Become a home-based court reporter.
Most people have the belief that being a court reporter means working in a courtroom 40 hours a week. But qualified court reporters can also work from home. This is due to current technology and the push to reduce court costs in the legal system. Working as a court reporter out of your home provides a great deal of flexibility, as you can work around your personal schedule. There is a growing number of court reporters using the home-based approach, whether it's full-time work or self-employment.
Instructions
1. Determine from what college you will earn your degree. Since you are looking to work from home, you may want to enroll at a college that provides a 100 percent online degree. Two good sources to take advantage of in searching for the right online college are Court Reporting Schools Online and U.S. College Search. A couple of good colleges that specialize in court reporting and offer online degrees are Bryan College and Sage College. If you prefer a classroom setting, check with your local community colleges and universities.
2. Purchase a stenograph machine. These can cost as much as $5,000 or more, but at some point it will be necessary. One place to look is Stenograph.com, a website that offers both high-end new machines as well as less expensive used models. As a court reporter your steno machine will become your "best friend," so make sure you're comfortable with the one you select.
3. Become a member of the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). In addition to providing certification, the association is a valuable resource for learning more about careers in court reporting. It disseminates court reporting news and offers continuing education classes. Most prospective employers look for candidates who arev members of the NCRA. You can join prior to obtaining your degree if desired. There are also state court reporter associations. To find associations in your state, visit the website stenosearch.com.
4. Obtain your court reporting certification from the NCRA after you earn your degree. The NCRA's certification is recognized in all 50 states, which will allow for increased flexibility as your personal situation changes. You are permitted to take the certification test prior to becoming a member of the NCRA, but you will not be NCRA-certified until you are an official member, so it's best to join earlier rather than later.
5. Find your home-based court reporting job. While earning your degree, establish a network of contacts. The list of organizations to contact for leads will include regional law firms, courthouses, the NCRA and other court reporter associations you may have joined. Many courts are moving to audiotape for their court sessions to cut costs. This allows court reporters to officially transcribe hearings on their own time, as long as the work meets the deadline set by the court.
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