About Digital Court Reporting
What is a court stenographer?
A stenographer, often referred to as a court reporter or court transciptionist, is a person whose job is to transcribe speech in shorthand using a unique machine called a "steno" or stenotype machine.
A court reporter's role in the legal community is of great significance. They are tasked with taking down everything that is said in a court proceeding as well as depositions and meetings.
Court reporting has existed for decades. However, thanks to advancements in the high-tech digital community, and because of a shortage in court stenographers today, digital court reporting is gaining popularity in courtrooms across the country.
How is Digital Court Reporting different from a Stenographer?
Unlike traditional stenographers who use a stenotype machine, digital court reporters implement shortcuts in their note taking for speed, and utilize a laptop computer with a specific program installed to capture speech recordings and allow for note taking as well.
Digital court reporters have no need to learn the stenotype machine and can simply use the program installed on their laptop.
Digital Court Reporter Duties
- Taking down notes during the proceedings
- Identifying each speaker
- Creating a transcript of proceedings using the audio and notes
Meet your Instructor
Hello! I'm Louanne Rawls, an AAERT Certified Digital Court Reporter, and I will be your instructor.
I have been a Digital Court Reporter for 15 years and I have loved every minute of it. I still wake up every day excited to go to work. You never know what you will hear, what you will see or who you will meet!
I did not have the privilege of going to college, but I always wanted a professional career. Becoming a Digital Court Reporter literally changed my life. I became more confident in myself, which led to me being a more confident wife and mother.
This career was the hidden gem that added so much to my life, and I want to help you discover this exciting new career, as well.
And this career is not just for women! Digital court reporting is for men as well. They realize that this allows them to have the time, and money, to do the things they love, whether it's working out or enjoying a sport!
So maybe you're like me and not able to go to college, or perhaps you're a mom that needs a flexible schedule, or if you just want a new exciting career....this is for YOU!
Digital Court Reporting Introduction
Meet the instructor, hear about the courses, and learn why you should consider a career as a Digital Court Reporter.
Why take my course?
I have 15 years of experience as a Digital Court Reporter, and I want to personally teach you step-by-step exactly how to become a digital court reporter at a fraction of the cost and time it takes to become a court stenographer.
I want to show you how you can have a successful career as a digital court reporter, so you can enjoy the benefits of:
- Working part-time hours making full-time income
- Having a career that you love
- Waking up excited to go to work because, let’s face it, court cases are full of drama and suspense!
Why do you think Law & Order is the longest-running crime drama on American television since it premiered on NBC in 1990?
Because EVERYONE LOVES DRAMA!
You are going to LOVE it!
What will I need?
This type of court reporting involves the use of:
- A laptop computer
- A high-quality microphone
- Backup audio recording equipment
- Knowledge of how to utilize a program specifically designed for notetaking with simultaneous timestamped recording.
- Basic office supplies
What's Included?
You will be provided with step-by-step instruction on how to become a Digital Court Reporter, including:
- What equipment to purchase
- Installation of programs
- Types of proceedings
- How to record proceedings
- Sample audio for practice
- Preparing transcripts
- Formats for transcripts
- Shortcuts for typing efficiency
- Exclusive cheat sheets
- Recommendation for internship!
You need to become a Notary Public
In order to administer the oath to witnesses you must become a Notary Public. Check with your local state to verify the requirements of doing that. I do know one must have no criminal history, be of good character and be at least 18 years of age. There may be a fee and you may have to take a short class online.
Where you live matters!
The following states do not require a certification, but if you're certified by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT), you will have many more opportunities available.
Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
*Georgia and Michigan require American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT) certification.
Student Reviews
It is the best decision I ever made!
I previously wrote a review after finishing the course Digital Court Reporting 101 but before I actually started working. I am happy to say that I have been working as a digital court reporter for a year now and it isn’t anything I expected, It’s SO MUCH MORE! I love my job. I love the flexibility. I love the people I work with. And I love the money I’m making. It is the best decision I ever made!
– Danielle B. (One year updated review)
I took my first paying job within a week of completing her course!
Louanne Rawls’ course, Digital Court Reporting 101, has brought me from knowing nothing about the legal industry to taking work as a court reporter. She walked through, step by step, everything I needed to be successful, from court reporting equipment and software, to following the AAERT standard for recording depositions, hearings, and meetings.
I could not be happier with the quality of the course. Not only did it equip me to take on work as a court reporter, but Louanne introduced me to local and national court reporting agencies and got me started with internships. I took my first paying job within a week of completing her course!
– Mitch G.