Every semester, Plaza College hosts “Steno Stars” as an opportunity for students to gain professional insight from certified court reporters.
Earlier this week, Plaza College virtually hosted December’s Steno Star of the month, Darlene Devlin. Devlin is a senior court reporter of twenty-six years who serves on NYSCRA’s Board of Directors, is active with NCRA committees, and is Vice President of CSEA Region 1 Judiciary Local 330.
But before building a successful career in the courts, Devlin was building her stenography skills in court reporting school.
“There is always so much to learn. You can always be better, you can always improve.”
After countless nights practicing her finger drills on the steno machine, Devlin finished her program and began working as a freelance stenographer. She enjoyed the flexibility and financial freedom that freelancing offered, allowing her to raise her daughter and buy a home. But after eight rewarding years in freelance work, Devlin started exploring what else she could do with her stenography skills. After some reflection, she decided to transition from freelance work to a full-time role at the NY Unified Court System.
“We like to say the supreme court is like a box of chocolates … because you really don’t know what you’re going to get!”
Devlin emphasized the uniqueness and variability of each case makes the job enjoyable. She particularly enjoys complex cases with challenging terminology – advising students that it doesn’t have to be scary. She suggests Laurie Boucke’s Medical Briefs and Brief Encounters as reliable texts that court reporters can refer to over-and-over that break down complicated terms.
“Don’t get upset if it takes you a long time to pass something. It takes time to find your footing.”
Devlin also advised students that routine practice on the steno machine is crucial. “Everyone who has ever gone to court reporting school has hit a wall at least once … Don’t give up!” She reminded students that the work they are doing is challenging and stressful – but at the end of the tunnel is a rewarding, wonderful career. For students specifically struggling with being “stuck” at a certain speed, Devlin advised to work on the accuracy of a lower speed. “If you work on your accuracy, the speed will come.”
For Devlin, the most surprising aspect of the profession is its strong sense of advocacy. She emphasized that court reporting is a community that is enthusiastic about each other’s success; mentorship and support is available to all who seek it. She also pointed out that organizations such as NYSCRA host numerous events that can expand one’s court reporting network. These opportunities help to ensure the field remains vibrant and sustainable for years to come.
“There’s a lot of misconceptions of what a court reporter does, so our best fight against [AI] is to educate the public on how nuanced [the career] is.”
Advocacy was also Devlin’s answer to artificial intelligence. As long as the field continues to grow, she sees no reason for AI to take over (nor does she believe it will ever be the preference!) She encourages students to raise public awareness about the vital role court reporters play in the legal system. Getting the word out there provides job security for future generations of court reporters.
President Callahan also took to the virtual stage to share some keen insight on the field’s value. “When you go to a court, you see the reverence in which the court reporter is held by the judge. Nothing happens without the court reporter. Nothing.” It just goes to show the tremendous honor and irreplaceable skills that come with the job’s territory – all of which cannot be supplanted by AI.
“There are openings everywhere. There are a lot of court reporters looking to retire.”
An aging workforce has resulted in a shortage of court reporters – which means courts are eager to hire new faces to fill the role. At Plaza College, graduates have the distinctive opportunity to begin their careers in the courts right after graduation, benefiting from our extensive network in the court reporting industry.
“Take the leap: this is a wonderful career.”
Devlin’s career shows the dedication, skill, and impact that court reporters bring to the legal system. With growing demand and opportunities in the field, now is the time for students to start their journey, build their expertise, and step into a rewarding, indispensable profession.
