JEFFREY: Lisa and Kayla! So nice to talk to you, thank you for taking the time. Kayla, how’d your job go today?
KAYLA: It was good, I was just actually submitting it right now!
Look at you getting it in right away! We appreciate that, thank you. So as you know we’ve started this new series for the Veritext Voice where we interview different family members who are legal professionals and talk to them about their time in the industry and what it’s like working together — and you’re our first team! Lisa, let’s start with you. How did you get your start as a court reporter?
LISA: I had known about court reporting for a long time, then I became pregnant and wanted something that was flexible, but I could make good money.
Court reporting is such a beneficial career in so many ways. And Kayla, how about you. What interested you about the field?
KAYLA: Well, because my mother is a court reporter! I was a hairdresser for many years and I like talking and listening to people but was looking for a new career, and then digital reporting happened to fall in my lap as a recommendation from my mother.
It’s a great career for someone who likes to listen! Lisa, why did you make the recommendation to Kayla to become a court reporter?
LISA: Because the career has been very good to me and I figured she would have the same benefit as I did as a young mother with a career that was very rewarding and different, and she would be able to support herself.
You’ve been a reporter for a bit now Kayla, would you recommend it as well?
KAYLA: I’ve definitely talked to more people about it. People find it very interesting being a keeper of the record. I would recommend it to anyone who would be right for the field because I do think that you have to have a certain personality or work ethic to thrive. I think that you must have a great personality, be kind and professional, and be non-partial to either side but also be a little bit assertive. There’s a little bit of a confidence factor that comes into this job.
That’s so true about our field, isn’t it? It’s so interesting and rewarding but takes the right person with a great work ethic. Lisa, what about you, what do you think makes somebody right for this field?
LISA: It’s a challenging job, so your work ethic has to be a good strong one, and you have to have a strong personality. You are the keeper of the record. I agree with everything that she said. It’s lovely to hear her explain it that way.
It must be so rewarding working in the same industry together. Lisa, aside from working alongside Kayla, what is the most rewarding aspect of being a court reporter, for you?
LISA: It’s the people. Meeting different people every single day and learning new things. I’ve learned so much doing this job by taking different cases. It’s never the same thing twice. That’s the best part of this job– it’s the people!
KAYLA: I have to agree. It’s the people! The different interactions on the day-to-day or learning about something new. Each day something is different. That keeps it interesting, and keeps you on your toes.
Kayla, what about your biggest challenge — and you can’t say working with your mother! That doesn’t count.
KAYLA: Haha, I wouldn’t say that. I’m still in the same house as her — I can’t say that! I just try to keep a balance between trying to keep the client happy and doing my job to the best of my ability.
LISA: I would agree. Not everyone is so patient, so it can be a challenge getting your job done, or, them coming back and saying, “I didn’t say that” but you have to get your record. But I would say there are not that many downsides. It’s just it’s a lot of work too. It’s more work than people think!
We understand that! Lisa, back to you working with Kayla, how does it make you feel to work in the same field as your daughter?
LISA: I feel like now I have somebody on my side in the house because nobody gets this job unless you do it. It’s nice to have her as a little sounding board because she gets it, and I’m that for her as well. We also give each other tips — if I don’t know an email of somebody to get in touch with, she happens to know. It’s been kind of cool that way. I think it’s brought us closer together as well, although I don’t know if we can get actually much closer than we are!
KAYLA: It’s been an interesting experience. It’s been great, I would say more positive if anything. It’s so helpful to have someone kind of navigate you through learning how to be a reporter and tips and tricks, or if she’s worked with someone she can give me a little bit of advice on what to do or not do to. It’s been beneficial for me. It’s also great to have someone during this virtual time to talk to at the end of the day about your job. Or have an in-person coworker when there is no “in-person”. I’m always asking her things or getting her opinion on something. She is absolutely, definitely a mentor.
You’re both so fortunate to have each other during those tough days. Lisa, have you gotten any new perspective from watching Kayla navigate court reporting?
LISA: I do, actually, if she gets excited over something or nervous or if somebody wasn’t as nice as they should be, I see it differently now. I think it’s been a good calming effect on me because I’ve had to be a little stronger for her.
What about you Kayla? I bet now that you’re a court reporter yourself, you probably have a whole new appreciation for mom’s talent and experience.
KAYLA: I definitely have a newfound respect for what she’s always done. I’ve always known that she’s worked very hard and put in a lot of hours into her work, but now I finally understand. I have a newfound respect for how hard she works and the quality of her work.
I know neither of you are fortune tellers, but what does the future look like for you — careerwise?
KAYLA: Honestly, I take it day by day. I would just like to get better at what I’m doing. But any opportunity that digital reporting can have for me, I am open to; and I’m always open to learning. But right now, I’m so focused on still honing my skills and being a better court reporter every day.
And what about you, Lisa?
LISA: Maybe ten years, retire? I love the job. I love it. As much work as it is, it makes me feel alive when I work and when I do this job. And I don’t know if I’m ready to give that up. I would be very bored without court reporting.
Court reporting is such a great career, and it’s so awesome, Lisa that you recruited Kayla into the field and that you’re taking it on together. We love to see that. Thank you both so much for taking the time to talk to us today. I’ll talk to you soon!
KAYLA: Have a nice evening.
LISA: Thank you so much!
