Brittany Belford, Digital Court Reporter | West Palm Beach, FL

Tell us a little about your services

As a digital court reporter, I make sure every word of a deposition, hearing, or legal proceeding is captured accurately and reliably. I use advanced technology and careful attention to detail to ensure each proceeding is captured clearly and accurately, while providing attorneys and legal professionals with a professional, seamless experience they can trust.

How did you get into this field?

My godmother is actually a stenographer, so I was somewhat familiar with the field. At the time, though, I was working as a web developer and was feeling really burnt out and unhappy in my career. Ironically, while I was searching for a career change, I came across a job listing for a digital court reporter. I decided to apply, got a call back, went through three interviews, and ended up getting hired! It was definitely an unexpected career path, but I’m so glad I took the chance.

When you're not working, what matters most to you? What keeps you grounded outside of the business?

When I’m not working, I really enjoy staying active and making time for the things that make me happy. I love exercising, playing tennis, trying new fine-dining restaurants, and, of course, spending time with my dog. Those moments help me disconnect from work, recharge, and maintain a good balance in my life.

What's your favorite local restaurant? (add the city its located in as well)

Palm Beach Grill in Palm Beach, Florida

Coffee, tea, or energy drink?

Tea

What do you think has been the biggest factor in you or your company's success?

I think the biggest factor in my success has been my willingness to adapt and keep pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. Changing careers from web development to court reporting was a big leap, but I trusted myself enough to take the opportunity. I’ve learned that being open to change, staying consistent, and always looking for ways to grow can take you further than you expect.

What is something you do differently that you think has made a real difference?

I think one thing I do differently is that I try to be proactive rather than simply do what’s expected of me. I pay attention to the small details, anticipate what attorneys and clients may need, and always try to make the process as smooth as possible. I believe that level of attentiveness and service makes a real difference, especially in a profession where people are relying on you to get it right.

What's something you know now about your career or running a business that you wish you knew when you started?

I wish I knew just how fast-paced and unpredictable this career can be. There’s a constant demand for reporters, and things can come together at a moment’s notice—you could get a call at 9:50 am for a deposition starting at 10:00 am. I’ve come to really appreciate that part of the job because it keeps you on your toes and gives you the opportunity to be flexible and ready for whatever the day brings.

What do you think separates a really great company or professional from an average one?

I think what separates a really great professional from an average one is the level of care they put into their work. It’s not just about doing the job—it’s about being dependable, paying attention to the details, and making sure the people you work with know they can count on you. I also think a great professional continues to learn, stays adaptable, and takes pride in providing an experience that goes beyond what’s expected.

What's a 'small' detail in your work that actually matters, that nobody outside the industry realizes is important?

One small detail that makes a big difference is making sure the full question is allowed to be answered on the record. It can be easy to overlook, but having the complete question captured on the transcript is important for preserving the context of the testimony.

I also encourage witnesses to give clear answers like “yes” or “no” instead of “mm-hmm” or “uh-huh.” Those small responses can make a big difference when attorneys are reviewing the transcript later, because a clear “yes” or “no” leaves no question as to whether the witness actually answered the question. It may seem minor to someone outside the industry, but those details are important for maintaining an accurate and useful record.

What do you think your job and/or industry is going to look like five or ten years from now?

Five or ten years from now, I see digital reporters continuing to adapt to new technology while providing the professionalism, accuracy, and human oversight that attorneys and legal professionals rely on. I think the ability to embrace new technology while still maintaining high standards will be what sets successful reporters apart.

What's the part of your job that you genuinely enjoy the most?

What I genuinely enjoy most is that no two days are exactly the same. Every proceeding brings different attorneys, witnesses, cases, and conversations, so the work never feels repetitive. I also enjoy the fast-paced nature of the job—you really have to stay focused and be ready for whatever comes your way.

www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-belford-69718b1a2

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