A biz reporter on covering the Elizabeth Holmes trial

Tech reporter Erin Griffith of The New York Times writes about what it’s been like covering the trial of former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes.

Griffith writes, “Snagging a seat means getting there early. Each day since Ms. Holmes took the stand in late November, I jolt out of my hotel bed around 3 a.m. in a panic. I get ready, then hustle past a San Jose Christmas market that, just hours earlier, was buzzing with lights, people and festivities.

“Then I join the group of journalists and spectators gathering outside the courthouse to receive a number, denoting our place in line — entry into the courtroom is first come first served — and sit on the cold sidewalk in the dark, waiting for 5 a.m., when the nearby Starbucks opens. Around 6:20 a.m., the gates to the courthouse unlock and we form a proper line. Around 8 a.m., Ms. Holmes arrives. An hour after that, I take my seat in the courtroom. (A few times, I’ve been relegated to a small overflow room, which also fills up fast.)

“Trial supplies have become more elaborate over the weeks. There are camp chairs for sitting outside, seat pads for the court’s hard benches, binoculars to read the exhibits, portable chargers to stay wired and keyboard covers to dampen loud typing. (A juror’s complaint prompted the judge to warn journalists to type quietly.)”

Read more here.