DALLAS — Dallas County court reporter Francheska Duffey has spent more than two decades building a career centered on accuracy, professionalism and the responsibility of preserving the official record of court proceedings.
For 21 years, Duffey has worked behind the scenes of the legal system, capturing spoken words and turning them into an official written record.
Now, the Dallas County court reporter has reached another professional milestone after earning the Certified Realtime Reporter credential from the National Court Reporters Association.
Duffey currently serves as the court reporter for Dallas County’s 330th Judicial District Court, which handles family law cases. She also holds the association’s Registered Professional Reporter certification.
The National Court Reporters Association announced Aug. 25 that Duffey earned the Certified Realtime Reporter certification, known as the CRR.
The credential recognizes court reporters who demonstrate advanced skills in real-time transcription technology and accuracy.
Real-time reporting allows court reporters to use a stenographic machine connected to a computer to convert spoken words into written text almost immediately.
The technology can be used during court proceedings, depositions and other settings where an accurate written record is needed quickly.
To earn the CRR credential, candidates must already hold a qualifying professional certification and successfully complete a five-minute real-time testimony test at 200 words per minute with at least 96% accuracy.
Candidates cannot edit the transcript before submitting it.
For Duffey, the certification represents another step in a career spanning more than two decades.
“Earning my CRR certification warms the cockles of my heart! Being a member of a nationally recognized organization has contributed significantly to my professional growth and development, allowing me to expand my skills and knowledge in the profession,” Duffey said.
Court reporters play a critical role in the judicial system by creating verbatim records of hearings, trials, depositions and other legal proceedings.
Their work provides attorneys, judges and others with an official record that can be referenced long after a proceeding ends.
The profession also extends beyond the courtroom.
Court reporters and captioners help to provide real-time transcription for meetings, broadcasts and public events while helping make spoken information accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Court reporting typically does not require a traditional four-year college degree, but training is available through community colleges, technical schools and specialized programs, although certification and licensing requirements vary by state and type of work.
Duffey’s latest certification adds another achievement to a career built around precision and continued professional development within the Dallas County court system.
Her 21 years of service and continued pursuit of advanced credentials reflect the long-term service and professional achievement highlighted through the DeSoto Tribune’s Community Hero series.
About the Author
