Houston Firm Owners Speak
by Joy Edmondson

My first month in this job as editor and I am already enjoying the perks and privileges it allows, such as being able to "officially" speak with several firm owners. Everyone I spoke with was gracious as well as quite enthusiastic about adding their input. One can easily see why they have achieved the success they have. Most of the firm owners said things at least similar to what Ms. Davis wrote, so I have included her article (below) in its totality.

There were some items that may technically fall within the purview of Ms. Davis' suggestions, but the elaboration on such issues was so intriguing to me (and after 25 years of reporting, I had thought I'd heard it all) that I just had to share it with my constituency. Some of them are as follows:

1. Behave professionally. This means "no flirting" while on the job. During breaks, do not stay on the conference room phone the whole time. Leave the personal calls for later. If you must use the phone, try to observe if someone else may be waiting for the phone or, better yet, use your own cell phone.

2. Dress professionally. Offices have become more casual, but it is mandatory that the client be more casual than the reporter. A lady reporter nowadays can at times wear dressy pant suits, but neither lady reporter nor man should ever wear any type of blue jeans in an office setting. Of course, with certain law firms as well as courts, to be on the safe side a lady should always wear a dress and a man (including videographers) should always wear a coat and tie.

3. Know where you are going before you start going. Invest in a Key Map and use it. Be on time, but in case of the inevitable and it appears as though you might be late, call the office immediately so that they may call and assuage the client.

4. Communicate with the clients on the job as well as personnel in the office. Ask questions; do not assume anything with regard to the handling of the job.

5. Keep one's turnaround commitments.

6. One firm owner's pet peeve: Take care of your taxes! Find a good accountant and be sure to set aside the funds necessary to meet the Uncle Sam obligations. Otherwise, one finds themselves working exclusively to pay back taxes and then they end up resenting court reporting.

7. And my personal favorite, one which eases my fears of getting old and bolsters my confidence considerably, this firm owner prefers all his reporters to be over the age 30! After coming down somewhat from Cloud Nine, and querying a little further, I find that what he really wants is not necessarily gray hair, but maturity. He does not want a reporter that will be partying until the wee hours of the morning the night before a deposition.

If I did not get a chance to speak with you and you have more suggestions to add, I look forward to your contacting me so that your suggestions may be included in our next newsletter.

Anyway, like I said, I really enjoyed talking with the firm owners; they all were very open and had many good suggestions. JoyProv31@aol.com

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Qualifications To Consider When Choosing a Court Reporter
by Carol Davis

First and foremost, look for excellent machine skills. Accuracy is paramount.

Professional manner and conduct come next. Included would be current business attire, good grooming, good grammar, and friendly attitude. The knowledge of when to speak and when to keep quiet in a business setting is necessary.

Punctuality is a must.

Reporters need a good command of our English language and its rules of grammar. Add to that a basic knowledge of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules.

A reporter must know their CAT software. And if they are not realtime writers, they should be willing to learn.

Self-promotion as well as promotion of the firm's services are often overlooked. A good reporter speaks well of their firm and their firm's services. A good reporter is interested in the firm's future like their own future.

The manner in which a reporter treats the firm's office staff is important. Maintaining open communication with the production personnel, including clearly written instructions, are critical.

Reporters should have a fax machine and cell phone (or pager) for call-ins and next-day scheduling. Staying in contact and being easy to reach is a must.

A good attitude when receiving assignments makes work pleasant for all, knowing that not all jobs are O&10s.

Keeping turn-in promises and generally turning in work on a timely basis are key qualifications.

One final attribute enables a reporting candidate to stand out once all other criteria are met: A good sense of humor.

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