I am lucky enough to be a California Certified Shorthand Reporter which allows me to report throughout the state, INCLUDING SAN FRANCISCO. Sometimes I look at my CA CSR as a license to travel. I love adventure, and traveling to different cities to work is super fun.

If you ask most people on the planet if they like San Francisco, the answer is ‘Yes.” There is fantastic shopping, exotic restaurants, and visually the city is interesting everywhere you look.

If I am working on a case that warrants travel (great/fun client, realtime, rough drafts, and interesting subject matter) I will assign myself to that job. Southwest Airlines has inexpensive flights to San Francisco and Oakland all day long, and now I have mastered taking BART from SFO to the financial district. The key to success using BART is to know which station to get off at and don’t wait too long to get off of your seat, collect your gear, and make way for the door. The doors open and close FAST. (One time I ended up in Oakland by accident and had to go back. It was embarrassing.)

Whenever I court report in San Francisco I wear black. The sharp, professional-looking women walking up and down Montgomery and Battery wear black pantsuits, black shoes, and have a big black bag. Their clothing is very tailored and fit beautifully. (I want to fit in and not look like a San Diegan just off the train.)

Rule: Never get into a city on the day of a deposition. It is too stressful with factors such as weather, traffic or weird situations arising that might make me late for my deposition. It is best to arrive the night before. Since I am carrying so much court reporting gear, I don’t pack much in the way of personal items. What you see when I get off the plane is what you get at the deposition.

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