Court reporters are or are highly trained professionals who have a unique ability, which is to convert the spoken word into information that can be read, archived, and searched. This specialization has created new career paths for reporters, even for broadcast captioning and their services also include real-time translation services for people who are deaf.
What do court reporters do?
Court reporters are also known as keepers of the record because of their role and impartiality within the judicial process, they capture the words spoken by everyone during a court session or deposition proceeding. Court reporters then prepare word-for-word transcripts of legal proceedings. What’s more, the legal gurus at Phipps Reporting say the official transcript helps in safeguarding the legal process. When litigants want to express their right to appeal, court reporters use the transcript to provide an accurate record of what happened during their case.
During the discovery phase, lawyers also use deposition transcripts with the help of lawyer video depositions services to prepare for a trial, through a combination of their skills with the use of the latest technology; some court reporters can provide real-time access to what is being said during a trial, just for the benefit of all parties involved. A court reporter providing real-time records is the only proven method for immediate voice-to-text translation, and this allows attorneys and judges to have immediate access to the transcripts, while also providing a way for deaf people to participate in the judicial process.
Tips To Consider When Hiring a Court Reporter.
Here’s a question; would you advise someone seeking legal counsel to make their decision based strictly on a price? The answer is obvious, no. Yet, there are many times when lawyers choose their court reporting service based solely on a price. After all, a court reporter is a court reporter – so you might as well choose the cheapest option and save your client some money. But in reality, it’s far different from that. Experienced attorneys know, choosing a very experienced and qualified court reporter can make a significant difference in the presentation and construction of a case. More so, hiring a good court reporter is important for an accurate record of a witness’s testimony. Here are a few simple things to consider before you call a court reporter to schedule a deposition:
Is The Court Reporter Trained and Certified?
A lot of states have their standards put in place by the National Court Reporters Association. To say the least, a court reporter should hold either state or national certification. More so, a reporter should have the following certifications; which include:
- Registered Professional Reporter (RPR)
- Certified CART Provider (CCP)
- Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR)
- Registered Merit Reporter (RMR)
- Certified Manager of Reporting Services (CMRS)
- Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS)
Does the court reporter take accuracy and confidentiality seriously?
Accuracy and confidentiality are two important cornerstones of court reporting offerings. The court reporter should be able to provide an in-depth explanation of how accuracy and confidentiality are ensured and taken seriously, more so, the methods they used to save and deliver transcripts should be experienced and trustworthy.
How much will it cost?
Does this include transcripts? Are there any other fees or charges?
It’s good you should ask about the price. But you also need to ask what is included in the price and charge. The court reporting service you choose should be able to provide you rates for transcript page rates, appearance fees, and other fees.
What is your court reporters’ service area?
You should confirm with your court reporters if they provide nationwide scheduling? You should know that depositions can’t always take place in your home city. It’s nice you work with a court reporting firm that offers statewide and regional service – this is a benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked. More so, you need to confirm if the firm can schedule the court reporters to work out of state.
Before hiring a court reporter, ask if they can assess the specifics of the deposition. Will an interpreter’s services be required for your witness, and will you need a video to accompany your transcript? Your court reporter should be able to assist with you finding high-quality professionals for these services, listed above.
More so, decide what type of court reporter you might need. Will your recording be a deposition, hearing, or trial? Will you need a rough draft, an expedited final copy, a rough or maybe real-time information during the proceedings? All of these are important details for scheduling court reporting services, well enough.