ANNE: Variety keeps things interesting

Name: Anne Hansen

Age: 34

Occupation: Freelance Court Reporter

Number of Years in the Profession: 8

Background
Following high school, Anne received her Associates in Science degree after which she worked as a surgical assistant. Looking at her long-term options, Anne saw court reporting as an opportunity to enter a field where she could meet her goal of climbing the “career ladder” as high as it would go. She completed her court reporter training in 1999. She has been a freelancer with a court reporting firm since then, and recently partnered to start a court reporting firm in Colorado.

Getting interested in the profession
Anne broke the class speed record for typing in junior high. Although she didn’t think much about it at the time, she says that experience was “one of those small puzzle pieces in life that you’re not quite sure how it’s going to fit in.” When as an adult she was seeking a career that would make the most of her talents in a demanding environment, she considered becoming involved in the law as a legal secretary. It was her father who suggested that court reporting might offer the same challenges and rewards but greater opportunity. That turned out to be the last piece she needed to form the full picture of her career.

A “typical” day
As a freelance reporter, Anne’s work literally changes from day to day. The one constant is the time she spends at home working on transcripts, and the freedom that affords her to pursue her numerous outside interests. “Some people think it’s crazy to work at a job that you can’t leave at the office,” Anne says. “But for me it’s a real plus. I keep myself very organized, so I’m able to do a lot with my time. A load of laundry can be running while I’m working, and when I’m done for the day, I don’t have to worry about a long commute.” That leaves time in her day for the other things she loves, like skiing, gardening, motorcycle riding or competing on her Masters swim team.

Best part of the job
Anne says that the variety — a day can bring anything from taking a deposition for a contract dispute to advocating for professional certification — keeps her job interesting and exciting. “But I think the thing I like the most,” she says, “are those days where I’m really performing at my best. It’s a lot like swimming a perfect meet or hitting a downhill run just right — you really feel good seeing all that hard work and preparation paying off, especially knowing that you’re really providing an important service that people couldn’t get any other way.”

Most rewarding professional experience
“Court reporting is one of those professions where the better you do the less people notice you. Our machines don’t make any noise, and we want people to be so at ease with our presence that they’re focusing on their testimony, not the people recording it. So it’s always especially gratifying when you hear a judge or attorney say, ’She’s a really good reporter.’ You appreciate the fact that although you’ve slipped into the background, the work you’re doing is still front and center in people’s minds.”

Most interesting professional experience
Anne is involved in the effort by the Colorado Court Reporters Association to require certification for all court reporters in the state.“I’ve found being involved in the political process to be fascinating,” she says. “It’s really something to be capturing history one day and then trying to make it the next.”

Main skills used on the job
“Of course there are the basics, like excellent listening and exceptional dexterity. But people also have to pay attention to the basics of professionalism. You should never be afraid to ask a question about something you didn’t understand during testimony. Having a clean and accurate transcript is far more important than looking smart. And whenever we’re in the courtroom or with clients, we need to project an air of professionalism. We are an important part of the legal process and we need to behave that way.”

Advice for people considering entering the profession.
“Remember that translating the spoken word into text doesn’t always come easy. Some people are naturals at it, but most have to work hard. If you’re a person who responds well to challenges, and can work through the learning process and do your best, you can find yourself in a very rewarding career.”