What to Look for When Hiring a Court Reporter

Choosing the right court reporter can make or break your case prep. Whether you’re booking one for a high-stakes deposition or a straightforward hearing, accuracy and professionalism matter. But with so many options out there, how do you know who’s up to the task? Use these tips for finding a good court reporter and skip the guesswork.

Ask the Right Questions

You shouldn’t have to roll the dice when hiring a court reporter. Before locking anything in, ask the following questions:

• Are you certified? Look for certifications from the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA).
• What’s your accuracy rate? Precision is crucial. A small mistranscription could lead to costly misunderstandings.
• Can you keep up with technical terms? If you’re handling patent law, medical malpractice, or another jargon-heavy case, make sure your reporter is comfortable with complex vocabulary so they can do their job without a glossary.

Get the Timing Right

Are you wondering, “When should I hire a court reporter?” The short answer is the sooner, the better, especially if your deposition falls during a busy season or involves remote testimony. Booking early ensures you get someone qualified, not just whoever’s available. Plus, it gives you time to communicate expectations and special requirements.

Prioritize Technology

When you hire a court reporter, make sure they’re not stuck in 1995. Tech-savvy reporters and agencies should offer the following:

• Real-time transcription so you can follow along as the testimony happens.
• Remote deposition capabilities for out-of-state clients and expert witnesses.
• Secure digital transcript delivery for fast turnaround times.

Inquire About Availability and Speed

Today’s legal work moves fast, and your court reporter needs to keep up. If your schedule changes, you don’t want to be left scrambling to find someone new. Look for agencies that offer the following:

• Last-minute scheduling options because emergencies happen.
• Coverage you can count on across multiple cities or states.
• Rush transcript delivery options when you need a transcript immediately.

Vet the Agency

Even if the individual reporter seems solid, the agency they work with matters, too. Do a little homework:

• Read client reviews.
• Ask your colleagues who they’ve used (and who they wouldn’t use again).
• Explore how easy it is to book a job.

Explore Costs

A good agency should be upfront about costs and happy to provide an estimate. Before hiring a court reporter for a deposition or other purpose, ask about:

• Rates: Do they bill per page, per hour, or at a flat rate?
• Additional fees: Will you be charged for expedited delivery, extra copies, or video syncing?
• Payment terms: Know how much is due and when.

Your Go-To Resource for Court Reporting

At Talty Court Reporters, we utilize the latest technology to deliver the very best results in your legal case. Turn to us for top-quality court reporting and transcribing services, video and audio conferencing, remote depositions, and much more. For additional information about our services or to request a cost estimate, please contact us today.