This is where you will find Mrs. Lea Ann Moore, Court Reporter II for the Division of Workers' Compensation, St Joseph Office, where she has served since July 15, 2002. Lea Ann transcribes hearings by day but when the clock strikes five, she becomes Director Lea Ann Moore, owner/operator of TCRA Reporting and The Court Reporting Academy. The spotlight is on her story this quarter.

Her businesses opened March 2005. "I was fortunate in that I was banking with a hometown bank, Platte Valley Bank of Missouri, that had two bankers who believed in me. If it had not been for those two bankers, this school would not be open today."

When hearings are scheduled, Lea Ann travels with Chief Administrative Law Judge Nelson Allen to any one of six docket locations. As the Division Court Reporter, Lea Ann oversees your trial from beginning to end. She will receive your trial request, docket the case, report the hearing, type the Award and, if the case is appealed, she will prepare your transcript, too. In addition, Lea Ann is the office computer trouble-shooter and fill-in Docket Clerk as needed.

The dockets served by the St. Joseph Office are: Linneus, Trenton, Chillicothe, Bethany, Maryville, and St. Joseph. In addition, St Joseph dockets are held two weeks each month. The out-of-town dockets are set around the St. Joseph dockets and held every quarter.

Lea Ann speaks highly of the practicing Bar. She finds them to be professional and easy to work with. When asked how the Bar can make settings run more smoothly, she suggested the following:

• Be prepared for trial (have required number of copies of exhibits in hand);
• Prepare an exhibit list in advance when you have numerous exhibits (it saves time);
• Prepare clients for the hearing before it begins (reminding them to speak up and respond with words, not utterances); and
• Check the depositions you intend to submit at trial (verify that they were prepared by a certified court reporter; otherwise, they are inadmissible).

Chief Judge Nelson Allen had this to say: “Lea Ann is an extremely well-qualified court reporter and her even stronger points are her pleasing personality, positive attitude, and pleasant demeanor. She creates an enjoyable working atmosphere within our office.”

Lea Ann's credentials include the following accomplishments:

1. Nationally Certified Court Reporter – CVR
2. Missouri Certified Court Reporter – CCR
3. Former Membership Director of the Missouri Court Reporters' Association
4. Legal Secretary Certificate Program at Kansas City Business College
5. Paralegal Certificate Program at Rockhurst College

Karen Rottmann, front desk receptionist in the St. Louis Division of Workers' Compensation Office since 2004, recently completed court reporter training with Lea Ann. Karen has accepted a promotion to Court Reporter in the St. Louis Office effective October 17, 2005.

Karen Rottmann shared the following about Lea Ann: "I met Lea Ann through a former court reporter at the St. Louis office, Margie Roberts. Lea Ann and I came up with a schedule to meet every Saturday from May to October. We met in Columbia, MO every Saturday for at least six hours. She taught me not only voice writing, but also to be a professional. She is a fantastic teacher; she is also a very dear friend now."

Lea Ann is very busy. She is married to John Moore and they live in Platte County, Missouri. Together they have five children and eight grandchildren, with the ninth on the way.

The next time you appear at a St. Joseph docket, stop by and say "Hello" to Lea Ann.