Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Court Reporter
What court reporters actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Set up the stenotype machine for a deposition. From there, the day usually includes record legal proceedings word for word, produce official transcripts, and read back testimony on request. Hours vary; freelance reporters and captioners may work irregular hours to meet deadlines.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a court reporter working full time.
- Set up the stenotype machine for a deposition.
- Record testimony in realtime.
- Note spellings of names and exhibits.
- Continue recording afternoon testimony.
- Read back a question at an attorney’s request.
- Edit and proofread the transcript.
- Provide remote captioning for an evening event.
Where court reporters work
Reporters work in courtrooms, law offices and remotely; captioners often work from home.
Hours and schedule
Hours vary; freelance reporters and captioners may work irregular hours to meet deadlines.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Record legal proceedings word for word
- Produce official transcripts
- Read back testimony on request
- Provide live captioning
- Prepare and maintain dictionaries
- Swear in witnesses where allowed
- Meet transcript deadlines
Tools you’ll use every day
- Stenotype machines
- CAT software
- Audio backup recorders
- Captioning software
- Laptops
- Dictionaries
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Shortage of reporters creates demand
- Remote captioning options
- Good pay with skill
- Important legal role
What’s hard
- Demanding training
- Intense concentration
- Deadline pressure
- Repetitive strain
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I can concentrate for long periods
- I’m fast and accurate
- I like legal settings
- I want remote options
- I’m disciplined with practice
- I like detail work
Not sure? Take the free Court Reporter fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use ergonomic setups to prevent strain
- Protect confidential records
- Take breaks during long proceedings
- Back up files