What to Look for When Hiring a Court Reporter

Hiring a good court reporter is crucial to ensuring that you get the most accurate service.  There are a lot of agencies out there, so what are some things to look for when choosing which service is right for you.

Experience

If you’re working on complex litigation, a knowledgeable, experienced court reporter is invaluable. A reputable court reporting service should have years of experience.  When choosing a court reporting company, it’s a good idea to make sure they’ve been in business in your state for at least 10 years to ensure that they are familiar with your state’s court reporting regulations and requirements.  Also, look for someone who has experience in both the courtroom and deposition settings.

Availability

It’s important to hire a court reporter that has a flexible schedule and is available when you need them.  Do they offer a guaranteed turnaround time for transcripts?  Having someone who puts the needs of your firm as a high priority and responds promptly is imperative.

Certifications 

Look for a court reporter who is certified by professional organizations.  At a minimum, your court reporter should hold either state or national certification.  Ask about what continuing education the court reporter has taken or what current memberships they hold.

Technology

The best court reporting services companies offer their clients access to advanced technology solutions  including: teleconferencing, E-transcripts and video conferencing solutions.  These types of advanced technology solutions allow you to hold an important client meeting or deposition with attendees that are out of state or simply can’t appear in person. Court reporting services that offer state of the art technology will also save your firm time, money, and stress.

Effective Communication

The bottom line is you want to hire a court reporting agency you can trust.  Look for someone who is responsive to your inquiries in a timely manner.  Good communication also means keeping you up to date on timelines and turnaround for important documents.  An agency that offers online scheduling and online ordering of transcripts is time saving.  Most of all, choose someone that is willing to customize their services to meet your needs.