Guide to Court Reporting Degree Programs

Courtroom and legal records administration is typically done by paralegals. A paralegal is a person qualified by education and paralegal training, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, and court room or government agency to perform delegated work. Another exciting and well-paying courtroom career is the court reporter, which generally requires two years of study at court reporter school.

Paralegal training may include developing and modifying procedures used in the legal field, preparing routine legal documents, assisting in the preparation of cases for trials, investigating facts, researching, assessing and compiling information, handling procedural problems, as well as managing courtroom records and administration. The job of the court reporter is similar, though court reporter school will also cover topics such as: proper use of a stenographic writer, translating shorthand, and editing.

There are several ways to become a paralegal. While some paralegals train on the job, employers usually require formal paralegal training. Paralegal training programs can vary from a two-year associate's degree program, four-year bachelor's degree program, or certificate programs that take only a few months to complete.

These programs will help you to increase your knowledge of the legal profession by offering courses about the civil litigation process, case management strategies, trial preparation and procedures and by helping you to learn to communicate within the legal environment. Paralegal salaries are usually based on the amount of education, training, and experience you have.

Earning a degree or certificate in paralegal studies can prepare you for careers in law offices, local, state, or federal government agencies, and in courtrooms where duties may include assisting with the litigations preparation, document supervision, aiding attorneys in courtroom proceedings, and researching legal issues.