Geiger Loria FIlius McLucas Reporting firm Co-Owner Helena L. Bowes, RPR
shares her thoughts on her career as a court reporter.
What are you most proud of in
your career?
I started reporting before the computer, when we typed and used carbon
paper to produce the transcripts. When I
used a typist, I would dictate on cassette tapes and drive the tapes to my
typist, and then I would have to drive back to pick up the finished transcript,
proof it myself, and then double proof with a proofreader. I once again drove to my proofreader to drop
off the transcript and then I drove back to retrieve it. I have embraced the new technology as it has
evolved many times over the years, even though there were many frustrating moments
as the software would change dramatically throughout the years. I am now able to have proofreaders in any
state and just email them the transcript.
What surprised you about your
career and why?
The long days without lunch breaks and very few breaks throughout the
day. Because there are multiple
attorneys at depositions, it’s easy for them to eat, while I cannot. I once did a hearing from nine to five where
I did not have any breaks at all. The others who weren’t asking the questions
could leave the room when they wanted if they weren’t asking questions; as the
keeper of the record, I was busily writing away.
Can you describe what a
typical day for you looks like?
There is no typical day, which is why I love being a freelance court
reporter, you never know what each day will bring.
Can you tell us about a
challenge you have overcome?
Before realtime, I would stroke all my homophones (words that sound alike
but have a different spelling and meaning) the same way, but I have retrained
myself so that each homophone is spelled correctly at the time it’s said so
that it will appear on the computer screen in the right context.
Have you accomplished
something not related to your career that you would like to relate?
I have been a big sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters and have enjoyed
spending time with my little sister. I
also volunteer with Yorkie Rescue Me as a foster doggie mom, giving dogs a
second chance to get a home.
