OCCUPATION: COURT REPORTER

Name: Terri G. Myers-Edwards

Workplace: Orange County Superior Court

Thumbs up: “I’ve taken depositions and have done hearings, Municipal Court, corporate conventions and arbitration. I like Superior Court the best. It’s interesting work and allows you to interact with all kinds of people. I can truly say it is still a learning experience. In the 20 years I’ve been reporting, I learn something new every day. And that’s probably what I like about the job the most . . . that, and I have a wonderful staff to work with--that makes all the difference in the world.”

Thumbs down: “The hours. I work in a criminal courtroom, and our caseload is atrocious. I have two children, and in order to spend time with them, I sacrifice sleep.”

Next step: “Currently there are two departments in Superior Court that have “Real-Time”. It’s a new technology that allows instantaneous translation. Ideally, the court reporter has a computer at her workstation that is connected to the judge’s and counsel’s workstations.”

Advice: “Court reporting is an exciting profession. The one thing I’ve learned after 20 years, is that you can never be too experienced nor too skilled. I would tell those people who want to be court reporters that this is not a job you want to go at halfheartedly. You will either love it or hate it--there is no in between. For new people interested in going into the profession, the main thing you have to be is committed. And you have to be able to live with the fact that you do your best every day, but will probably never hear anyone say, ‘Hey, you’ve done a great job.’ ”

Salary range: In Orange County, deposition, or free-lance court reporters earn from $30,000 to $80,000 yearly; official court reporters earn $47,000 to $50,000 yearly, plus an additional fee per page for transcripts, which averages between $10,000 and $30,000 annually.

Educational and training requirements: California is one of several states that licenses court reporters, though it is not a requirement to be licensed for unofficial work. Most employers, however, prefer certification because in certain circumstances, such as taking depositions and working in court, uncertified reporters cannot be used. Licenses can be obtained through the California Certified Shorthand Reporters Board; some courts may require additional testing.

Size of work force: Small. In Orange County, about 1,500 people, or 0.1% of the labor force, work as court reporters.

Job description: Court reporters--sometimes called shorthand reporters--record all statements made at trials, hearings or meetings in order to furnish an official written record. Official court reporters prepare typewritten transcripts when requested to do so by a party to the proceedings.

For more information: For licensing information call the Certified Shorthand Reporters Board’s 24-hour automated line: (916) 445-5101. For general information about the profession, call the California Court Reporters Assn. at (916) 443-5090.