Court Reporter

About This Role

Recording, transcribing, and maintaining accurate records of court proceedings is the core of this specialized role. This classification is responsible for preparing transcripts for requesting parties and maintaining the necessary equipment and reference materials. This role suits an individual who is certified by the State of Texas Court Reporters and can work in a dynamic court environment.

Responsibilities

• Attend sessions of court and record all proceedings of evidence, objections, rulings, voir dire of jury duty and arguments
• Record all objections to admissibility of evidence, court rulings and remarks of the objections and exceptions to the rulings
• Make full record of jury arguments and voir dire examinations when requested by attorney for any party to a case, together with all objections to such arguments, rulings and remarks of court
• Document files with courts exhibits and indexes, and file notes taken in courts
• Preserve shorthand or machine notes taken in court for period required by law and prepare transcripts for appeals or other future legal proceedings
• Prepare official transcripts of all evidence or court proceedings, subject to laws of the State, the rules and instructions of presiding judge of the court, for appeals or future court use
• Certify the accuracy of court transcripts
• Respond to requests of official transcripts
• Serve as a liaison to attorneys, judges, other County departments and staff, officials and general public
• Provide information relating to court hearings and charges
• Conduct depositions of witnesses
• Receive, execute and return commissions
• Make a certificate of proceedings in any County that is included in the judicial district of the court
• Prepare jury charges in civil cases
• Perform administrative support duties as assigned for administrative functions of the court
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Pass two (2) proficiency tests consisting of 180 wpm literary, 200 wpm jury charge, and 225 wpm Q & A, depending on nature of dictation used, to become eligible for certification
• Part A of the certification exam requires a minimum passing grade of at least ninety-five (95%) percent accuracy
• Part B of the certification exam requires a minimum passing grade of seventy-five (75%) percent
• Certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC) in the State of Texas
• Complete continuing education pursuant to the rules promulgated by the Texas Supreme Court
• Knowledge of machine shorthand theory and minimum standards established for certification as a Certified Court Reporter
• Knowledge of Texas law and court procedures, terminology, record keeping practices and procedures, and Court decorum
• Knowledge of Federal, State, Local and County laws, rules, regulations and guidelines relating to court reporting services
• Knowledge of computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions
• May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information
• Skill in coordinating and prioritizing the work and activities of self
• Skill in both verbal and written communication
• Ability to apply correct English grammar and spelling, vocabulary, medical and legal terminology
• Ability to record, transcribe and maintain records of court proceedings
• Ability to listen attentively for long periods of time
• Ability to operate a stenotype machine to record and prepare accurate and complete official records
• Ability to perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner
• Ability to continue professional growth through continuing education
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public
• Ability to lift/carry up to 10-25 pounds
• Subject to continual contact with persons accused or convicted of crimes

Nice to have:

• Graduation from an accredited Court Reporting school
• Two (2) years of experience as a Certified Court Reporter

Important Details

• Schedule: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday
• Works some holidays
• Works some weekends
• Team: Juvenile Probation

Other Conditions

• Criminal, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required

About the Company

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity and can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions. The job description is intended to be generic in nature and not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.