Presenters: Patricia Nilsen & Rashonda Price 

Success in court reporting is built through practice, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous growth. Join Patricia Nilsen, a two-time World Champion Stenographer, and Rashonda Price, the 2026 Steno in the City Trailblazer Award recipient, as they share the strategies, speedbuilding techniques, practice regimens, and mindset that have shaped their careers. 

From mastering speed and preparing for certification exams to transitioning from school into the profession and pursuing lifelong excellence, this session will provide practical tools and inspiration for students, new professionals, and experienced reporters looking to elevate their skills and achieve their career goals.

10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m – Transition Break

Presenter: Anna Mar-Lazo 

Stepping out of school and into the legal field is one of the most exciting and overwhelming milestones in a reporter’s journey. Led by presenter Anna Mar-Lazo,with five years of reporting, this essential session focuses on the critical transition for new reporters and the reality of starting from the bottom to build a bulletproof professional foundation. 

“Paying your dues” isn’t about just getting by; it’s about mastering the business, financial, and mechanical realities of your new career. In this seminar, Anna will break down the practical expectations of a new reporter’s workload, the financial realities of starting a business, and the vital job knowledge required to deliver a flawless, readable transcript. Packed with real-world advice to help you avoid common rookie pitfalls, this session is your guide to earning your stripes and setting yourself up for long-term success.

11:05 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. – Break

Presenter: Kerry Murphy 

Let’s talk about transcript finalization and production from start to finish! Have you ever wondered how to get your transcript physically and digitally ready to send to an attorney client? What items would you need in order to be prepared? Also, this session will discuss cover pages and filing captions and why our precision matters! We will also go over steps and best practices for finalizing and double-checking (aka quality control) of your transcript. We will discuss tips and tricks for the completion of

a transcript, steps to follow, as well as the code letter that is sent in California. Up for discussion is also how to be prepared and best protect the record when faced with the infamous “SoCal stip”!

11:20 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Break

Presenter: Molly Cooper 

This seminar focuses on understanding and tracking the important details of every job and how to use that information to create accurate transcript cover pages. You’ll learn basic job tracking skills and how to understand key documents. You’ll leave this seminar feeling ready to conquer your first job, equipped with knowledge about the case caption, exhibit indexing, swearing in a witness, and more.

1:05 p.m. – 2:05 p.m. 

Building Confidence: Your Journey from Student to Reporter Presenter: Desiree Cook 

Graduation is just the beginning! Now it’s time to confidently step into your new career. Transitioning from student to professional reporter requires much more than passing speed tests. It means developing the confidence, professionalism, and mindset needed to thrive in today’s legal environment. 

Join California Certified Shorthand Reporter Desiree Cooks as she shares practical advice and real-world experiences to help you successfully navigate your first assignments and establish yourself as a trusted professional. From on-the-job etiquette and professional communication to appearance, time management, and building positive relationships with attorneys, judges, agencies, and fellow reporters,

this session provides the tools every new reporter needs to make a successful transition. 

You’ll also learn the importance of representing yourself professionally both in person and online, developing confidence in unfamiliar situations, and approaching every job with the mindset of a business professional. Whether you’re preparing for your first deposition or your first day in court, you’ll leave with practical strategies to help you step into the profession with confidence, credibility, and a strong foundation for long-term success.

Wrap up the workshop with an interactive Q&A session designed specifically for students and new professionals. This is your opportunity to ask the presenters your most pressing questions about court reporting, speedbuilding, certifications, technology, transcript production, job readiness, and navigating the profession. No question is too small—bring your curiosity and leave with practical answers, valuable insights, and greater confidence as you continue your court reporting journey.