What makes a successful certified court reporter? If you answered “accuracy” or “dedication” you are right, up to a point. Everyone knows the traditional characteristics of court reporters, but we’ve noticed some common attributes among the best of Huseby’s staff.
Stay In Shape
The newly certified court reporter is often surprised by how physically demanding our jobs are. Court reporting may not involve any heavy lifting but the demands of the job place significant stress on our bodies.
Sitting in one place, intently focused on the proceedings, nothing moving but our fingers on the keyboard is surprisingly exhausting. Court stenographers have to remain in the same position as attorneys are walking around during questions and the judge shifts position or stretches. Deposition services may have more opportunities for breaks, but attorneys often get so focused on the testimony that hours fly by.
On top of that, when the day is over we get to prepare the transcript while everybody else goes home to relax. We put ourselves through significant stress, and a healthy body will hold up better over the long days.
Remain Above It All
No, we don’t mean be snooty or arrogant. A Huseby certified court reporter has to be an unbiased observer and recorder of events and must remain outside the emotion of the proceedings.
However we are not machines. We may be moved by testimony or swayed by our own experiences, but we cannot let our feelings influence our work. Attorneys have asked court reporters whose side they are on, and the correct answer is we are on the side of no one. We are not present to judge, prosecute or defend. We are there to record.
This objectivity must include our outward demeanor. We must remain impassive, not letting gesture or expression make us seem biased.
Be Discreet
Finally, a certified court reporter must maintain confidentiality at all times. A casual comment to a juror or overheard by a random stranger who turns out to be a witness could result in a mistrial. This doesn’t just mean a court stenographer should avoid being a gossip. We must guard the privacy of all our information, whether physical locks on paper documents or passwords on electronic media.
Our discretion extends to others. A reporter shouldn’t discuss a case even with co-workers unless that person needs to know the information. We should be careful about who we include in our circle of professional acquaintances. Is that new scopist you hired a blabbermouth? Then start looking for a new one.
These are just some of the qualities we encourage in the certified court reporters at Huseby. They make for well-rounded professionals who not only perform their duties well, but inspire trust in and respect for the profession.
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