About This Role
This role involves accurately recording and transcribing all court proceedings for the 472nd District Court. It suits a detail-oriented individual responsible for maintaining precise records for legal use.
Responsibilities
- Attend all sessions of the assigned district court and make a full record of evidence, objections, rulings, voir dire of jury duty, and arguments
- Take full shorthand notes (by machine) of closing arguments, if requested by an attorney, including objections, court rulings, and remarks
- Take full shorthand notes (by machine) of oral testimony, including objections to evidence, court rulings, and exceptions
- Preserve all shorthand or machine notes for three years from the date taken for future use
- Prepare accurate transcripts of court proceedings for appeals or future court use as instructed
- Mark and file with the court exhibits introduced into evidence during trials or hearings
- Index and file notes taken in court
- Locate and read testimony adduced in court for court or jury assistance
- Prepare appeals and transcript requests
- Prepare monthly reports to Appeals Courts
- May conduct depositions of witnesses, receive, execute, and return commissions, and make a certificate of the proceedings in any county within the judicial district
- May prepare jury charges in civil cases
- May call court to order in absence of a Bailiff
- May perform secretarial services to assist in the administrative functions of the court
Requirements
- High school graduation or its equivalent
- Graduation from court reporting school; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
- At least two years of experience
- Certification as a Certified Shorthand Reporter by the Supreme Court of Texas (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Sec. 52023)
- Thorough knowledge of hand or machine shorthand theory and ability to meet standards established for certification as a Certified Shorthand Reporter through the Supreme Court of Texas
- Knowledge of correct English and spelling, vocabulary, including legal and medical terminology
- General knowledge of Texas law, and Texas court policies and procedure
- Ability to meet standards established for certification as a Certified Shorthand Reporter through the Supreme Court of Texas (180-225 words per minute depending upon nature of dictation, scoring at least 95 percent accuracy on this portion of the certification exam)
- Ability to perform real time transcription
- Ability to type accurately at a minimum speed of 55 minutes per minute
- Ability to understand and follow instructions
