Four Signs A Career As A Court Reporter May Be Right For You
Court reporters may not have as much notoriety as judges or bailiffs, but they are an essential component to the proceedings of the court room. It's the reporter's job to transcribe all that is said by the attorneys, witnesses, judges, and other attendees of a hearing or trial. Not everyone is well-suited to this job, and it definitely has its challenges. Here are four signs that a career as a court reporter may be a smart choice for you:
You're knowledgeable about a lot of topics.
As a court reporter, you will be present in trials on everything from theft to espionage. The more you know about varying subjects, the easier time you'll have recording everything that goes on since you'll be more familiar with the words and terminology being used. You're less apt to make spelling mistakes or waste valuable time trying to figure out what words the speaker just uttered, which will make your renderings easier for those who read them to interpret.
You speak a second language.
This one is not always necessary, but it is incredibly helpful for finding a job. If you speak a second language, then you can be assigned to cases in which some or all of the witnesses or other participants speak that language. This makes you a valuable asset to any court. If you want to work in a global court, then knowing a second -- and perhaps even a third -- language is basically essential.
You're quick on your feet.
The pace of the courtroom can drag on one minute, and then pick up to lightning pace the next. You need to be a quick thinker and ready to take action at any second in order to keep up with what is being said. As a reporter, nobody is going to nudge you or remind you that you should be recording what's being said. You need to think on your feet and take responsibility yourself.
You're a rule follower.
In the courtroom, certain protocols must be adhered to, and as a court reporter, you won't be at liberty to challenge or change them. If you are someone who has an easy time following protocols and adhering to rules, then a job as a court reporter may be a good fit for your personality.
Being a court reporter can be a very rewarding career for those with the characteristics above. Contact a global court reporting service for more information and assistance.
