What Attorneys Should Know When Working with Court Reporters

A smooth, accurate record starts well before anyone goes on the record. With a little planning, clear expectations, and savvy tech choices, attorneys and court reporters can work together to produce a cleaner transcript and better outcomes for the client.

What Court Reporters Really Do?

Court reporters record every word said during a deposition, hearing, or trial, creating the official record that attorneys depend on for appeals and motions. This involves managing overlapping voices, accounting for accents, identifying speakers, and maintaining neutrality throughout the entire legal transcription process.

Reporters use stenotype machines, real-time transcription software, and secure digital tools to produce accurate records. Even with new AI-driven transcription tools, human reporters remain irreplaceable. A skilled reporter knows how to handle an interruption, interpret complex speech, or flag unclear testimony—things automated tools still can’t manage effectively.

Why Follow Deposition Preparation Tips?

The quality of the record depends heavily on how well attorneys and reporters prepare before the deposition begins. Sending case details in advance gives the reporter a head start. It also prevents errors that can snowball into time-consuming revisions.

Choosing a court reporter with experience in your type of case also makes a difference. Someone who regularly works in your practice area—be it patent litigation, family law, or medical malpractice—will already know the relevant terminology. This familiarity helps them keep up with fast-paced testimony and produce an accurate, contextually precise transcript.

Attorneys should also consider availability and logistics. Reporters with high workloads or limited scheduling flexibility may delay transcript delivery. Clear communication about timing, delivery format, and turnaround expectations keeps everyone on the same page.

Attorney and Court Reporter Collaboration

Attorneys and court reporters have a shared goal: to produce a clear, complete, and accurate record. Achieving this requires active collaboration before, during, and after the proceedings.

Before the Deposition

• Confirm the logistics, including start times, time zones for remote participants, and anticipated length.
• Share details about the case, industry terms, participants, and interpreters.
• Label and share exhibits ahead of time to avoid confusion on the record.
• Discuss confidentiality procedures, your preferred transcript format, and delivery deadlines.
• Test audio and video connections. Even the best reporter can’t produce a clean transcript if speakers fade in and out.

During the Deposition

• Request real-time reporting. Watching testimony appear on screen helps you adjust questions, flag important points, and spot unclear answers right away.
• Be mindful that a reporter can only record one voice at a time. Remind participants to take turns speaking to avoid someone’s words getting lost.
• Maintain a calm, steady pace. Ask witnesses to repeat unclear answers, and avoid rushing through objections or sidebar comments.
• Lean on your court reporter to help manage talkative witnesses and interpreter timing.
• Spell acronyms, names, or complex terms to eliminate confusion on the record.
• Confirm exhibit numbers and descriptions as you go to keep the transcript consistent.
• Ask for read-backs if something’s unclear.
• Announce pauses and resumes. Make sure “off the record” moments are clear for everyone.

After the Deposition

• Confirm all spellings, terminology, and exhibit references once the deposition is complete but before the reporter leaves the call.
• Review the rough draft together, if one is provided, while the details are still fresh.
• Express appreciation and stay in touch. Building rapport with your court reporter reinforces your working relationship and simplifies future scheduling.
• Leverage condensed transcripts, synced video, and searchable files to make review faster for your team.

Professionalism and Ethics in Court Reporter Collaboration

Court reporters operate under strict ethical codes that emphasize neutrality and confidentiality. They can’t alter testimony, adjust wording, or “clean up” a record to make it read better. Attorneys must respect this professional boundary.

Attempting to influence or revise the official record undermines its legal integrity. Instead, see your reporter as a partner in accuracy, someone whose insight and experience can help you anticipate and avoid problems.

Schedule Your Next Deposition with Us

A strong working relationship with court reporters is built on respect and open communication. This makes every stage easier, from preparing and conducting the deposition to receiving accurate transcripts on time.

At Talty Court Reporters, we utilize the latest technology to deliver the very best results in your legal case. Turn to us for top-quality court reporting and transcribing services, video and audio conferencing, remote depositions, and much more. For additional information about our services or to request a cost estimate, please contact us today.