increase their income. As independent contractors, they are usually responsible for their own health plans and taxes.

Official Court Reporters

Official court reporters are court employees who are assigned to a specific courtroom or judge. They are required by most jurisdictions to undertake the necessary exams to assess their skills and thus qualify to work in the courts. Reporters who are employed by the courts have a set schedule and normally work 40 hours a week at one location with a predetermined salary. Inasmuch as they are employees, official court reporter receive a stable salary, health benefits and an earned pension upon retirement.

Overall, each career has benefits and drawbacks. Freelance court reporters enjoy more autonomy and can work wherever and whenever they like. Meanwhile official court reporters can rely on multiple benefits. When you are deciding which career route to choose, take the time to carefully consider your needs so you can determine which one is right for you. Both jobs are sought after and can be extremely rewarding and lucrative careers.

Contact us today to learn more. We would be happy to talk with you. Lex Reporting is WBE certified and has been providing impeccable court reporting and related services to the legal community for over twenty-five years.

Thursday, 17 March 2016

Increased Demand for New York Court Reporters

Pursuant to a study conducted by Ducker Worldwide, a premier consulting and research firm, the demand for court reporters is expected to increase significantly by 2018.

There will also be a shortage of stenographic court reporters. According to the 2013-2014 Reporting Industry Outlook report, approximately 5,000 court reporting positions will be open for placement in the United States, the majority being in New York, California, Texas and Illinois. The court reporting population in the U.S. is aging and retirement is imminent for many. The demand for court reporters is expected to exceed supply within a few years.

Let’s take a look at some of the factors contributing to this interest in the court reporting industry:

First and foremost, court reporting is a respected and rewarding profession, with job security and above average earning potential. The growth in court reporting earnings is expected to increase by 14 percent through 2020.

The increasing demand for court reporters is significant at this time when today’s graduates with four-year degrees are experiencing difficulty finding employment. They may look forward to embarking upon a career that offers job security, excellent earning potential, and flexibility of schedule found in few other professions.

Court reporting schools have been successfully placing their graduates with the amount of placements expected to increase by reason of the above anticipated shortage and increased demand.

Tuesday, 08 March 2016

Court Reporters Are Critical at Depositions and Trials

At a recent multi-party deposition, the court reporter brought the proceeding to a halt when several counsel were talking at once and speaking over each other.

The matter in controversy could not be resolved, requiring the reporter to accompany the attorneys to court for a ruling. Thus the deposition was conducted, hands on, by a professional court reporter. The parties agreed that the matter would have been adjourned were it not for the presence of a professional court reporter. The crispest audio device could not have delivered a record as accurate.

Similar situations are common in the courtroom. Imagine the scenario detailed in a recent newspaper report setting forth a true example from a Berks County case in Reading, Pa.

The story describes a courtroom exchange in which the prosecutor objects to the defense attorney’s presentation in a murder trial, arguing the failure to follow proper court procedure. The defense attorney, however, refuses to yield the floor and keeps talking. So does the prosecutor — and suddenly they’re all talking at once. “That,” according to the article, “is when the court stenographer throws up her hands and says “Stop”.. And the stenographer, Rebecca Bruce, was thereby making an important point about her profession:

Most times, no matter how sophisticated the technology, a human set of ears and eyes — with the ability to sort out what’s being said with keen observation and cool logic — is the best tool for ensuring the record stays clear and accurate.

As the Pennsylvania example reminds, even an automated recording could leave the record open to interpretation which can lead to mistrials, verdicts being thrown out … or worse.

In an era when government agencies are forced to make desperate cuts, we still believe the best answer is to keep a human in the equation, especially when that human has the skills and devices to accurately record proceedings in real time.

As with most industries, technology has emerged as a critical tool for the legal profession. However, no one has developed a device that can ask attorneys to calm down and repeat what they’ve just said.

Thursday, 11 June 2016

Lex Reporting Service Appoints Chief Marketing Officer, Shari E. Belitz, Esq.

Ms. Belitz brings over 15 years of legal industry experience to Lex Reporting Service.

