O’Brien & Bails isn’t just another court reporting firm. We are made up of individual people who happen to be Michigan court reporters. We thought we would take some time to let you get to know our court reporters.
Mary Howland has been a court reporter since 1978. She has been with O’Brien and Bails since 1987 and is based out of our Kalamazoo office.
Before becoming a court reporter, have you ever worked in other jobs or fields?
Court reporting is the first job I had other than summer jobs. I worked with Kelly Services in 1977 and got my first taste of “freelance” work.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek area. (Gull Lake)
What changes have you seen in the industry since you became a court reporter?
A major change and improvement is computerization. No more paper steno notes to be typed manually or dictated for a typist.
What is the best part of being a court reporter?
The challenge of expanding your knowledge base in new areas when you cover expert testimony. It is a learning experience.
What is the most challenging part of being a court reporter?
Understanding witnesses with accents!!!
As a court reporter, what is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear and my recurring dream is showing up for a job and forgetting my equipment.
What has been your most challenging deposition?
Patent infringement on electrochromic mirrors with expert electrical/chemical engineers from Scotland with a thick brogue testifying about chemicals used in the patent.
Have you ever had funny things happen to you in a deposition?
Yes, there are frequently funny things. I had to do a deposition in a barn years ago when I had the old paper steno machine. A group of barn cats found the paper streaming in the paper tray to be an interesting toy. Not only did I have to report the vet’s testimony on the cow issues, I had to (okay I’ll admit it) kick cats away at the same time.
Do you have any tips about work/life balance?
Family is always first and foremost. I live for family, I wake up to work.
If you would like to schedule a deposition with Mary Howland or one of O’Brien and Bails’ professional court reporters, you can do so by going to our Online Deposition Scheduler.