Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Working Life

There are two main reasons for reporting what happens in court. In long cases, lawyers need to see a transcript of the day's proceedings to remind them of what has taken place and help them prepare for the next stage of the case.

When a case goes to an appeal court, a record of the original case is used by legal professionals to help them prepare and to see how decisions were reached at the time.  
 
Court reporters listen carefully to the court proceedings. They record them by using a computer-aided transcription (CAT) system. This system enables reporters to input whole words or phrases at the touch of a button.

Depending on the system used, some reporters must wait until the end of the day to transfer their record from computer disk to a word processor before they can produce a transcript. It is the court reporter's responsibility to produce a clear and accurate transcript. They may have to edit their text to make sure it is grammatically correct and easy to understand.  
 
They may check legal details in libraries. They can also work for political conferences or public enquiries, industrial tribunals, or may record parliamentary debates. Many reporters are bilingual and their work may take them to countries outside Ireland. You have to sit concentrating fully for long periods of time.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Record verbatim proceedings of courts, legislative assemblies, committee meetings, and other proceedings, using computerised recording equipment, electronic stenograph machines, or stenomasks.
• Proofread transcripts for correct spelling of words.
• Ask speakers to clarify inaudible statements.
• Provide transcripts of proceedings upon request of judges, lawyers, or the public.
• Transcribe recorded proceedings in accordance with established formats.
• Log and store exhibits from court proceedings.
• File and store shorthand notes of court session.
• File a legible transcript of records of a court case with the court clerk's office.
• Verify accuracy of transcripts by checking copies against original records of proceedings and accuracy of rulings by checking with judges.
• Respond to requests during court sessions to read portions of the proceedings already recorded.

Further Information

• Court Reporter- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

There are many pathways to this career. The main source of employment in the Court Service is Public Appointments Service in the Civil service. There may also be career opportunities in the European Court of Justice EU Careers. 

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: business administration, customer service, legal administration.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: languages, business, office administration, legal secretary, secretarial courses.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Finance, Insurance Apprenticeships.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: business administration, languages, legal studies.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: law, management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €45k

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, relevant salary scale in department, experience, and location. 

Data Source(s):
Gov.ie /Forsa

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Administrative assistants and officers (national and local government); officers of non-governmental organisations (e.g. administrators (charitable organisation); organisers (trade union); trade union officials.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The changes in classification as a result of the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017 are partly responsible for the strong employment growth rate for this occupation, although employment also grew strongly between 2019 and 2020, and continued to grow in 2022. Those employed are primarily female (69%), working full-time (90%), and over half (55%) held third-level qualifications. With a higher than average share of persons employed aged 55 years and older (31% compared to 19% for all occupations), replacement demand is likely to result in opportunities opening up for these roles even if employment growth slows.

There was a significant number of vacancies advertised online for clerical officer roles across the civil service and Government administration roles. However, recent job hires for 2022 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. While job openings are set to continue, upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Department of Justice and Equality

  • 94 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2
  • (01) 602 8202
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here