Four Questions You Must Always Ask a Potential Court Reporting Company

Finding a Good Court Reporting Company Serving Virginia and Washington, D.C. Can Be Tricky, But Not Impossible

You’ve outsourced your court reporting for a while now, with mixed results. You think it might be worth it to deal with someone local to the Washington, D.C. metro region, but you don’t want to pay outrageous prices. So how can you find a court reporting company that you can rely on?

When vetting prospective court reporting firms, be sure to ask them…

1. What kind of experience do you have? Independent court reporters have to provide references, so why would you expect less from a court reporting company? Find out whether the company you’re evaluating can provide references from other attorneys who deal in similar case law. Don’t be afraid to ask about each court reporter’s abilities, experience, and any certifications they may hold. Positive reviews from other attorneys and glowing testimonials are also a bonus. Make some calls and do your homework before signing a contract; it’s better to find someone you can rely on again than settle for shoddy, one-time service.
2. What services do you offer? Some firms believe that an audio recording is sufficient to accurately portray a client’s position in court, and that can be true. But if you are adamant that your clients should have access to video depositions, stick to your guns. Does this firm have access to recording services? Will it provide a quiet location for taking depositions? Which transcription formats does it use, and how quickly can it provide you with a copy?
3. What areas do you serve? The best option is to find a court reporting service that has a hosting space or multiple office locations. If your chosen firm does not host depositions, you will have to find out which geographical areas it serves and how far its staffmembers are willing to travel. Depositions may need to be taken on multiple days in different cities, so the logistics of this must be worked out in advance. If you’re worried about variations in the transcripts, ask if you can retain the same reporter for all of your depositions.
4. How do you charge for your services? Court reporting costs vary widely depending on the types of services provided. However, keep in mind that cheapest is not always best. Consider the total invoice cost, not just the cheapest page rates or daily fee schedule. The key is to get all of the litigation services you need at a reasonable cost with people you would be happy to deal with in the future.

If you forget any of these questions, just remember this: you’re looking for someone who can make your job easier. Click the links below for more insider info on choosing the best court reporter for your firm.