Technical skills prove invaluable in virtual court proceedings.  

Transcribing legal proceedings is increasingly reliant on technology. Digital court reporters are responsible for recording and transcribing court proceedings. 

Jon Bellows, district court administrator for the 4th Judicial District in Oshkosh, explains that the pandemic has accelerated the courts’ pace of technology adoption. “Judges are holding hearings via Zoom,” he says. “To fulfill our obligation to have courts open to the public, we’re broadcasting hearings live on YouTube. FVTC graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the position."

Fox Valley Technical College is the only college in Wisconsin where you can study Digital Court Reporting. Training focuses on legal terminology, transcription and digital audio reporting techniques. 

The 27-credit technical diploma also gives students a strong background in developing listening and transcription skills that are the foundation for success in a courtroom setting—whether in-person or virtual. 

In photo: Laura Riemer, Van Dyne, graduated from the FVTC Digital Court Reporting program in May 2020 and is a Digital Court Reporter at the 4th Judicial District in Oshkosh.

Photo submitted by 4th Judicial District, Oshkosh

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The Paralegal and Digital Court Reporting fields are some of the fastest growing professions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Both are projected to grow 10% by 2029.