Scopists Information

Posted on 1/15/2008

I`ve been getting inquiries from scopists lately. Quite a few in fact. So I`ve added a page onto this blog called Scopists` Corner in order to post some of their information -- with their permission, of course! Hopefully, any court reporters out there in need of a scopist will at least stop by the Scopists` Corner and see who`s looking for work.If you`re a scopist in need of a little free publicity, please simply post a comment on the scopist page.

What Is A Scopist?
A scopist is basically like an editor and/or proofreader for a busy court reporter. He/she is trained on various CAT softwares and is adept at grammar and punctuation. Many scopers I know are former paralegals or court reporters in training. They often work from home and have clients throughout the country. The scoper I`ve used is named Darla and lives in Montana. Montana! Think about it, here I am a deposition reporter in California having my transcripts proofed and edited by a lady in Montana. Isn`t the Internet grand!

My Theory On Having A Scopist
I figured out a long time ago that I wasn`t making any money sitting at home in front of my computer editing transcripts. Unless my behind was in the chair at a deposition, I was losing money! My theory is the less time scoping my own work, the more time taking depositions, the better. I know not all CSRs share that opinion. But as for me, that`s what I tell everyone.

Comment by Kristie
2/2/2008

I am looking to get into the scoping field; do you have any advice on how to get started?

Comment by zeta20
1/17/2008

I’m a Court Reporter student attending Miami Dade Community College using Phoenix in real-time. You blog has been helpful and this is a courtesy message thanking you for the information. Two different mentors have tried to find time to help through the NCRA’s recommendation. Both of them wanted to communicate over the telephone which is difficult for me between my classes and job.

Comment by Todd Olivas
1/18/2008

Thank you for the encouragement. I really appreciate it! If there’s anything that you think I should add to this site to make it more useful, please let me know. Best of luck. And remember: no matter how hard it may seem some days… the payoff IS worth it in the end.

Scopist & Proofreader`s Corner

Court Reporter Job Description Video