Dates: approximately June 3, 2013 until approximately September 23, 2013 (subject to change)

The Freedom of the Press Foundation is seeking two court reporters who can provide dedicated, daily coverage of the Bradley Manning court martial in Fort Meade Maryland. The position will require individuals to travel to the military base in Fort Meade, MD, on a daily basis. Individuals will be expected to follow appropriate base regulations, including providing valid state-issued identification. If applicable, individuals will need to provide accurate and up-to-date car registration and driver’s license.

The trial is expected to begin on June 3, 2013, though that date may change. Individuals should be available Monday through Friday for the length of the trial, which could last up to four months. Some Saturdays may be required, as established by the court. Specifics hours of the trial will be established by the judge. However, it is possible that individuals may need to arrive as early as 6:30 AM. Court can run as late as 7 PM at night. The Freedom of the Press Foundation is seeking two court reporters so that they will be able to have an early shift and a late shift.

Responsibilities:

The court reporter must report on base to the Bradley Manning trial in Fort Meade, Maryland on every day of the court martial, which may last up to four months. Court reporters will need to arrive early enough to complete entrance procedures at the base gate before going to the media room.

The court reporter shall provide accurate, real-time notations of all court proceedings. After recordings are completed, the court reporter may be required to transcribe the material as soon as possible but no later than that night, unless other arrangements for transcription have been arranged. Transcripts will be published on the Freedom of the Press Foundation daily.

Requirements:

    Certified Realtime Reporter, as no recording devices will be allowed in court
    Knowledge of court procedures
    Fast turn around time
    Graduation from high school and an approved court reporter program
    Real-time capability
    Punctuality and consistency

Highly desirable:

    Knowledge of military court terminology
    Knowledge of computer terminology

Compensation:

    Commensurate with experience
    Housing and transportation assistance TBD
    This is a contract position for up to four months; benefits such as medical insurance are not available for this position.

Special notes:

This trial is on a military base. Court reporters may be searched at any time. Furthermore, cars are inspected upon entry.

To apply: Send resume and *very brief* cover letter to [email protected] and [email protected]

About Freedom of the Press Foundation:

The Freedom of the Press Foundation is a nonprofit, 501c3 organization founded in December 2012 with the goal of helping promote and fund aggressive, public-interest journalism focused on exposing mismanagement, corruption, and law-breaking in government. We accept tax-deductible donations to a variety of journalism organizations that push for government transparency and accountability. We maintain a blog that surfaces issues around press freedom, government transparency, access to data of public importance, the persecution of journalists, and how technology impacts free expression. Learn more by visiting https://pressfreedomfoundation.org/about