It just isn’t working anymore. After the last failed attempt, you realized it wasn’t going to get any better: it’s time to break up with your court reporting company.
It may seem silly, but it does feel like a bad relationship. You’ve been given the brush off, made to feel unimportant, and at times, outright lied to about when you will receive your transcripts. You know you need to change companies, but you don’t want to make the same mistakes you did before. But with so many options, how can you know which one will be right for you?
Three Things to Consider When Choosing a New Court Reporting Service
You’ve got the basics down: you need a company that is staffed with certified court reporters who are professional and punctual, and who deliver transcripts in a timely manner. Since so many agencies offer these services, you may want to consider the following factors to help you narrow down your choices:
- Reputation. When most people want to try something new, the first thing they do is ask for recommendations—and the negative reviews can be just as helpful as the positive. This applies to court reporting services as well. You can perform a simple Google search to check D.C. court reporter recommendations, as well as ask your fellow attorneys which companies they trust (or stay away from).
- Location. Merely having an office or reporter in your area is not enough; the company should also be able to provide service within a reasonable distance from its location. If you agree to take a deposition away from your office, will your agency offer court reporters who can travel? If you lose your deposition space, can the court reporting agency offer you a camera-ready location and onsite IT troubleshooting?
- Availability. A reputable court reporting company should be just as willing to take your call when you are upset as they are when you are looking to hire. The most important factor that differentiates a good company from a bad one is customer service. When you call with a question, you should be connected to a real, live person who friendly, apologetic, and knowledgeable.
At Casamo & Associates, we know how difficult it is to commit to a new provider. That’s why we encourage all new clients to discuss our services to find out if we are right for you. Call us today at (877) 837-0077 or fill out our contact form and we will be happy to answer your questions.