Court Reporter

Tasks & duties

Court reporters may do some or all of the following:

• type verbatim (word for word) all evidence, comments and decisions made in a court hearing
• check, edit and print copies of the official transcript (final copy)
• type up written material such as court decisions for judges and other court documents
• proofread all work

Skills & knowledge

Court reporters need to have:

• typing speed of at least 70 words per minute
• excellent computer and word processing skills and a familiarity with Microsoft Word packages
• good vocabulary and excellent spelling and grammar
• good communication skills

Knowledge of Māori spelling and protocols is useful as court reporters are required to be sensitive to any cultural issues that may arise in court.

Entry Requirements

To become a court reporter you need to have an accurate typing speed of at least 70 words a minute.

Court reporters must also have no criminal record.

Secondary Education

Court reporters need to have an excellent command of the English language. Completion of  secondary school studies to NCEA Level 2 (Sixth Form Certificate) or equivalent work experience is useful.

Training on the job

On the job training is provided and is an ongoing process. It includes learning about the court system and the relevant computer software.

Useful Experience

Experience in computer work or word processing is useful for court reporters.

As court reporters need to know relevant technical and legal jargon, previous work in a legal office may be useful. Knowledge of the commonly used procedures and terminology used in the courts is an advantage.

Court reporters also need sufficient life experience to be able to cope with the court environment.

Related courses

Secretarial and Office Studies

For more information, please refer to Career Services.