Hennepin County District Court is seeking resourceful, highly-motivated Court Reporters to be team members in our Court Reporter Unit (CRU).

These positions report to District Court Administration and work as part of a team of court reporters in the Court Reporter Unit. Work assignment and work direction is received from Court Reporter Unit Supervisors and Lead Workers.

Court Reporters are responsible to capture the official court record in a variety of proceedings, using in-person or remote methods as well as prepare and distribute transcripts in accordance with rules of court, opinions, state statutes, legal guidelines and policies.

Example of Duties

• Perform trial work on an in-person basis or capture a record of court proceedings in multiple courtrooms simultaneously using digital recording equipment
• Maintain complete records related to all court proceedings
• Maintain a high level of concentration and attentiveness throughout all court proceedings regardless of disruptions and other unpredictable and adverse conditions
• Read back testimony is requested by appropriate court parties
• Maintain accurate and complete files and records
• Keep abreast of District Court and CRU policies and procedures, Rules of the Court, Minnesota Statutes and all other relevant procedure manuals
• Transcribe, proofread, certify, and distribute official transcripts
• Research and retrieve information from court information systems

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The CRU is seeking both Stenographic and Electronic Court Reporters. A person seeking employment with the Branch for the position of official stenographic court reporter or electronic court reporter must meet the corresponding qualifications for the position sought.

Education and Experience Requirements for both Stenographic and Electronic Court Reporters

• Graduation from high school or equivalent
• Experience in a legal or court office
• Successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal background check prior to appointment

Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements for both Stenographic and Electronic Court Reporters

• Proficient in multiple computer hardware and software applications; interest in and ability to learn new technology and computer programs
• Ability to learn, interpret, retain and apply policies, procedures and statutes, specifically relating to establishing the official court record
• Ability to multitask and prioritize duties in a fast-paced, professional environment
• Ability to simultaneously monitor multiple court proceedings and enter clear, detailed log notes regarding significant occurrences or do trial work with the potential of high-volume, complex transcript work
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people
• Ability to be flexible regarding assignments, which may include travel and transportation of equipment
• Team oriented with a positive attitude and excellent interpersonal skills, with and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to exercise independent judgement in all aspects of job performance

Stenographic Court Reporter Certification Requirements

• Graduation from a court reporting school approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) within the past two years; or
• Compliance with one of the following:

1. Received a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) designation from the NCRA; or
2. Received an equivalent certification from another state or territory of the United States, or professional court reporter association; or
3. Have been practicing proficiently as a professional stenographic reporter for the past two (2) years and within one (1) month of hire, accurately take a minimum of 20 minutes of court proceedings alongside a stenographic court reporter who has an RPR designation or certification as provided in clauses (a) or (b) , and then produce a transcript with 95% accuracy as described in (d) below; or
4. Obtain RPR designation from the NCRA within two years of hire. Pending receipt of the RPR designation, must, within one (1) month of hire, accurately take a minimum of 20 minutes of court proceedings alongside a stenographic court reporter who has an RPR designation or certification as provided in clauses (a) or (b), and then produce a transcript. The participating RPR certified stenographer will determine that Ninety-five (95) percent accuracy is achieved to successfully complete this requirement.

Stenographic court reporters who do not meet requirements as noted above must become certified by the Minnesota Judicial Branch or the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT) as an Electronic Court Reporter within three months of hire, and take the record electronically until they are in compliance with a, b, c, or d above.

Electronic Court Reporter Certification Requirements

• Compliance with one of the following within three months of hire:

1. Receive an Electronic Court Reporter certificate from the State Court Administrator, or
2. Receive an Electronic Court Reporter Certification and an Electronic Transcriber Certification from the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT); or
3. Receive an Electronic Court Reporter certification from an accredited court reporter school

Supplemental Information

The Minnesota Judicial Branch (MJB) is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice. If you share this same commitment, desire a meaningful career serving the public, and want the opportunity to make a difference for your community, consider a career with us. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and characteristics. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB. To learn more about working for the Minnesota Judicial Branch, watch this video.