The court reporting and professional captioning professions are built on precision, but its future is often secured through the art of persuasion. This year the National Court Reporters Association Government Relations Department awarded the inaugural NCRF Linda Breech Memorial Advocacy Scholarship to honor the legacy of a member who was a titan of the industry.
Linda Breech, RPR, was a dedicated official reporter in Los Angeles, Calif., for two decades before moving to Colorado, where she served as the President of the Colorado Court Reporters Association. Known for her tireless work testifying before legislatures and mentoring students, Breech’s career was a testament to the power of a single voice.
The inaugural recipient of this scholarship, Anna Sohn, a student from the Metro Washington, D.C. area, recently attended the 2026 NCRA Leadership & Legislative Boot Camp held March 1-3 in Alexandria, Va. In this interview, Anna discusses her experience advocating on Capitol Hill and how she is using her voice to shape the profession.
Journal of Court Reporting (JCR): You capped off a 72-hour whirlwind by meeting with Senators, Representatives, and their staff. Which of these interactions surprised you the most regarding how Congressional offices actually receive and process constituents?
Anna Sohn (AS): Visiting different congresspeople’s offices was interesting because of how every office was different in shape, size, decoration, and operation. Some offices had space to meet us in a conference room, and others were handling multiple groups in the reception area and even the hallway.
JCR: Between the seminars and the mock testimony hearings, what was the single most impactful “aha!” moment you had about presenting a persuasive case?
AS: Working together with other reporters in a team, I learned that a good story or emotional argument is just as important and effective as a logical one. I tend to argue logically, trying to win over a listener with reason, but being teamed up with others who knew how to tell a good story made me realize a true argument balances both logic and emotion.
JCR: You heard from professional lobbyists and subject matter experts during Boot Camp. What is one specific tactic they shared that changed your perspective on how “influence” actually works?
AS: The most important thing is the ask. Driving home and emphasizing the ask can distill your arguments and communication, and just trying, even if it will likely be no, is far more valuable than never trying.
JCR: How did the “whirlwind” nature of the event help you identify your personal strengths as a leader?
AS: Meeting and working with others who have varying strengths was a valuable opportunity.
JCR: Washington, D.C., is unique. How do you plan to adapt these high-level strategies to be effective with state legislators and local officials back home?
AS: Being involved in the legislative process reminded me of a tool available to me that I neglect to take advantage of. As a resident of the D.C. area, I can leverage my proximity to D.C. as well.
JCR: As a scholarship recipient, how do you intend to share the leadership and advocacy toolkits you’ve acquired with colleagues?
AS: When I first became interested in this career path, my instinct was to search YouTube for more information. I didn’t find what I wanted to know, so I now create the videos I would have wanted to see when I was starting out. I hope it will help the next person.
JCR: What is one specific legislative goal or initiative you feel newly empowered to tackle thanks to this experience?
AS: At Boot Camp, we were equipped to advocate for legislation addressing the role of AI in the judicial system.
The Linda Breech Memorial Advocacy Scholarship was designed to recruit the next generation of advocates who will protect the court reporting, captioning, and legal videography professions. By supporting students like Anna Sohn, NCRF ensures that Breech’s passion for service lives on.
If you would like to support the future of the profession, please consider donating to the NCRF Linda Breech Memorial Advocacy Scholarship. All contributions are tax-deductible.
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