Law

A Day in the Life of a Court Reporter

It’s hard to imagine what our days might be like when we choose a career. Who knew there would be so many people to talk to and liaise with when we were learning physics all those years ago at school? The good news is that court reporter programs prepare you well for a typical day. Although, no two days are the same when you’re a court reporter in Miami. You’re actually constantly learning and facing new challenges. \

How A Court Reporter in Miami Spends a Typical Morning 

An official court reporter in Miami works directly for the judicial system and is hired by the courts. They are therefore expected at the courthouse during normal 9 to 5 business working hours. That’s not to say that they can’t negotiate with judges when they have emergencies or school pick-up to take into account.

So, a morning generally starts by going straight to the courthouse or to a deposition. Sometimes they’re in different locations and in that case, a court reporter in Miami ensures they arrive half an hour early. This allows them to check any equipment and to verify final logistics. Most crucially, that half an hour gives them breathing space in case anything goes wrong. 

As an officer of the court, a court reporter in Miami might have to swear in the witnesses before the deposition starts. They might also check with the attorneys if anything is missing and to also remind them to speak clearly. 

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Lastly, before the deposition starts, they’ll do a final check of the recording device they’re using. They’ll also ensure any remote participants can log in and they’ll generally set up the room. Although, most of the time, a court reporter in Miami will do an equipment check the day before, just in case. 

Overall, a court reporter in Miami tends to cover the following daily responsibilities: 

  • Transcribe accurately
  • Manage speakers during depositions
  • Proofread and edit 

Transcribe accurately

The number one responsibility any court reporter in Miami has to cover is to produce transcripts accurately and effectively. They often need a quick turnaround time, usually within 24 hours. However, some depositions also require real-time transcribing. For this, a court reporter in Miami can choose to use voice-to-text devices alongside taking their shorthand notes. 

Manage speakers during depositions

A court reporter in Miami needs to ensure that everyone speaks clearly and not at the same time. They often have to step in to remind participants and to ask them to repeat themselves. 

Proofread and edit 

Regardless of whether there’s a real-time transcript or not, a court reporter in Miami still has to submit a final, certified transcript. For this, they need to proofread their document and meticulously check for any errors that could jeopardize the proceeding.  

What Happens During the Afternoon?

Depending on the day, they might have another deposition to cover. They might also have some filing to do or some final proofreading to work on. On the other hand, freelancers might decide to take a break and restart work later in the afternoon. This might also allow them to cover slightly different time zones if they’re certified in other states. 

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Managing a court reporting career also involves personal development. This could be in the form of a workshop, training, or conference, often held by the National Court Reporters Association. Although, most states, including Miami, also have their own association with various development events on offer. 

In general, a court reporter in Miami works a 40-hour week. How much control they have over those hours then depends on whether they work for themselves or for a firm. There are different advantages to both although working for a firm also means having a team around you. So, the afternoon could be an opportunity to check in with colleagues on any issues or questions.

In summary, the afternoons could be spent on any of these weekly and monthly responsibilities: 

  • Record keeping
  • Organize deposition logistics
  • Filing with the court clerk 

Record keeping

A court reporter in Miami is also responsible for maintaining records both online and offline. They also ensure that the right people get the relevant files when needed, including the transcripts. 

Record keeping involves maintaining documents while ensuring they’re safe from potential loss or damage. In fact, the process is something they learn during their court reporting studies. 

Organize deposition logistics

There’s a certain amount of work that needs to happen in the background to ensure a smooth proceeding. This includes making sure the right people know where to go and when. Various equipment needs to be tested and exhibits need to be arranged in some cases. 

Filing with the court clerk 

Transcripts are submitted to the relevant attorneys during the proceedings. Afterward, everything needs to be properly filed with the court clerk often on a weekly basis. Although, a court reporter in Miami might do a monthly spot-check to ensure everything is filed correctly and that current proceedings are still following the right process. 

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Court

Parting Words on Experiencing Life as a Court Reporter in Miami 

No two days are the same for a court reporter in Miami because every proceeding is different. This makes for a fulfilling job where you are also an officer of the court. Whether you choose to work directly for the courts or to freelance is then up to you. Either way, you have a promising career ahead of you covering a range of proceedings and working with interesting and diverse people. 

 

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