Top Six Questions You Should Ask When Hiring Court Reporters
Court Reporters are an indispensable resource that provides real-time access to the transcript of depositions, hearings, or trial proceedings. With time, you may require the help of court reporters for your legal proceedings. So, it’s important that you find one who is both brilliant and honest. But, how?
To help you out, here’s a list of questions you should ask when appointing a right court reporting firm.
1. What all certifications and training do you possess?
Everyone wishes to hire a court reporter that is expert in the relative field. Make sure that the court reporter that will be appointed for your proceeding holds a state certification. In case your law reporter does not have one, check for NCRA (National Court Reporters Association) certification. It’s similar to state certification.
2. How much amount you’ll charge? What’s included in it?
Before appointing your ideal court reporter, don’t forget to inquire the details of rates and fees that the reporter will charge from you. Also, ask about what all are included in these rates. It’s always good to ask for the appearance fees and standard page rates of the stenographer. Consult two or more potential law reporters in order to compare their prices and choose the better one.
Appoint one that does not dig a hole in your pockets.
3. What prior experience do you have?
It may be possible that you hire someone that has lately finished his/her training in this field. So, it’s always advisable to hire somebody that holds a prior experience. Ask them to provide you with their transcripts that they’ve recently prepared. It is important to employ someone that is proficient in handling your proceeding.
4. Does your firm provide video conferencing or video depositions?
Many Georgia court reporters provide you with the facility of video depositions or video conferencing. This technology is cost-effective and augments the overall efficiency of legal proceedings. The court reporters either have a qualified videographer on staff or work with one in their region that they can plan for you. Ensure that they test all connections before the video conference session to guarantee flawless connectivity on the actual event time.
5. How long you’ll take to give my transcript?
The potential court reporters usually inform you about the normal turn-around time that they’ll take for generating the required transcript. Make sure that you ask for expedited transcripts. Always consult more than one court reporter before hiring. Because different reporters charge differently depending upon the length of time they are given to generate the script.
Ask if the court reporters are able to offer transcripts on an expedited or rush basis if required.
6. Do you offer rough draft services?
Inquire if the court reporter in Georgia offers rough draft transcripts. The rough draft is an unaltered transcript that you obtain upon completion of the deposition or soon after. These drafts allow you to continue preparing your case even before the conclusion of the official transcript. It is more cost-effective option than a finalized rush transcript
The Last Word
Court Reporters are important to you and your clientele. So, choosing the right one is your utmost priority. Asking the above questions will definitely help you to appoint a perfect court reporter.
‘Choosing a court reporter is a task that you should not take lightly.’
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