LiveDeposition Certified Reporter Spotlight
Name: Bobbie A. Umstead
Title: Court Reporter
Certifications: RPR, FPR, CLR
Self-summary in three words: Always Ready for Anything
When did you begin your court reporting career? 1978
What sparked your interest in choosing court reporting as a profession?
My best friend’s father was a judge in the small town I grew up in and recommended court reporting as a profession, though I had never heard of a “court reporter” in my life and did not know what they did.
What advice would you give students or those just entering the field of Court Reporting?
Be sure that court reporting is something that interests you. Be sure to remember your days and hours of work are up to you.
As a Court Reporter, what is your worst nightmare or biggest pet peeve?
A witness and/or interpreter that I cannot understand, a heavy/heavy accent.
What is your favorite thing about being a court reporter?
You are self-employed and can work when you want to. You can work out of your house. You can travel.
What is the funniest thing you have heard during a deposition or in the courtroom?
A gentleman on the stand describing certain items that were stolen when someone broke into his hotel room. The item was a hair-do product, Dippity-Do. The man was really funny when he said this item was his and that it was stolen. I guess you had to be there.
When not court reporting, how do you spend your free time?
I love socializing, playing cards and boating – as well as talking a lot!
What do you like most about LiveDeposition?
It is very easy to learn and use – when I remember everything I am supposed to do, anyway. It does not clutter the conference table with cords, etc. It is wonderful and looks so professional!