Legal professionals rely heavily on evidence when constructing their cases. For this reason, it is crucial to meticulously record any and all data, from historical records to first-hand accounts. Without proper notes, attorneys can easily lose track of crucial pieces of evidence. Furthermore, if the discovery is not properly documented, there is a risk that it will not be admissible in court or that it will introduce errors into the evidence that is being evaluated by both sides during the course of the litigation.
With the gravity of the responsibility, it stands to reason that court reporters take their work very seriously. However, just like in any other industry, court reporting firms and their employees cover the full spectrum of skills and knowledge. Asking these four questions before signing a contract for services will ensure that your legal team receives high-quality court reporting, which is crucial to the success of your case and the protection of your clients’ interests.
Can you tell if they’re using cutting-edge equipment?
It’s clear that court reporting has progressed greatly over the past three decades. Skilled transcribers are aware of and make use of the latest technological developments to safeguard the privacy, timeliness, and accuracy of their transcripts. In the past, court reporters Tacoma would either take manual shorthand or recite testimony verbatim into a machine. Digital recordings have replaced the older methods, though.
Journalists working in the court system can take advantage of numerous technological aids. In addition to ensuring a transcript’s accuracy, they can also monitor and annotate digital recordings. Many courts no longer need to have court reporters present during testimony because they can broadcast the proceedings live over the internet. These technological advances rely on modern technology but still require human verification of the transcripts’ accuracy. Fast, dependable, and accurate court reporters should be your top choices when filling this role.
Do they belong to a comprehensive service agency?
Law firms that rely on outside court reporting services have a long list of requirements in terms of the services they need. Discovering relevant information and evidence is essential in complex litigation, as are the other steps in gathering evidence and constructing a case. Finding a company that can meet all of your needs can be a time-consuming and expensive process, so it’s better to enter into a supply agreement with a single company that can do so.
Is This Person an NCRA Member?
Those who are truly dedicated to the field of court reporting understand the critical nature of providing an accurate transcript of court proceedings. Numerous court reporting agencies and freelance reporters show their dedication to the profession by joining the National Court Reporting Association. The goal of this organisation, which has been around for over a century, is to keep its members informed of and prepared for the latest innovations in their field by providing them with continuing education and training opportunities.
Where do they provide service?
Litigation work often takes place wherever relevant evidence is located. In order to do so, lawyers often have to travel long distances, sometimes to inconvenient locations, such as the site of a trial. On such short notice, it’s possible that no local court reporting services are able to travel to you. It is likely that they will still charge your company for travel time and accommodation costs even if they are able to drive or fly into town for the deposition or trial.
Avoid unnecessary setbacks by checking with the court reporting service ahead of time to see if they have local resources available in your state and city. With just a little bit of notice, you can rest assured that a qualified court reporter will be present at your proceeding thanks to Magna’s extensive presence across the United States.
