County Court at Law #2 - Court Reporter

Job Summary

Records and maintains records of court proceedings. Transcribes court proceedings and provides transcripts to requesting parties. Manages equipment and reference materials used in court proceedings.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Attends court sessions and records all proceedings, including evidence, objections, rulings, voir dire, and arguments.
• Documents files with court exhibits and indexes, and files notes taken in court.
• Preserves shorthand or machine notes taken in court for required periods and prepares transcripts for appeals or future legal proceedings.
• Certifies the accuracy of court transcripts and responds to requests for official transcripts.
• Serves as a liaison to attorneys, judges, other County departments, and staff, officials, and the general public.
• Provides information relating to court hearings and charges.
• May conduct depositions of witnesses.
• May receive, execute, and return commissions.
• May make a certificate of proceedings in any County within the judicial district of the court.
• May prepare jury charges in civil cases.
• Performs administrative support duties as assigned for administrative functions of the court.

Minimum Requirements

• Must pass two proficiency tests consisting of 180 wpm literary, 200 wpm jury charge, and 225 wpm Q & A, depending on the nature of dictation used, to become eligible for certification.
• Certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC) in the State of Texas.
• Graduation from an accredited Court Reporting school preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience as a Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) in Machine Shorthand in the State of Texas.
• Prior experience working in a judicial or legal setting.
• Real-time court reporting skills and prior experience providing real-time reporting.
• Effective communication and customer service skills.
• Prior experience using Box software (similar to DropBox).
• Detail-oriented and well-organized.

Knowledge

• Machine shorthand theory and minimum standards established for certification as a Certified Court Reporter.
• Texas law and court procedures, terminology, record keeping practices and procedures, and Court decorum.
• Federal, State, Local, and County laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines relating to court reporting services.
• Computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions.
• Confidential handling of certain health information.

Skills

• Apply correct English grammar and spelling, vocabulary, medical and legal terminology.
• Record, transcribe, and maintain records of court proceedings.
• Listen attentively for long periods of time.
• Operate a stenotype machine to record and prepare accurate and complete official records.
• Work in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.