Lex Reporting Service, the company redefining customer service in the court reporting and legal services industry, today announced that Shari E. Belitz, Esq. has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer, where she will be responsible for all aspects of marketing, public relations and strategy with an enhanced focus on client relationships. Ms. Belitz will report directly to CEO and founder of Lex Reporting, Claire Block.

With more than fifteen years of litigation and litigation management experience, Ms. Belitz, a seasoned attorney, is poised to lead the marketing group. “Shari is an integral addition to our leadership team and brings exceptional legal industry knowledge, business experience and communication skills to Lex Reporting Service,” said Ms. Block.

“I am thrilled to be joining Lex Reporting Service, an experienced and innovative organization with a customer-centric focus. Technologically, Lex continues to evolve to keep up with the business needs of its clients, while simultaneously maintaining meaningful personal connections. Lex’s culture of commitment to customer service aligns with my business philosophy, and I am excited to be a part of this organization.”

Ms. Belitz graduated cum laude from Syracuse University with a BA in Psychology; cum laude from The New York Law School with a JD and has completed coursework toward an MA in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Prior to joining Lex Reporting Service, Ms. Belitz litigated insurance coverage matters at a New York law firm, and later managed litigation at a major insurance company, also in New York. Ms. Belitz has spoken at many industry events, and has recently appeared on a panel entitled “Developing Your Personal Brand.”

Lex Reporting Service recently celebrated twenty-five years of providing litigation support to the legal community. Some of its unique personalized services include Court Reporting, World Wide Video Conferencing, Video Streaming, Legal Videography, Legal Transcription Services, Archived Case Repositories and Bi-lingual Interpretation.

Thursday, 03 July 2014

Our Bronx Conference Rooms Have Undergone a Brand New Renovation

Ideal for your Bronx depositions

190 East 162nd Street
Between Sheridan Avenue & Grand Concourse
Right near the Courthouse and public transportation
Private parking around the corner at a reduced rate

Conference rooms & depo suites also located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island & Westchester. You can see all our locations here.

Wednesday, 04 June 2014

History of Court Reporting: Pen-Writing Shorthand Systems

Ancient Times

The ancient Egyptians devised symbols mainly used for monuments. Ancient Greeks were developing shorthand methods in the first century BC. An historian, Xenophon, wrote the memoirs of Socrates using his own system. Marcus Tullius Tiro, a freed slave of Cicero, used an abbreviated longhand to record speeches in the Roman Senate. His method was used until the middle ages when the symbols became associated with witchcraft and shorthand went into decline.

From the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries numerous shorthand systems appeared, disappeared and reappeared. Recognized today as the most significant contributors to the development of the English shorthand systems are Isaac Pitman (1837) and John Robert Gregg (1888).

Pitman vs. Gregg shorthand

Sir Isaac Pitman’s shorthand system has been used all over the English-speaking world and adapted to many other languages. His is a phonetic system where the symbols do not represent letters but rather sounds and words. Pitman used line thickness and position to discriminate between two similar sounds. Vowel signs were indicated by dots and dashes, both light and heavy.

At one time the Pitman method was the most commonly used shorthand system. It was taught in high schools and remained popular in the United States for many decades. Educational institutions throughout Europe and Great Britain presently teach Pitman shorthand.

John Robert Gregg’s shorthand system surpassed Pitman’s in popularity and became the most common form of pen stenography in the United States. Also phonetic, it uses only thin strokes and discriminates between similar sounds by the length of the stroke. Gregg’s system is primarily used in the United States and has been adapted to some other languages. Taught in high schools, Gregg shorthand became the system widely used by American court reporters, journalists and secretaries.

Speed competitions ensued and both systems were matched for speed. Gregg became and remained the most popular shorthand system in the U.S., while the rest of the English-speaking world used Pitman’s system.

However, the real winner emerged in 1914 when a newfangled stenotype machine was developed.

