Court reporters, also known as verbatim reporters, stenographers or shorthand writers, make a word-for-word (verbatim) record of proceedings in court. They listen carefully to everything being said and record it either in traditional shorthand, or by using machine shorthand.

Using machine shorthand, court reporters type whole words and phrases at a single stroke on the keyboard. The keyboard is linked to a computer-aided transcription (CAT) system, so the shorthand notes can then be displayed immediately as an English transcript. Reporters usually use a stenograph or palantype machine, which can reach speeds of over 200 words per minute.

After the court session, they transform the speech into a written record that can be easily read and understood without changing the original sense or intention. They correct any grammatical mistakes, edit the text and produce a final transcript.

Sometimes lawyers want to see the transcript before the case continues the next day, so while still in court, reporters may be asked to read back passages as they are recorded. In some cases, courts use a real-time system, where notes are displayed on a large screen or a network of computer monitors as the proceedings happen.

Hours and Environment

Court reporters may work irregular hours. Court sessions are usually held between 10am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, but reporters must be seated before court begins. Some courts have an earlier start of 8.30am or 9am and reporters are expected to stay until proceedings close. They may have to work outside these hours if a special hearing is held in the evening or at the weekend.

Court reporters spend most of their time in court, which involves sitting for long periods of time in a formal setting. Some of their transcription work may be done at home or in an office after the proceedings have finished.

They often have to travel considerable distances, taking their CAT machine and computer with them, so a driving licence may be required.

Skills and Interests

As a court reporter, you should:

• be able to work quickly and accurately
• have a good standard of English grammar
• be confident and have a clear speaking voice
• be able to sit and concentrate for long periods of time
• be a good listener
• be computer literate
• have an interest in law.

Entry

You do not need any specific qualifications required to become a court reporter. Some training providers and employers may ask for three to five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including English, or equivalent qualifications. Some court reporters have A levels/Highers or degrees.

You do not need to know paper-based shorthand to begin to learn machine shorthand, but it can be an advantage. It will be useful to have a good computer keyboard skills.

To be accredited by the Department of Constitutional Affairs to work as a court reporter in the crown courts of England and Wales, you must be regarded as competent by the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters (BIVR). To be judged as competent you must:

• learn written or machine shorthand
• gain experience as a trainee court reporter
• reach a shorthand speed of at least 160 words per minute (wpm).

Most firms expect you to have a shorthand speed of 140 to 180 wpm on entry. You will need a speed of 200 or more words per minute for real-time reporting.

Training

You will start by taking a course in machine shorthand, by distance learning or at a private training centre. Training takes around two years. You can find a list of training providers from the BIVR website (see Further Information).

When you reach a shorthand speed of 160wpm, you can apply to become an associate of the BIVR. After a practical test, you will become a provisionally-accredited shorthand writer and are allowed to work on your own in court. You will then have in-court training.

After three more years' experience, you can apply for full membership of the BIVR.

If you are a qualified member of the BIVR and take Deaf Awareness training, you can apply to the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People to become an accredited Speech to Text (STT) Reporter. STTs take notes for the benefit of deaf and hearing-impaired people in various settings such as courts of law, meetings, lectures and conferences.

In Scotland, trainee court reporters are usually trained in-house by their firm. You will work with an experienced court reporter and be given regular tests to check your progress. Firms often expect trainees to be competent in shorthand when they apply.

Opportunities

There is a shortage of suitably qualified court reporters in England and Wales. There is a move in Scotland towards taping cases, which has meant a rapid decline in new job opportunities. Many court reporters are based in London, but there are opportunities in any town with a crown court. Some firms service several courts over a large area.

Court reporters are employed by firms with contracts with the Department of Constitutional Affairs to provide reporting services to the crown courts and courts of appeal in England and Wales. Others work on a freelance basis, finding work through the contract holding firms. There are opportunities for part-time work.

Shorthand writers can work in places other than courts, for example:

• public inquiries
• political conferences
• court martials
• disciplinary hearings and tribunals
• for international organisations like the United Nations
• in television, subtitling programmes for viewers with hearing impairment
• some police forces have begun to use verbatim reporters to record interviews. 

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Salary rates start at around £12,000 to £13,000 a year.
Experienced real-time reporters can earn more than £20,000 a year.

Many court reporters work freelance and income varies according to the volume of work they undertake. As a freelance reporter, you can expect to earn an average flat rate fee of £120 to £180 per day. Real-time reporters working freelance can earn up to £300 a day.

Further information

Hayweight House
23 Lauriston Street
Edinburgh
EH3 9DQ
Tel: 0131 229 9200 Clive House
Petty France
London
SW1H 9HD
Tel: 020 7189 2000 Durham University Science Park
Block 4
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3UZ
Tel: 0191 383 1155
Textphone: 0191 383 7915 Selbourne House
54 Victoria Street
London
SW1E 6QW
Tel: 020 7210 8500