Law Office Class Visits With Court Reporter, Area Judge
(Press Release 2-14-04)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Certified Shorthand Reporter Jill Mabry and 16th District Judge Danita Williams discussed court reporting career opportunities today (Friday) during a Law Office II class at Eastern Oklahoma State College.

Maby began her career in Wilburton in 1987 with District Judge George H. McBee. She is currently employed as a State Court Reporter in Latimer County. Mabry also covers court in LeFlore and Haskell counties, and logs all court hearings and exhibits so they can be found later for appeals and hearings.

Mabry demonstrated her CAT (computer–aided transcription) system, and explained how utilization has reduced her workload. The symbols typed into the steno machine are written onto a floppy diskette. The steno symbols are loaded onto her computer and translated against her personal dictionary by the CAT software. After translation, she compares the transcript with audio tapes, proofreads the transcription, prints, and binds the final copy.

Transcripts are purchased by plaintiff attorneys, defense attorneys, or by the State.

“They are used to refresh witnesses’ memories in criminal and civil cases. Transcripts are also used for appeal purposes. In 1987, the page rate was $1 per page. The page rate in 2004 is $3.50 per page. Divorce transcripts average 100–200 pages. Transcript billings are paid directly to the court reporter and above the monthly and yearly salary.”

Judge Williams explained the importance of a court reporter in the courtroom during a trial. Williams graduated from Eastern Oklahoma State, East Central University and Tulsa University College of Law. She was sworn in as District Judge for District 16 on January 13, 2003. Williams is the first woman District Judge elected to this district position.

Members of Eastern’s Law Office II class are studying litigation, contracts, torts, criminal law and family law.

“This was a great time for Ms. Mabry and Judge Williams,” said EOSC Instructor Linda Morgan. “The students will be graduating soon and this was a wonderful opportunity for them to ask questions.”

Photo Caption Info: Front: Jill Mabry. Second Row: Sarah Shackelford, McAlester; Brigitte Noah, Red Oak; Belinda Keith, Quinton; Amber Hubler, Quinton; Lindsey King, Hartshorne and Judge Danita Williams. Back Row: Amber Cole, Wilburton; Heather Jones, McAlester; Dru Campbell, Mcalester and Carmen Beers, Hartshorne.