An Interview with Columbus Court Reporter – Rhonda Lawrence
PRI Court Reporting is lucky enough to have a very talented and experienced team of employees. Rhonda Lawrence is a court reporter in Columbus, Ohio and she has been with PRI for a total of 17 years. Rhonda is a very skilled realtime writer and very upbeat and friendly. You have probably met Rhonda at a deposition, so here’s a chance to get to know her a little better.
How long have you been a court reporter?
I have been a court reporter since March of 1988. I can’t believe it’s been 26 years. I hope I still have 20 years left in me.
How long have you been with PRI?
I came back to PRI in August of 2002. Previously, I worked for PRI from 1989 to 1995.
What do you like most about working at PRI?
If I had to pick only one thing that I like most about working at PRI, it would be the people; not only the court reporters and PRI staff, but the attorneys that we work for.
Where are you from or where did you grow up?
I grew up in Waldo, Ohio (home of the famous G&R bologna sandwich), but I’ve been in Columbus for so long that it’s the only place that gives me that “home” feeling.
Before working as a court reporter, did you have another career or job?
While I was going to court reporting school, I also worked full-time as a legal secretary in Marion through the week and at Chi-Chi’s Restaurant on the weekends.
What is one thing you would like our clients to know about court reporting, either depositions or CART?
I have found over the years that clients like to use the same court reporter for all of their depositions in a case. That way attorneys/witnesses do not have to keep repeating vocabulary and spellings.
What is the most unusual deposition setting you’ve found yourself in?
I would not call it “unusual,” but by far my best assignment I’ve been on was a 6-week trial in Florida. I’m sure I do not need to elaborate any further than “Florida.”
What is on your iPod?
My favorite vocal artist to this day remains Jon Bon Jovi.
What is one thing our clients don’t know about you?
I have a side business/hobby in photography/video production. While I’ve recently begun taking portraits, my specialty is photographing high school sports teams in action and producing the team banquet video.
What is your favorite Columbus restaurant?
My favorite restaurant in Columbus is The Melting Pot. It’s the only place that I never pass on dessert.
What is your favorite app?
My favorite app is Facebook. I love to be connected with my family and friends so easily.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
When I am not working on transcripts, I am usually taking/editing photographs and making photograph videos.
What is your best tip for balancing work/life/family?
The best tip for balancing work and family is to have an understanding family when I have to put work first and an understanding boss when I have to put family first.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning a little more about Rhonda. Look for more interviews with other PRI Court Reporting staff in the future.