Friday, 09 May 2014

The New Court Reporter Series – Part 5: A Good Dictionary is a Must

To succeed in your chosen profession, a good dictionary is a must

A major part of time spent in court reporting school is devoted to attaining the required speed and accuracy. Building your dictionary follows on the Importance List. It will make scoping a breeze and when you’re ready to turn realtime, the transition will be that much easier.

The quality of the new reporter’s writing is too often a well-guarded secret. Be aware that a prospective hiring agency may require the submission of notes along with your transcript before offering you a position It’s an ongoing process for a court reporter and it won’t happen overnight, but your goal is to create a dictionary that will translate most, if not all, of what is written. Professional court reporters keep building their dictionaries after their schooling each job they take, making them better and better.

A few tips to start with:

  • Begin with cleaning up your current dictionary and get in the habit of shortening and defining words that are not translating properly as you go along.
  • Resolve the conflicts in your dictionary.
  • Entering new words, particularly legal terms, is also a great place to start. Consult a legal website and start writing terminology or, if you’re a member of the National Court Reporters Association, use the monthly glossary in the Journal of Court Reporting. Create the short forms, define them in your dictionary and practice, practice, practice them. Soon enough, the time will come that those terms show up at your job.

The more time spent building your dictionary, the less time it will take to produce your transcript, the more assignments you will be able to accept, and thus, the more money you will earn. And, of course, building your dictionary paves the way to REALTIME.

Friday, 18 April 2014

The New Court Reporter Series – Part 4: Your Transcript is a Reflection of Your Ability

Correct spelling – A must: Carefully review the caption of the action and appearances which you receive at the deposition. Be aware that these papers often contain spelling errors. Nothing irritates an attorney more than having his/her name misspelled in the transcript. If you do not obtain an attorney’s business card, make sure you Google to ensure correct spelling.

Too often there is a typo in the caption of the action. The defendant name appears as “JIHN SMITH”. If you copy it and it appears the same in your transcript, the attorneys will be under the impression that the typo is yours. Attorneys appreciate when the court reporter shows an interest and points out typos or inconsistencies. So, it’s your job to say: Counselor, does this appear to be a typo?

It would be a perfect world if the witness or attorney took the time to spell everything for you at the deposition. More often than not, it’s up to you. Do not merely transcribe names or locations by the way they sound. More work is required. Google diligently, and it should be diligently, then what you are seeking, in most cases, can be found.

Proofing your transcript: Your goal is to produce a typo/error free transcript. You have scoped your work and it’s time to proof. Proofing is the final and one of the most important steps in transcription production. Here’s how it goes:

  • Proof only on paper (not on your computer screen – it doesn’t do the job.
  • Proof one time, put it down, proof again not less than fifteen minutes later.
  • Proof from your notes; do not rely upon the audio.
  • If you are not certain on certain portions, play the audio; many reporters compare the entire transcript to the audio as their last step, which takes a great deal of time but ensures a perfect transcript.
  • Remember while proofing, your brain is always forcing your eyes to see the word that should appear were the transcript correct, rather than the incorrect word that is actually there.

Monday, 07 April 2014

The New Court Reporter Series – Part 3: Producing Your Transcript- What You Must Know About the Appearance Page

One of the last phases of your deposition assignment is production of the transcript. Many court reporters consider this the most difficult part or their career. Always keep in mind that the testimony you are taking is to be professionally transcribed.

What should deposition appearance page contain?

You are at your assignment. You obtain the caption of the action and the appearances. There may be an attorney present for each party named in the caption, or there may not.

The appearance page is not intended to merely set forth the attorneys present at the deposition. Its purpose is to contain the name and address of each attorney representing each party, even if an attorney does not attend.

How does the court reporters obtain the correct information?

Let’s use an example- There are four parties named in the caption. Only three attorneys are present at the deposition. You have ascertained that no attorney represents more than one party. It becomes evident that the attorney for defendant, John Doe, is missing. You ask: Who is representing the defendant, John Doe? The response is: He will not be attending. Your next statement is: I will need his name and address for the record.

