Myth #1: Court reporters are just glorified typists

Fact: Court reporting is one of the most demanding fields in and around the legal profession. Unlike typists or word processors, court reporter must listen to, and translate the human voice with incredible

Myth #2: Technology will replace the court reporter

Fact: One would think that by now computers and video equipment would have rendered the court reporter obsolete. But the fact is, there is no substituting the human element in court reporting. Court reporters can provide essential emphasis on words and phrases and other vital portions of the process.

Myth #3: Court reporters are all women

Fact: The historical image of the courtroom stenographer is that of a dapper-looking woman sitting cross-legged in the court room. But now, the profession is almost equally divided between men and women.

Myth #4: A good court reporter is hard to find

Fact: Although court reporters are always in demand, it is now easier than ever to find a good one thanks to the Internet. Many top court reporting services now use the web to give their clients the power to book court reporters or transcribers with the click of a mouse.

Myth #5: There's not much else a court report can do except…report

Fact: Now, more than ever, court reporters can provide a wide variety of services not only to law firms but the general business community as well. In addition to court room and deposition transcriptions, court reporters use their speed and accuracy to perform real-time closed captioning for the hearing impaired, transcribe the spoken word in audio and video materials and even give businesses a way to create records of shareholders meetings and other important corporate events.

Myth #6: Most of a court reporters time is spent in the court room

Fact: Like the legal community they serve, a large percentage of the court reporter's billable time is not spent in front of a judge. Instead, it is much more likely to find a court reporter in a law office working on a deposition. The court reporter's work on a deposition is crucial, as they create a written record of testimony that can be used as evidence, or to corroborate that witness' story once they do appear in court.

Myth #7: Court reporters look different than everyone else in the courtroom

Fact: Professional, experienced court reporters always dress and conduct themselves in such a way that represents their clients well. In fact, it should be hard to tell the court report from the attorney in most cases. Court reporters arrive on time and never make themselves the focal point during proceedings. To perform the duties with perfection, and NOT be noticed is essence of their work.