OCA - Court Reporter; Fort Worth

Overview

The Court Reporter primarily serves the Texas Business Court. The Texas Business Court is a statewide, specialized trial court created by the 88th Texas Legislature to resolve high‑value and complex business disputes. This position performs highly advanced (senior‑level) project management work, specifically court reporting in complex civil litigation for the Eighth Division of the Business Court of Texas, located in Fort Worth.

The employee will be the official court reporter for both judges of the corresponding division:
Judge Jerry D. Bullard and Judge Brian Stagner. Court reporting work is performed in‑person and, when permitted by the court, using video conference technology. The reporting person works under minimum supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Travel will be required if the court holds a trial or hearing outside of Tarrant County.

• Attends in‑person or remote court sessions, as requested by the court, and makes a verbatim record of oral testimony offered during a hearing, including objections made to the admissibility of evidence, court rulings, remarks on the objections, and exceptions to the ruling.
• Transcribes testimony utilizing a reporting software system that includes real‑time capability and prepares transcripts taken at court hearings in accordance with established uniform formats.
• Provides accurate transcripts of the reported evidence or other proceedings, in whole or in part, upon request in a timely manner.
• Provides rough draft transcripts to the court on request.
• Oversees and maintains logs and files exhibits offered during proceedings.
• Assists management with developing department policies, procedures, standards, and manuals as it relates to court reporting, transcript production and other applicable material for the courts.
• Might be required to attend continuing education seminars and training as needed.
• Performs related work as assigned and complies with all Office of Court Administration and Texas Business Court policies.

• High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• One year of full‑time experience in providing court reporting with machine shorthand or oral stenography.
• Licensed and in good standing as a Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission.
• Experience providing expedited transcripts.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook and One Drive.
• Experience with Adobe Pro.

• Experience in preparing court reporter records for the appellate courts.
• Working knowledge of Thomson Reuters Case Center.
• Working knowledge of Zoom video conference platform.
• Certification through the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) as Registered Merit Reporter (RMR), Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR) or Certified Real‑time Reporter (CRR).
• Experience in business litigation.

• Knowledge of the Texas judicial system.
• Knowledge of Judicial Branch Certification Commission laws, rules, and procedures relating to Certified Shorthand Reporters.
• Knowledge of the Code of Ethics for Certified Shorthand Reporters.
• Knowledge in backup electronic recording devices, equipment, and technology.
• Knowledge of stenography and the use of stenographic dictionaries.
• Skilled in the preparation of clear and precise verbatim records.
• Ability to manage concurrent projects or tasks to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to develop, monitor, and communicate multiple calendars and meet engagement invitations in Microsoft Outlook.
• Ability to deliver clear communication, both orally and in writing.