The Pros and Cons of a Career in Court Reporting
The demand for court reporters has increased several times over in the past few decades. The potential for growth makes it an excellent career choice for anyone who is interested in working with the courts and the legal system. Below are a few pros and cons of working in the court reporting field.
Pros of a Court Reporting Career
A court reporting career offers many benefits, including:
- Flexible Hours – You can work whenever it suits you.
- Mobility Options – Your tools are portable allowing you to work wherever you are.
- Potential Growth – The industry has outstanding potential for growth.
- Educational Feasibility – You can receive your training and certification online without taking classes in a traditional classroom.
- Quick Certification – Many certificate programs can be completed in two years or less.
Cons of a Court Reporting Career
Although this career is a lucrative one, there are challenges that may be difficult to overcome. These may be cons for some but not all. A few cons may include:
- Certification Requirement – You must become certified and maintain your credentials by following the guidelines of your state.
- High Accuracy – To gain a positive reputation, you must maintain a high rate of accuracy. Court documents and depositions can require 100% accuracy to be used in court.
- Heavy Workloads – While your hours are flexible, you may be required to work 8 to 10 hours a day to meet your obligations.
- Low Physical Activity – Court reporting requires sitting for long periods and staring at a monitor for several hours a day.
As a court reporter, you will have steady work that can be performed either at home or in an office setting. The pros and cons should be considered before making a leap into this type of career. A court reporting career can be strenuous, but the rewards it offers to those who choose to work in the field make it well worth the time and effort.