Here’s what it should look like:

This information is listed on the appearance page as follows:
LAW FIRM OF SMITH & JONES
Attorney for Defendant
JOHN DOE
5 Main Street, Suite 10
New York, New York 10020
NOT PRESENT

Keep posted for more hints on proper transcript production.

Thursday, 19 September 2013

The New Court Reporter Series – Part 2: Understanding Deposition Terminology and Correctly Applying It in Your Transcript

As part of your studies, you encountered many foreign-sounding words and phrases. Had you not set your sights on a career in court reporting, they may never have crossed your path. Now, this legal terminology has become a part of your daily professional life. By now, you are probably familiar with the correct spellings and proper pronunciations. BUT, DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT MEANS?

Comprehension of definition and usage is a MUST. Every court reporter has the responsibility to learn, understand and properly apply each and every word and/or phrase encountered at the proceeding. If you don’t know what it means, there is a good chance that portions of your transcript will make no sense. If you don’t know what it means, you will lack the ability to communicate with the attorneys on a professional level. If you don’t know what it means, you will always be uneasy in the deposition environment.

The more you work the more complex terminology you will encounter. You are on your way to a great education. Google, ask your agency, ask your fellow court reporters. Do Not Guess. It’s only a matter of time that deposition terminology will become an ordinary part of your daily life as a professional court reporter.

Below are excerpts from transcripts of reporters who were evidently unfamiliar with the terminology:

  • Sum and substance: transcribed as sum in substance.
  • D & I (Discovery and Inspection) became DNI
  • Point in time = point and time
  • PC Order = Peace or Piece Order

Take a little test: explain the meaning of the terminology below:

  • Taken under advisement
  • Move to strike as nonresponsive
  • Object, not relevant

You have embarked on a wonderful career, give it your all and enjoy!

Monday, 29 April 2013

The New Court Reporter Series: Are You Prepared for Your First Assignment?

Now that you have graduated from your court reporting school, are you ready to handle your first deposition; maybe not.

Most graduates approach their first assignment apprehensively. As a student, you were busy building speed, testing, sitting-in, maybe too busy to ask questions. Thus, many aspiring court reporters are unaware of their actual duties and functions at depositions.

During my interviews with court reporting graduates, I ask the same questions, and nine out of ten times, get the same answers:

Q. What is the first thing you ask the attorneys at the deposition?
A. Usual Stips?

Q. What are usual stips?
A. I’m not sure.

Q. What else do you ask?
A. Is this pursuant to Notice or Order.

Q. Do you know what that actually means?
A. No.

If you do not know the meaning of these simple phrases, you are not prepared to handle a deposition. Some new court reporters fake it. They arrive at their first job, nervous and fearful that their lack of confidence will be spotted. Hopefully, by handling more and more assignments, these reporters eventually get to know the requirements of their profession. But, what about the new reporter who encounters unforeseen circumstances, becomes intimidated and refuses to face another assignment.

New Graduate: Ask yourself questions similar to the ones below:

Am I repeating things I heard, without knowing the meaning?

When asking the attorney if he/she is ordering a copy or sharing in the cost, how will I respond if they answer: “explain what you mean by that”?

So, ask the questions you failed to ask during your studies and internship. Contact your court reporting instructors. Contact your court reporting association. Interview with a “teaching” agency that is willing to assist you in your endeavor to become a professional court reporter.

Stay tuned for a post on a New York City court reporting “teaching” agency.

Friday, 13 January 2012

Lex Reporting Announces the Addition of Your Online Office to Our Services

This new service gives attorneys and paralegals secure web access to their downloadable transcripts, case files, current deposition schedule and invoice information. It also provides them with a “smart” online scheduler, which is superior to standard web forms because it remembers the user’s previous job requests, so they do not have to enter a lot of information each time they make a new request. This saves time and reduces errors by eliminating re-keying.

Attorneys and paralegals can get information quickly whenever and wherever they want because they can access their job calendar and invoice balances via their BlackBerry, Smart Phones and other mobile devices. They can look up a scheduled job’s details, including Google Maps directions to the location, and see what their balances are on any outstanding invoices – all without turning on a computer or making a phone call.

