Arguably, no other job requires the amount of focus, concentration, and accuracy that court reporting does. Apart from being able to listen to and accurately record every word spoken in a courtroom, court reporters must know how to set up, operate, and make the most of their work equipment.

What’s more, reporters also need to be good at interpersonal relations and primarily be able to maintain seamless communication with judges, lawyers, and witnesses to ensure they produce transcripts with acceptable levels of accuracy. 

If you are a reporter or are looking to become one, here are some tips to help you become a better court reporter.

Always Be Early

As a rule of thumb, a certified court reporter should be at least twenty minutes early to any assignment. This allows you to set up equipment and familiarize yourself with the court setting and deal with any arising issue. 

Familiarize Yourself With Spellings of Certain Words Beforehand

By looking at the charge sheet or case files, you can tell the names of the people involved in the case, and the type of terminologies likely to be used in the proceedings. 

After that, check the right spellings for these terminologies and seemingly difficult last names, and also get the punctuation for every word. That way, you will save a lot of time when transcribing and presenting a more accurate transcript.

Know How to Deal With Interpreters

In the course of your work, more than one language may be used in court. In these situations, an interpreter will be used.  

As such, the reporter should indicate who is speaking at any given time. For instance, if a witness is speaking, the transcript must indicate so. The same applies to the interpreter.

Develop Your Communication Skills

It is imperative to be a good communicator when working as a court reporter. In particular, you should be able to develop a quick rapport with the attorneys involved in the cases you handle. 

This means you should try to be open about your expectations (and ask about theirs) and not be afraid to ask for clarifications when you need them.

Dress For Work

It goes without saying that when attending any court, you should dress in formal attire. Don’t wear jeans or shorts, and whenever you are in doubt about the ideal skirt to wear, always go with the longer ones. 

If possible, avoid loud colors and overly dated clothes. Instead, wear clothes that are not more than two years old and they should be freshly pressed.

Always Be Up to Date

The equipment and procedures used in court reporting keep changing with time, and it is in your best interest to stay current. 

Commit time to improve on your skills and learn new ones, and familiarize yourself with the latest trends in the industry, such as the use of timers and AI. 

Keep Up With The Demands of The Job

Be prepared to go to great lengths to ensure your transcripts are of the highest quality possible. For instance, you may ask speakers to clarify anything you don’t understand and take the time to go through your transcripts to remove mistakes.

Most importantly, dedicate enough time to rest and sleep and try to eat healthily. Both are not only good for your physical health but also ensure your brain remains strong and focused for the job.

The final few weeks prior to a court trial are often hectic and demanding for attorneys and their support team. This period is usually earmarked by a lot of pressure, which can have a significant impact on the proceedings of the trial as well as the final outcome. Every little detail of the case has to be scrutinized thoroughly to facilitate proper management of the proceedings. This can undoubtedly be mentally and physically demanding even for seasoned attorneys.

Interestingly, every attorney has their own unique process when it comes to preparing for a trial. Having worked with plenty of attorneys over the decades, we’ve had the privilege of observing what works and what doesn’t with regard to effective trial preparation. As such, we would like to share a few useful tips that can help attorneys organize their cases before trial. The tips discussed below are also designed to help attorneys present a solid case at the trial proceedings, thus increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.

Plan Every Element of the Case in Detail

Creating a detailed plan when working on a case is very crucial to the success of a court trial. In essence, having a clear objective in mind allows the attorney to devise a plan that will help them make a solid argument during proceedings. This will, in turn, raise the probability of getting the desired ruling.

When planning for a court case, it is important to factor in the overall expenses of the case to ensure the rewards of winning outweigh the costs. It is also crucial to think about any unforeseen hiccups that may occur in order to come up with strategies to mitigate them. This will enable the attorney to maintain confidence and composure when these incidents occur and ensure the case flows smoothly.

Make Sure There are Effective Communication Between All Individuals Involved in the Case

Proper communication between all parties involved in a case is crucial when preparing for a court proceeding because it ensures everyone understands their role. In addition to strengthening the cohesiveness between a litigation team, attorneys, and clients, effective communication also minimizes misunderstandings that could irreparably damage an otherwise solid case.

Know the Judge who is Presiding over the Proceedings

Judges are required to strictly adhere to the law when presiding over court cases. However, just like all humans, they can be susceptible to certain emotions, which may influence the way they handle trial proceedings. For instance, some judges can be very strict and rigid when presiding over trials. Understanding the temperament and style of a presiding judge, therefore, can help an attorney to prepare a case in a manner that captures their attention and influences them to give a favorable ruling.

