At Coash Court Reporting & Video, we are proud to spotlight one of our exceptional staff reporters, Lisa Nance, whose career in court reporting spans over 44 years. Lisa’s passion for her work and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable part of our team.
Discovering Court Reporting
Lisa’s path to court reporting began in high school when she took a machine shorthand course at a local vocational school. Initially intrigued by the idea that a woman could support herself in this field, Lisa quickly realized that her music background gave her the skills to master shorthand. She shifted her career goals from becoming a violinist in the Phoenix Symphony to pursuing court reporting. Lisa enrolled at the only nationally accredited court reporting school in Phoenix while still in high school, earning her national certification as a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) before graduating.
Her early success continued when, just after graduation, she passed the Superior Court Examination in Tucson, one of only two out of 60 reporters to do so. She interned in Superior Court until she turned 19, and shortly after, began working as a freelance reporter. Lisa says, “I never looked back. I never considered doing anything else professionally.”
Now with 44 years of experience, Lisa’s journey led her to Coash Court Reporting & Video. “I met Gerard Coash Sr. in the ‘80s and always admired their reputation in the Arizona reporting community. When my personal circumstances changed, I knew joining Coash Court Reporting & Video was the right move,” she shares. Merging her smaller operation into Coash’s team has been a fulfilling decision for Lisa. “It’s been the best thing I’ve ever done for my career.”
A Typical Day in the Life of a Court Reporter
Lisa’s day typically begins early, at 5:00 a.m., when she works on transcripts from home. After preparing for the day, she heads out for a deposition, which could be anywhere in the area. Once the deposition concludes, she spends time working on transcripts and sending them to a retired court reporter for the first stage of preparation. “I love the variety in my work. Every deposition is like a mini-seminar. I learn so much from the experts,” she says. Despite the long hours and intense focus required, Lisa thrives on the challenge.
Staying Sharp and Embracing Technology
A key to Lisa’s success has been her ongoing commitment to refining her skills. “I practice regularly and take continuing education seminars to stay at the forefront of the industry,” she explains. Lisa also credits her success to the use of modern technology. A self-described “technology junkie,” Lisa was an early adopter of computer-aided transcription in the 1980s. She recalls, “The computer we used back then cost $78,000 and required an entire room. Today, I can bring my computer and work from anywhere, even at our family cabin in Prescott.”
Life Outside of Work
When she’s not working, Lisa enjoys a variety of hobbies, including music, art, gourmet cooking, and spending time at her family cabin. But her greatest joy comes from her family. “I’m very proud of my three adult children, and I’m fortunate that we’re all very close. Now that I have grandchildren, it’s a joy to spark their interest in new hobbies and experiences. I love that they all think I’m ‘cool’ to hang out with,” she says with a smile.
Thriving with Coash Court Reporting & Video
Lisa’s experience with Coash Court Reporting & Video has been incredibly positive. “The clients we work with are the best, and the support staff is exceptional. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s so professional, meticulous, and dedicated to client satisfaction,” she shares.
Lisa Nance’s dedication to her craft, her passion for learning, and her love for technology have made her an indispensable member of the Coash team. We are grateful to have Lisa with us and look forward to many more years of success and collaboration.