In celebration of NCRA Court Reporting and Captioning Week, we’re proud to highlight one of the rising professionals in our industry, Carol Altamirano. Carol is a new voice writer bringing fresh energy, dedication, and perspective to the field of court reporting. As someone who recently transitioned into this profession, her journey reflects the evolving paths available within our industry—and the meaningful opportunities court reporting continues to offer. Carol has graciously agreed to share her experience with us, and we’re excited to feature her story.
Celebrating NCRA Court Reporting & Captioning Week: Spotlight on a New Voice in the Profession
Interview with Carol Altamirano
What inspired you to pursue a career in court reporting?
My husband, who is the GM of CCROLA. He always spoke highly of the career, and when he saw how stressed out I constantly was and how many after-hours I would put in for my then-career, he really encouraged me to look into court reporting.
Why did you choose the voicewriting path?
I liked the idea of being a machine stenographer because I grew up playing the piano, so I knew my fingers would be malleable in that way. Unfortunately, being in school for 3+ years and working full-time meant it was not an option for me, so I gave up on becoming a stenographer for a few years. I circled back to the idea in 2023 when voice writers were able to become legally certified in CA. I learned that evening school was an option, so I enrolled in school later that year and haven't looked back!
What made you decide between working independently versus in court?
The decision was made for me! Haha... I had a baby who I wanted to be home with, so freelance was the obvious choice. I do still hope to join the courts in a few years once my daughter is in school.
How would you describe your experience learning voicewriting?
It was exciting, daunting, intimidating. What I loved most was that all the instructors and reporters that we encountered in school were incredibly encouraging, so any time I felt like I couldn't do it or I couldn't finish, I would think of them.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while learning, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was balancing life vs. school. I was working full-time, married, and pregnant for part of my time in school, so finding a workable, healthy balance to make time for everything was my biggest challenge. It took some trial and error, but I was able to make a manageable schedule for school so that I could enjoy everything else going on in my life. I think being flexible was the key for me.
What is something you love most about your job?
The independence, flexibility, and, quite honestly, the work-life integration. I love that my work speaks for itself.
What keeps you motivated in this profession?
The flexibility of work-life balance allows me to spend time with my daughter in her early stage. The community in this profession inspires me and feels like a family. Working alongside other professionals (Attorneys and Judges) is motivating.
What advice would you give to someone considering this career?
Try it! You never know until you try. And if you end up not liking it, at least you know you tried it. There's nothing worse in life than regrets.
How has this career impacted your life or work-life balance?
Night and day. I had no work-life balance in my past. I love that I can be with my daughter full-time. I'm working to live rather than living to work.
Carol’s story is a powerful reminder of how dynamic and accessible the court reporting profession has become.
With multiple paths—including stenography and voicewriting—individuals from all backgrounds can find an avenue that fits their skills, lifestyle, and goals. Court reporting offers the rare combination of meaningful work and flexibility. Reporters play a critical role in preserving the record, ensuring access to justice, and supporting attorneys, judges, and communities every single day.
For many professionals like Carol, court reporting provides something even more valuable: balance. The ability to build a career that supports family life, personal goals, and professional independence is not just appealing—it’s life-changing. Whether working freelance, in the courts, or in captioning, reporters have opportunities to shape their schedules and their futures while contributing to a profession built on integrity and precision.
As we celebrate NCRA Court Reporting and Captioning Week, we honor voices like Carol’s—new professionals stepping confidently into the field and helping carry our industry forward. If you’ve ever considered a career that offers flexibility, purpose, stability, and the chance to make a real impact, court reporting may be exactly what you’re looking for.