Prep Witnesses to Take the Stand

Whereas professional attorneys are accustomed to the stressful environment that court proceedings tend to present, many witnesses are often inexperienced in these scenarios. They may, therefore, end up caving under pressure during trial questioning if they have not been adequately prepared.

To prevent this, attorneys often take the time to prepare their witnesses before they are called to testify. Running a court simulation exercise, for instance, can raise the confidence of a witness thus helping them give their statements properly during the actual trial questioning.

Prepare to Maintain a Calm and Collected Temperament

Navigating stressful situations requires one to keep a calm demeanor since this promotes clear thinking. Given how high-stake court proceedings tend to be, the ability to think clearly is absolutely essential to presenting a solid case and achieving the desired outcome. Nevertheless, there are certain situations when a major development or setback could completely throw off even the most experienced attorney and cause them to react poorly. In such instances, maintaining a calm and collected facade is most important. Keeping a cool demeanor can create a positive impression on the people in the courtroom and solidify their faith in the attorney.

Prepare a Convincing Story

Every case that is presented in court has a storyline to it. However, the manner in which that story is presented to the jurors is what determines who wins the case. No matter how strong a case someone may have unless they are able to convey it in a persuasive manner, they may end up not receiving the ruling they desire from the judges. On the other hand, when there is a strong and convincing story that is backed with solid evidence, judges are more likely to give a favorable ruling.

Make Use of Technology when Preparing for Your Trial Proceedings

In today’s technology-driven world, there are plenty of resources that can help attorneys prepare for court trials. Apart from being highly convenient, these technological aids are also time-efficient, which helps speed up the preparation process. Interestingly, the number of jurors who expect cases to be presented via technology has increased tremendously over the years. This means attorneys can benefit a great deal in their preparation and presentation by making use of the technologies available to them.

A Final Word

Adequate and timely preparation for a court hearing gives attorneys the confidence to make a bold and convincing case during the trial proceedings. Observing the tips highlighted above will ease the process of trial preparation, thus enabling both attorneys and clients to show up in the courtroom in their best form.

The success of a deposition process depends on the experience of the stenographer or court reporter. Most depositions require the presence of a certified court reporter for the process to go on effectively. In any case, it is their job to capture legal data accurately and precisely as this will determine the direction a case will take. With this in mind, you should help your reporter to create an accurate set of records given that the outcome of the case largely depends on the accuracy of the records.

Even though most reporters are already well-trained and experienced enough, you can still help your reporter to give you the results that you want when booking deposition services. Here are a few important things you can do to benefit your court reporter.

Always communicate early

Communication is vital when dealing with court depositions. You should commit to communicate with the reporter or agency early in the day to avoid a last-minute rush or any disappointments. The agency that you enlist will play a big role in the deposition process, hence it is always a good idea to give them access to the materials they need early.

Update the reporter on any changes

You should keep the reporter updated so that they can be aware of any changes or cancellations. You can do so by sending along copies of any materials that they will use during the deposition. This may include a subpoena or any other important documents. Updating the reporter early will help prepare them in advance.

Inform the reporter about your specific circumstances

Sometimes, court proceedings and depositions last longer than expected. If you know that the meeting will last through lunch, you should inform the court reporter in advance to avoid any inconveniences. You should also inform the reporter or agency in case you might need an interpreter or videographer present during the deposition. You should communicate early and provide as much information as possible, explaining why you need these extra services. The agency will be able to appoint a professional videographer or interpreter if needed.

Let the reporter know about your preferences

Finally, you should let the reporter know your needs and preferences. For example, you may want your transcript to be recorded in a specific format or you may want it expedited. Alerting the reporter in advance will allow them to prepare and take your needs and preferences into consideration.

Sometimes, it may be impossible for witnesses to present their testimonies in person. This could be due to unforeseen reasons such as illness or out of state travel restrictions. Fortunately, with the emergence of video deposition services, key witnesses can now present their testimonies without having to make the trip to court.

Besides, video depositions are now admissible in court as long as they comply with Civil Rules and meet various specifications or requirements as set by the court. Moreover, court reporters may use video depositions along with audio transcripts for enhanced accuracy.

With that said, it is easy to tell that video depositions have a special and valuable place in the legal system. Here are a few ways videos can help in the courtroom.

