Beyond the Record with Robin Riviello

LiveLitigation Certified Reporter Spotlight

Name:  Robin Riviello

Title:  Certified Shorthand Reporter – California

Certifications:  CSR, RPR, MBA, BA

What is your background in 140 characters?  I worked as a research analyst in a systems engineering group at Stanford Research Institute for several years. Due to my family situation, I changed careers and attended court reporting school and have worked as a reporter since 1998. I worked in court a brief time in the early 2000s but prefer depositions. I currently cover depositions and civil trials in the Santa Cruz/Monterey area.

When did you begin your court reporting career?  1998

What sparked your interest in choosing court reporting as a profession?
The need for postage stamps is responsible for my wonderful career in court reporting!!

I happened to be shopping at about midnight one night when my husband was home with our three children who at that time were very young (a 2-year old and 1-year-old twins). I needed postage stamps, and rather than try to cart three kids to the post office, I went to the one grocery store that at that time sold stamps. I happened to overhear one of the checkers telling a coworker that she was about to finally take the California court reporting exam after working nights for a long time and going to school during the day. I called West Valley College the next day and signed up shortly thereafter. I still remember the orientation and how excited I was. I remember hearing that only a small percentage of us would finish the program, and I somehow knew that I could do it. It took a long time, and I had baby #4 during my years at school, but I am grateful every day for this fabulous job!

What advice would you give to students or those just entering the field of court reporting?
Don’t give up! It can be a long road (it was for me), but it is so worth it!

What is your favorite thing about being a court reporter?
The flexibility.

As a Court Reporter, what is your worst nightmare or biggest pet peeve?
Mumbling and interrupting! I never knew how prevalent it was! It’s just part of the job, I know, but it really gets to me! When I work with an attorney who has a clear regard for the record, it is so wonderful.

Where is the strangest place you have taken a deposition?
Salinas Valley State Prison, where I am in the room with the witness (inmate) and the attorneys are appearing via videoconference and the guards are in another room behind a window.

What is the funniest thing you have heard during a deposition or in the courtroom?
Nothing comes to mind. That’s kind of sad! Or actually, a few things sort of come to mind but I wouldn’t repeat them out of respect for the parties involved!

When not court reporting, how do you spend your free time?
Going for walks, traveling any chance I can, gardening, enjoying family and friends.

What do you like most about LiveLitigation?
The ease of use! It is so reliable, so easy to use. Attorneys love it. I no longer have the stress of worrying about com ports and such. I love the new small router.

Anything else you would like to share?
I’m eager to improve my skills, and LiveLitigation is a great tool to have to accomplish my goals.