Job Details

Job Title: Official Court Reporter

This is highly responsible, advanced skill, technical work as an Official Court Reporter for the Honorable Judge Leslie Halligan of the Fourth Judicial District in Missoula, Montana.

Duties include attending sittings of court, capturing a verbatim record of court proceedings using computerized recording equipment such as Zoom, FTR, or stenograph machine and computer-aided transcription (CAT) software. Transcripts are prepared and distributed in accordance with rules of court, state statutes, and policies. The court reporter exercises considerable independent judgment in all aspects of job performance. Work is reviewed and evaluated by the judge or court administrator.

Job Duties:

• Responsible for capturing and preserving a verbatim record of court proceedings using computerized recording equipment or a stenograph machine and computer-aided transcription software.
• Set up equipment, conduct sound check, monitor operation of and dismantle recording equipment or stenograph machine in courtroom, conference rooms, judge's chambers, or other locations as directed by the judge.
• Maintain a complete record of all verbal communications and, to the extent necessary, to provide an intelligible record including nonverbal incidents in the proceedings.
• Remind parties, as necessary, to speak clearly and one at a time to ensure the integrity of a verbatim record.
• During proceedings, upon request of the judge or litigants, locate and read or play back portions of proceedings.
• Maintain a high level of concentration and attentiveness throughout all court proceedings, regardless of disruptions and other unpredictable and adverse conditions.
• Utilize computer equipment and software for preparation of transcripts.
• Transcribe, proofread, certify, and distribute official transcripts.
• Archive computerized recordings or stenographic and associated files pursuant to Judicial Branch policy.
• Provide court reporter coverage for other judges within assigned district and other judges sitting on proceedings held in assigned district. Remain current on computerized court reporting technology.
• Communicate with litigants and the public regarding requests for official transcripts.
• Provide administrative support as assigned by the judge.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily in a courtroom, hearing room, conference room, judge's chambers, office setting, or recorded by Zoom or another electronic audio-visual platform. May include travel assignments.

Physical Demands:

Work requires extended periods of listening, concentration, and operation of a keyboard or stenograph machine and may include lifting and transporting stenographic, computer equipment, or other recording equipment to assigned courthouse locations.

Licensure and Certification Requirements:

Preferred but not required - Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification and Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) certification, maintained by obtaining required continuing education units, in accordance with certification guidelines established by NCRA.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Preference given to graduates of a post-secondary court reporting (stenography) program approved by NCRA and the Montana Supreme Court. Experience as an official court reporter in a courtroom setting is preferred, but new court-reporting graduates encouraged to apply.
• Relevant experience may substitute for prior stenography program completion where the candidate can demonstrate excellent typing skills, ability to operate and troubleshoot computerized recording systems, ability to produce transcripts, and understanding of court procedures.