Help create richer testimonies

Let’s face it. Audio transcripts and written testimonies can sometimes contain numerous errors, thus turning a case against any party involved. In addition, presenting erroneous transcripts before the court could jeopardize the reputation of a stenographer.

For this reason, stenographers, as well as certified court reporters, prefer using video depositions along with their legal recordings to help create richer and more accurate testimonies.

Add credibility to printed testimonies

Naturally, people tend to believe what they see compared to what they can read or hear. Apparently, oral and written testimonies are hardly believable to us humans unless they contain compelling evidence. 

Fortunately, video depositions can help add credibility to printed testimonies since the visual aspect conveys a deeper message to the human mind a lot more than words alone can!

Video depositions are convenient for out of state witnesses

Even though some states require witnesses to appear in court in person, more courtrooms are now accepting video depositions as an alternative to oral and written testimonies. This can be of great convenience, as not everyone likes going to court.

In addition, some key witnesses may be out of town or down with a bout of illness thus employing video deposition services could turn out to be a great option.

Cut back on costs

It might sound unbelievable, but video depositions are extremely affordable and can help cut down on the costs of running a full trial. Apparently, the recording party does not need to invest in expensive equipment to record visual testimonies. They only need to ensure the quality of the video is above par, and it complies with the set requirements for it to be admissible in court.

Help preserve testimonies

One of the most important aspects about video depositions is that they help preserve testimonies. Unlike printed documents that could get lost or damaged, video depositions are usually backed up in a database or cloud storage for enhanced safety and integrity.

Moreover, court reporters and other relevant parties can access these videos quickly and easily whenever they need to present them in court.

Can sway a case in your favor

The attorney is able to coach witnesses on what to say and what to answer during the recording process. This can sway a case in your favor without having to struggle.

It’s their job to create an accurate set of records that has legally recorded events and things spoken. At the end of the day, you want to help your reporter to get the most accurate record possible, especially when a case depends on it.

Of course, most reporters are professional enough and well trained that they are going to give you a great result. Today we’re going over what you can do to help them and benefit your reporter so that the transcription is the best that it can ever be.

Do you know what you can do to help your transcriber/agency out? For one thing, you may have no idea that there are things you can do when you book services for deposition that can help your reporter and their agency create an accurate transcription.

Commit to communicating early in the process.

Communicate as you need to and earlier in the process as opposed to later. It’s good to schedule a hearing or a deposition with an agency as quickly as you know that you need one. The reporter that you hire will end up being part of that process, and the earlier that they have access to the materials and information that they need, the better off everyone will be.

Let them know about any changes.

Help out your reporter by keeping them actively informed about what is going on. If there are any changes to the schedule or any cancellations that occur, let them know. You may also want to send along any copies that you have that you either need or will be using, like a subpoena or other documents. This will let your reporter see them and get ready in advance so they are ultimately more prepared.

Let the agency know of any unique circumstances.

If you know that a deposition or court appointment will be longer and last through lunch or the evening, let the agency know. They can then inform the reporter, allowing them to make arrangements to let them cover these circumstances.

Knowing that you might need a videographer or an interpreter present means that you should also share this information with the agency. Do so ahead of time and give them as much information as you are able, explaining why these services will likely be needed.

Alert them to your needs and preferences.

Let the agency and reporter know what you will need and why. For instance, you may require the transcript to be in a certain format when you receive it. Or you may need it expedited. Letting an agency know your needs and preferences when you are booking will allow them (and the reporter) to take them into consideration.

However, the best court reporters are not always born. Plenty of people can learn the skills and develop them to be better at their job. Experience can always help but actively pursuing and working on the necessary skills and requirements of the job and being organized about it can certainly help.

Today we are going over it all, so read on and find out more about the skills you should be developing. If you can work on these skills you will be a better court reporter, so scroll down and see what we mean!

Be early and on time.
You know that saying– if you’re early, then you’re on time, but if you’re on time, then you’re late. The reporters that have respected standing earn it by showing up early. Being early is on time and showing up late will get you a poor reputation. Get a good reputation and be early!

Maintain confidentiality.
The best court reporters leave all the information that they typed down at work. Repeating is not only illegal but it will lose you your job. Work on being tight-lipped and professional about your position.

Stay focused on your job and neutral while working.
Your job is to provide an accurate transcription. Consider everything else irrelevant. Your job is to record what is being said and catch every word and pay attention to the judge. While working, stay neutral and focus on recording what is happening and not your feelings about it.

Practice good etiquette with all involved.
Be social and polite at all times with colleagues or anyone you may encounter.

