Welcome to The Steno Files

Welcome to my page. I’m Karen McCollum, a court reporter with over 30 years of experience—and a woman over 50 who’s lived through ups, downs, growth, and grace. In recent years, I’ve been learning to set boundaries, discover what truly brings me joy, and finally create balance between my life and my work.

After more than three decades behind the machine, I’m now honoring my own voice.
The Steno Files is where I share insights from inside the courtroom—and far beyond it.

If you’re a legal professional or fellow court reporter, I think you’ll find this space insightful and empowering. My mission is to help the world understand what “the Record” really is—and why preserving it still matters. I want you to feel the weight of my life’s work and how it shapes justice and stories for years to come.

Let’s dig in and connect.
Let me answer your questions, share practical strategies, and get to know you along the way.