As the court reporting industry evolves into the technology market, be sure to know the difference between a professional court reporter and the competent service of reporting.
A professional court reporter works in accordance with the high standards of the profession. A competent court reporting service is simply having a skill or ability.
Often the question is asked: Do I really need a state certified court reporter, or can I hire a competent service for transcription needs? The answer may be found in hypotheticals:
- 1) If you were accused of a heinous crime, would you want your fate to be dependent on a competent transcription service or a certified court reporter that is in accordance with the high standards of the profession?
- 2) If you or a close family member were the victim of a heinous crime, would you want the fate of the criminal to be dependent on a competent transcription service or a certified court reporter that is in accordance with the high standards of the profession?
When decisions are made based on a quick fix, cost, and good enough, perhaps competent is a route to choose.
When decisions are made based on excellence, accuracy, and thoroughness, a trusted professional is the answer.
It’s clear when the example is put in a personal context, the decision automatically points to the professional certified court reporter. Attorneys understand this aspect as they are the ones to build a case that, in part, relies on transcripts of previously held depositions and hearings. When faced with “inaudible” or “undiscernible” in a final transcript, attorneys are left with making the best with what they have.
Scheduling a court reporter is not a task that should be left to a quick fix, cost, or good enough. Attorneys need the excellence that a professional court reporter provides.
Be sure to select the court reporter that holds the high standards necessary for the job at hand. Using technology to enhance the selection process of professional services by narrowing to specific qualifications is the future. Caution comes in when selecting whoever just happens to be nearby that has stated an ability to provide a competent service. To understand the difference, ask yourself: “If this is my legal case, do I want professional or competent?”
Here is where technology can help: www.ecourtreporters.com, search and schedule vetted, professional court reporters in all 50 states.
It’s not a quick fix, it’s a professional service!
