Like most court reporting agencies, the company uses freelancers and charges a percentage on their fee, which is based on a per page charge for a finished transcript Martin said. The deposition suites are provided at no charge to customers who hire reporters through Martin Court Reporting. Working through agencies like Martin Court Reporting allows reporters to stay connected to a source of steady work and to avoid the scheduling conflicts that arise when working on their own. Reporters are responsible for recording proceedings, editing and producing a final transcript and copies for the client. They also swear in witnesses and oversee depositions.
Court reporters are mostly women.
Mary Strasolla, a certified court reporter for 15 years and a single mother, has been able to support herself and her son with her court reporting income. It is a very disciplined field. She said that for a four-hour deposition, she logs an additional two to four hours of work at home preparing the transcript. Her four-year business degree, though not required, has been a help. People and word skills are essential, she said.