Make A Great Impression In The Courtroom

4 Tips For Brand New Court Reporters

11 October 2017 by Richard Ramirez

The duties of a court reporter are considered vital in a court of law. If you are just entering the court reporting profession, it can be initially intimidating. Working around attorneys and judges is a very respectable way to build a career. If you are new to court reporting, the following are some tips for you to consider in order to thrive in your career:

Seek Help from Senior Court Reporters

Everyone has been the new person in any profession, and court reporting is no different. Working with a mentor or a senior court reporter can be extremely beneficial to you. Seek out a seasoned court reporter that you look up to and ask about his or her experiences. They will have years of knowledge and tips that you may never have considered. They will know all about billing, courtroom procedure, and the like. You can also use your mentor as a sounding board for those days when things just don't go the way they should.

Be Fair to Yourself

Many court reporters are considered self-contractors. This essentially means that they contract their services to the court and then send an invoice to the court. You are your own boss and can set your rates accordingly. The rates for court reporters will vary by region, so you will need to determine what the market is like in your area.

At the same time, you need to know what you are worth. You will need to know what to charge for and how you should itemize your charges. Research into the market is your best bet, but also speaking with other court reporters in your area can be very beneficial.

Remain Educated

Court reporting is much like other professions in which continuing education is vital. The technology alone is constantly changing and you will need to stay on top of it if you wish to remain competitive. You should also keep up with any law changes that could affect what and how you are to report.

Dress for Success

Like any professional, it is crucial that you dress for success. Do not underestimate your role in a court proceeding. Your job is just as important as anyone else in the room. Because of this, you need to look your best at all times so that you not only represent the court, but also so you will be even more marketable and your services will be utilized as often as possible.

To learn more about court reporting services, contact companies like Farrell Court Reporting.

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