Andrew Michaels
Woodsboro,MD
Summary
Driven and talented Senior Court Reporter and Editor with nearly 10 years of experience collaborating with others to produce publications, photography and video. Expert at correcting sentence structure, grammar, spelling and punctuation by rewriting, editing and proofreading. Clear communicator able to give constructive feedback and specific suggestions to dramatically improve writing of staff.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Court Reporter
Baltimore Witness
04.2021 - Current
- Educate interns on journalistic writing, legal terms and processes, and Baltimore City Circuit Court operations.
- Review court dockets daily to track homicide and non-fatal shooting cases.
- Report homicide and non-fatal shooting cases from incident through judicial resolution.
- Collect, organize, and review court documents for data entry.
- Produce investigative content based on court proceedings/documents, experiences in the courthouse, and the Maryland legal system.
- Gathered and analyze research data on the number of homicides and non-fatal shootings, convictions, and pleas in Baltimore City Circuit Court and domestic violence protection orders in Baltimore City District Court.
Editorial Associate
National Association of Credit Management
01.2018 - 04.2021
- Interviewed contacts by phone, video conferencing platforms, and in person for business-to-business credit news for monthly Business Credit magazine, weekly email newsletter, and daily blogs.
- Produced and edited Credit Managers' Index podcast.
- Developed advertising contracts and sold advertising packages for all NACM publications.
- Proofread materials created by other writers to identify spelling, punctuation and grammar mistakes.
- Performed in-depth research into topics to write clear and accurate copy.
- Completed writing assignments according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style and terminology.
Staff Writer
Baltimore Sun Media Group
05.2015 - 12.2017
- Report news stories for publication, describing the background and details of events, while adhering to the news organization's high standards for accuracy, objectivity and clarity.
- Photograph or videotape news events
- Edit or assist in editing videos for online.
- Conduct taped or filmed interviews or narratives.
- Responsible for social media reporting via Facebook and Twitter. Participate in a schedule rotation, including nights and weekends.
- Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.
- Review copy and correct errors in content, grammar, and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
Review and evaluate notes taken about event aspects in order to isolate pertinent facts and details. Determine a story's emphasis, length, and format, and organize material accordingly. - Gather information about events through research, interviews, experience, or attendance at political, news, artistic, social, and other functions.
- Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, and human-interest stories. Research and report on specialized fields such as science and technology, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, and education.
- Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.
- Check reference materials, such as books, news files, or public records, to obtain relevant facts. Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements.
Staff Writer
Southern Maryland Newspapers
09.2014 - 05.2015
- Collaborate with court officials and local law enforcement in Charles County, including Charles County Sheriff's Office, Maryland State Police and Maryland State Fire Marshal.
- Take photographs of breaking news and community events. Find and report latest crime and court proceeding.
- Attend ongoing court proceedings, interviewing both defendants and plaintiffs as well as lawyers.
- Take notes in shorthand and report news stories for publication, describing the background and details of events.
- Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications
Towson University
Towson, MDSkills
- Legal terminology
- Court scheduling
- Courtroom and legal procedures
- Daily docket reports
- Court transcription
- Legal documentation and reporting
- Legal research
- Teamwork skills, strong organizational guidelines, understanding of time-sensitive deadlines
- Developing relationships with contacts
- Proficient with DVX100 digital cameras
- Experienced in Final Cut Pro, Audacity, Final Draft, blog development, Apple and Microsoft programs
Timeline
Senior Court Reporter
Baltimore Witness
04.2021 - Current
Editorial Associate
National Association of Credit Management
01.2018 - 04.2021
Staff Writer
Baltimore Sun Media Group
05.2015 - 12.2017
Staff Writer
Southern Maryland Newspapers
09.2014 - 05.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications
Towson University