Dress for the day.
Dressing in a way that is professional and not flashy or in poor taste is imperative. Your outfit, hair, and even makeup is one of the only things that many people will notice about a court reporter as they are largely silent in the court process. Dress appropriately for a business setting in neutrals and muted colors with coverage and layers for optimal comfort.

Work on your grammar, proofreading, and punctuation.
Working on these skills will make you a valuable reporter. Applying punctuation and proper grammar to the spoken word will make the text more readable and proofreading well will prevent errors or typos as well as a misplaced comma or period (or lack of one).

Know when to speak up.
Sometimes a court reporter does need to speak up. Never hesitate to request things when it is necessary, whether how to spell names or places mentioned.

Focus on being organized.
Being organized can be tough to do for many people, but balancing your schedule and duties while working is going to be crucial. You’ll also use them for transcript prep and getting your transcript delivered punctually. You need to be organized as a reporter and beyond that, reliable.

Practice great customer service to your clients.
Having good customer service is necessary. Having a good working relationship with clients past, present, and future keeps you in business! Make sure you get those transcripts in on time and prioritize everything to meet the expectations of the job and your clients too.

Perfect your shorthand writing.
As it is a highly technical skill, it can be a valuable one too if you get it down. A good court reporter works to get their shorthand down, trying to achieve ever-increasing higher levels of skill, competence, and certification. You’ll write faster, be more accurate, and be more hirable than ever.

Practice good time management.
Court reporters need to utilize time outside of the job wisely too. Good court reporters will organize their schedule and always know where they need to be and prepare for that accordingly. Manage time so that you have time to eat, sleep, take care of your personal life and errands, and get to the courtroom and turn in your transcripts on time too.

The best court reporters understand what is needed of them and work to provide it. They are early and prepare for work the night before. They respect the confidence that has been placed by them and strive to improve their reporting in every area and practice mindfulness and attention while working. If you can keep that in mind and follow the above tips, you are sure to be successful.

So, what types of traits should a good court reporter look to emulate and possess? Check out this list of traits to find out.

Important Traits A Court Reporter Should Develop

Performing to the best of your ability is part of what it takes to be a successful professional. To this end, court reporters require certain cultivated traits that are useful in other fields but are essential as far as court reporting is concerned. There is so much information that court reporters are exposed to in the court room (some of it disturbing, all of it sensitive and by needs confidential to the room) that having these traits are a must have. Most court reporters are able to develop these traits if they have not already. This list is formulated in order to help you strengthen these traits and be aware of their necessity. Let’s get started!

Lack of Judgment

One of the most important traits for a court reporter to have is to be impartial and reserve judgment. A lack of judgment is important because it is not part of a court reporter’s job description. They are there to report the proceedings in a professional capacity. After all, the main purpose of the court reporter is to detail what goes on– not spend energy on their personal feelings about it. Thus, a lack of judgment on the part of the court reporter is not only important, it’s imperative if the job is to be done correctly and as efficiently and accurately as possible.

Punctuality

Being early and prepared for court proceedings is probably the most important trait a court reporter can develop. It’s not enough to be five minutes early– that leaves a small window of time that could easily transform into running late. Unexpected developments can always occur. A good reporter never leaves being early to the whims of the traffic. They set out their clothing early, have their equipment ready, and leave themselves a good amount of time so that they always show up early. Being punctual means being at least 15 minutes early for a court reporter, so groom this trait in yourself. It’s crucial to your job!

Confidentiality

Court cases are often intriguing, interesting, topical, and most of all, and confidential. While the majority of court reporters respect this, the fact of the matter is that it’s difficult to fight the urge to discuss or gossip about cases that are ongoing. A commitment to confidentiality and never discussing cases with outside individuals is a wise choice. Not only will it help you keep your job, but it is a valuable part of overall professional conduct in this field.

Composure

Having the ability to keep your composure during trials, cases, or testimony is key. Many cases will involve testimony, media, or evidence that is not only graphic but disturbing. It’s the job of a court reporter to stay composed and record the proceedings. Not every case will be sunshine and daisies, but it’s your job to stay neutral and report.

These are four key traits that any good court reporter should place a priority on developing. Even if you believe you already possess and exhibit these traits, it never hurts to review them and keep them in mind. A good court reporter is reliable, punctual, composed, professional and impartial. At the end of the day, the more you groom these traits, the more respected and successful you’ll be in your career, and you’ll be a valuable asset to any proceedings or case.