Disclaimer

The materials available at this web site are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Users should consult legal counsel of their own choosing to discuss how these matters relate to their individual circumstances. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the New York State Court Reporters Association.

Attorney Responsible for Stenographic Services

Though the perseverance of NYSCRA’s lobbyist, Davidoff, Malito & Hutcher LLP, NYSCRA’s Board, especially the Legislative Committee General Business Law 399-cc was passed. The statute’s intent to make the attorney responsible for the stenographic costs. This statute originally effective November 15, 2005 was amended effective July 26, 2006 and provides:

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, when an attorney of record orders or requests either orally or in writing that a stenographic record be made of any judicial proceeding, deposition, statement or interview of a party in a proceeding or of a witness related to such proceeding, it shall be the responsibility of such attorney to pay for the services and costs of such record except where: 1. Payment is otherwise provided by law or where the attorney is providing representation through a not-for-profit provider of criminal or civil legal services; or 2. The attorney expressly disclaims responsibility for payment of the stenographic service or record in writing at the time the attorney orders or requests that the record be made.

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FAQ's

How do I get/become a mentor?

Log on to the NYSCRA web site. Click on Mentoring Program. All the information you need is right there at your fingertips. Just email one of the people at the bottom with your name, status, what you’re looking for, and you will receive a reply in no time hooking you up with someone or asking for more information.

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What are the requirements to practice court reporting in New York State?

To freelance in New York State, all you need is to have finished a court reporting program, with a certificate of completion at 225 wpm.

For officialships, you must take and pass a Civil Service exam.

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Is a license required?

Currently, no license is required for court reporting in New York State; although, there is voluntary licensing in the CSR. You must be a notary public to swear witnesses in, but some freelance firms allow a reporter to acquire that within a certain period of time after being hired.

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What is the CSR?

The CSR (Certified Shorthand Reporter) is a voluntary licensing exam administered by the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, Division of Professional Licensing Services.

The exam consists of the following:

1. Seven minutes of four-voice dictation at 200 wpm, which must be transcribed. Passing score of 95.
2. Four minutes of a one-voice jury charge at 175 wpm, which must be read back from your notes within twelve minutes. Passing score of 95.
3. Five minutes of two-voice dictation on a medical subject at 175 wpm, which must be transcribed. Passing score of 75.
4. A written test of 20 questions on legal terminology and procedures, rules of evidence and court structure. Passing score of 75.
5. A written test of 40 questions on grammar, word usage, vocabulary, and punctuation. Passing score of 75.

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What are the general requirements to take the CSR?

To take the CSR exam in New York State you must:

General Requirements:

1. Be of good moral character.
2. Be at least 21 years of age.
3. Meet education, examination and experience requirements.
4. Be a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.

Education Requirements:

1. Graduation from high school or its equivalent.
2. A certified transcript must be sent directly from the school to the Office of the Professions of the NYS Education Department.

In lieu of evidence of completion of education, you may present evidence of five (5) years of the following experience:

1. Satisfactory evidence of at least three (3) years of experience as a full-time reporter using either manual shorthand or shorthand writing machine.
2. Each employer with whom experience is claimed must complete and submit a form to the Office of the Professions of the NYS Education Department.

All of the above-mentioned information and more can be obtained by going to http://www.op.nysed.gov/csr.htm

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What other exams can I take?

There are several exams that are sponsored by NCRA, (National Court Reporters Association):

All of the above-mentioned information and more can be obtained by going to http://www.NCRAonline.org

There are also Civil Service tests that are required for careers in New York State Government.

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Opportunities in New York State for court reporters consist of the following:

The following is a list of opportunities available for Court Reporters in New York State:

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

1. Possess a high school diploma or its educational equivalent AND
2. Two years of general verbatim reporting experience OR
3. Completed a formal program in court reporting.

Court Reporter (Court Reporters working the Civil and Criminal Courts of the City of New York and in City, Family, District, Surrogate’s, and County Courts.)

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Senior Court Reporter (Court of Claims, the Supreme Court, and those County Courts with 2 or more full-time County Court Judges or one full-time County Court Judge and combined annual filings of indictments and Supreme Court civil actions exceeding 650)

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

* While these are the minimum qualifications for this position, consideration may be given to education and experience directly related to the assignment. Two hundred fifty (250) days of per diem experience may be substituted for one year of full-time experience. You may be eligible to take the exam prior to meeting all of the requirements.

Civil Service information can be obtained by going to http://www.cs.state.ny.us

Current CSR and/or RPR Certificate, at least four years of prime stenographic CAT court reporting experience in the freelance field of service or in other courts or a combination thereof; Qualified by testing for listing on the Registry of Professional Reporters of the National Court Reporters Association or passed an equivalent qualifying examination. Realtime certification preferred.

For freelance in New York State, you need is to have finished a court reporting program, with a certificate of completion at 225 wpm. Currently, no license is required for court reporting in New York State; although, there is voluntary licensing in the CSR. You must be a notary public to swear witnesses in, but some freelance firms allow a reporter to acquire that within a certain period of time after being hired.

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What are the note retention regulations for officials in New York State?

The rules for officials are the following. You must apply for destruction approval beforehand.

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What are the note retention regulations for freelancers in New York State?

The national standard, according to the NCRA’s Code of Professional Ethics, when a state rule does not exist, states the following:

Preserve the shorthand notes in accordance with statute or court order, or otherwise for a period of no less than five (5) years through storage of the original paper notes or an electronic copy of either the shorthand notes or the English transcript of the notes on computer disks or optical or laser disk systems.

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