When they log on from their desktop or laptop, they can do even more. They can use online case repositories for downloading and sharing files with co-counsel or anyone else helping them on a case. Lawyers no longer have to carry copies of transcripts and exhibits when they travel. Instead, they can download that information on the spot wherever they have online access.

Questions about upcoming job times and locations, or outstanding bills no longer have to wait for a return phone call for answers. The RB Web online offices always have the most complete, up-to-date information on schedules and invoices available around the clock, every day of the year. This is possible because the online offices are directly tied to Lex Reporting’s in-house scheduling and billing system.

Information on the system is secure because it resides on Lex Reporting’s server protected by firewalls, encryption and passwords. Lawyers and paralegals can only access information through online offices for which they have user IDs and passwords. They cannot view confidential information they do not have authority to view, nor can unauthorized people view their information.

The Lex Repository: instant access to all your transcripts, deposition schedules, invoices & statements 24/7.
Just contact us for your user ID and password at info@lexreporting.com or 631-543-3566.

Monday, 01 November 2010

The present status of the Court Reporting Profession

In order to accurately evaluate the future of the court reporting profession, we must be fully cognizant of its present status. The first issue for consideration is the influx of electronic recording in our courtrooms. True, a primary reason for resorting to this method is to cut costs. However, here in New York, and I am certain in other states as well, another reason exists: there are not enough reporters willing or competent enough to sit for the exams required for courtroom work. The courts are left no alternative but to resort to electronic recording. I use the word “resort” intentionally since many courts assign the high volume, important cases to court reporters, utilizing electronic devices only for their lower volume matters. My own inquiries to various courts have elicited complaints of dissatisfaction by reason of the inability to obtain daily copy, case delays due to late transcripts, unacceptable amount of transcription errors, all of which have caused decreased productivity in many court systems.

Today there is not only a shortage of “competent reporters,” there is also a decrease in the number of new reporters entering the marketplace. The stenotyping schools in New York City are now down to one, with a very high drop-out. Newly opened for enrollment is the American Academy of Voice Writing, an on-site voice writing school. On the upside, CART and Broadcast captioning fields are thriving. There has been a dramatic increase in available positions for realtime reporters.

Tuesday, 20 April 2010

Today’s Methods Of Court Reporting

Court reporting is a well-respected profession. Statistics reveal an anticipated projected growth in the industry of approximately 18 percent between 2008 and 2018.

The court reporting profession traces its roots to a scribe who recorded speeches on parchment in the Roman Senate. It is a profession that has soared in growth to modern times, evolving from longhand to shorthand to stenotyping to voice writing.

At a conference or deposition, the stenotypist creates a record by typing what is being spoken by the people present. Using a stenotype machine, he/she presses multiple keys to type combinations of letters. These keystrokes are electronically recorded, then translated and displayed as text. The stenotyping method takes approximately two and one-half to three years to master and advance to realtime.

The voice writer creates a record by speaking into a hand-held silencing device, repeating what is being spoken. The dialogue being repeated is not overheard by anyone in the conference room, and scrolls down the laptop screen as text. The voice writing method usually takes approximately nine months to master and advance to realtime.

Electronic reporting is another method of court reporting, using audio equipment to create a record. The equipment is monitored by an electronic reporter who takes notes to identify speakers and for playbacks, if required. Realtime reporting cannot be attained with the electronic method as transcription of the testimony is required afterwards.

The words “court reporter” brings to mind the image of a courtroom. Although today’s court reporters may choose the courtroom as their career venue, a great many prefer to work with attorneys at depositions, with executives at board meetings and at public hearings. Many court reporters specialize in assisting the hearing impaired. These CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation) reporters work with hard of hearing students at high school and college classes and lectures. Others go on to become broadcast captioners, working for television networks and at sporting events.

Whether one chooses to work in a courtroom atmosphere or to enjoy the freedom of a freelancer working at various locations, employment opportunities are excellent.

You can depend upon LEX:

"When hiring Lex, you work with a Certified WBE business committed to equal opportunity for all.”

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