Court Reporter III

Full Job Description

The South Carolina Judicial Branch (SCJB) is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Court Reporter III to join the Court Services Department.

Under the direct supervision of a Court Reporter Supervisor, the Court Reporter III provides accurate, timely, and complete verbatim records of court proceedings throughout the state using stenographic, voice writing, or digital methods.

This position also ensures compliance with all statutes, court rules, and SCJB procedures related to transcript preparation, record retention, and professional conduct.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Position

This job bulletin represents general duties for this position and is not intended to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Court Reporting and Record Management

• Attend court proceedings and create verbatim recordings using stenographic, voice writing, and/or digital methods.
• Operate SCJB-issued digital recording equipment to ensure clear, complete audio recordings.
• Upload all audio and physical court records to OneDrive weekly in the SCJB-approved format.
• Read or play back testimony at the judge’s request and make accurate, time-linked annotations to assist with transcript preparation.
• Receive, inventory, and maintain exhibits; file exhibits with the Clerk of Court in accordance with laws, rules, and regulations, retaining proof of delivery.

Transcript Preparation and Delivery

• Prepare certified verbatim transcripts, including proofreading, editing, printing, binding, and preparing trial indexes.
• Certify transcript accuracy and distribute copies within established deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of official records, including compliance with the South Carolina Court Reporter Manual.
• Respond to transcript requests (including from incarcerated individuals) in a timely manner.

Professionalism and Compliance

• Adhere to SCJB standards of professionalism, including punctuality, dress code, neutrality, discretion, and integrity.
• Work independently with sound judgment and strong attention to detail.
• Assist judges and court personnel with reasonable requests inside and outside the courtroom.
• Submit required weekly timesheets and monthly/quarterly reports accurately and on time.
• Attend meetings, training sessions, and continuing education as required.

Equipment and Maintenance

• Provide and maintain personal court reporting equipment (steno or voice writing) and related supplies.
• Verify proper equipment operation before each proceeding; coordinate with IT support to prevent delays.
• Ensure SCJB-provided digital recording equipment is properly maintained and used in accordance with policy.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• At least two (2) years of court monitoring/reporting experience with thorough knowledge of hearing procedures and transcript preparation.

• A degree in court reporting from an accredited school or court reporting institution.

• Successful completion of an AAERT-approved Electronic Reporting Program or verified current credentials as a Certified Electronic Court Reporter (CER).

• Verified credentials as a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) or Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR).

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• General knowledge of nationally recognized court reporting standards and procedures.
• Familiarity with the South Carolina Court Reporters Manual policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in computers and modern court reporting software/equipment.
• Strong transcription, listening, time management, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, neutrality, and professionalism at all times.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with judges, attorneys, court staff, and the public.
• Ability to work independently, concentrate under pressure, and sit for extended periods.
• Must be self-motivated, dependable, and exercise sound judgment.
• Stenographers and voice writers must provide and maintain their own equipment (SCJB does not supply this).
• Physical and Other Requirements
  • Ability to exert light physical effort, including occasional lifting, carrying, or pushing of up to 20 pounds.
  • Must have dependable transportation.
  • Occasional travel, including overnight, may be required (in-state and/or out-of-state).

Qualifications

At least four (4) years of court reporting experience with thorough knowledge of hearing procedures and transcript preparation.

Additional Information

The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children;
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (Temporary positions have option to enroll);
• 15 days paid annual (vacation) leave per year;
• 15 days paid sick leave per year;
• Option to designate 10 days of earned paid sick leave per year as family sick leave;
• 13 paid state holidays;
• Workers’ Compensation Benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The South Carolina Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, or disability.