Finding the right court reporter requires some planning and attention to detail. Several qualified court reporters may apply to work with you; however, whether or not you decide to hire any of them will depend on their availability and demeanour.
Tips to Keep in Mind Before Hiring a Court Reporter
Following are six factors to consider when choosing a court reporter:
References, Certifications, and Memberships
A court reporter who is a part of both of these organisations and is credentialed by both is a good candidate for your needs. This will give you an idea of their reliability and whether or not they’re dedicated to providing high-quality results. There is a strict code of ethics that court reporters must follow if they want to remain members of their professional organisation.
Availability
The denver court reporters you choose must be available at any time you need them, so accommodating work schedules are a must. This is something to keep in mind in case you find yourself in need of help outside of standard business hours. Having a reliable court reporter on call is a valuable asset for any legal practitioner.
Expertise Degree Finding a court reporter who has worked in both deposition and courtroom settings is preferable. The same person can do both types of work now. Find out who is recommended by other lawyers by doing some research. The vast majority will be honest and reveal the names of reporters they know to be thorough and professional.
Don’t Judgmentally Jump in
Your chosen court reporter must always be impartial and fair in their reporting of legal proceedings. Find one who has no vested interest in the outcome, so that you can have full faith in the authenticity of the documents and the objectivity of the reporter.
The Necessary Processing Time Most court filings have strict time limits that must be met. Take your pick of reporters based on their demonstrated ability to consistently meet deadlines while maintaining a positive demeanour. Look around until you find a business that can offer a turnaround time that meets your requirements.
An Easy-to-Understand Message
Maintaining constant, bidirectional communication is crucial. This means you can rest assured that you’ll have access to timely information whenever you have questions. Pick a person who is quick to reply to your emails and answers the phone when you call.
If you use the information above as a guide, you should be able to locate a court reporter who is both qualified and available to meet your needs.
What Should you Ask When Searching for a Court Reporter?
Here is a list of things you should enquire about when first contacting a court reporting firm. These tips will help you choose the best court reporter for your needs.
- Where do your court reporters go to school and how long do they spend there?
- How much does it cost to hire a court reporter and have a transcript made?
- When can I expect to receive my final high school transcript?
- What kind of real-time reporting services do you provide?
- Do you offer conference rooms for rent?
- Provide video conferencing and/or video deposition services?
If you are aware of the specific questions that should be asked when selecting a court reporter, you will be able to choose the most qualified candidate for the job.