In today’s fast-moving legal landscape, where precision, speed, and dependability are critical, choosing the right court reporting provider can significantly impact a law firm’s outcomes and reputation. Yet too often, the decision is reduced to a binary comparison of price and availability.
But that’s not enough.
We believe in a more sophisticated approach. Drawing from a framework centered on the Pillars of Excellence — People, Process, and Technology — law firms can build partnerships that drive continuous improvement and elevate service beyond expectations.
If you’re evaluating court reporting partners, here are the top five questions you should be asking:
1. What Kind of People Will Be Handling My Cases?
Court reporting is a people-driven business. Superior customer experience depends on professionalism, reliability, and clear communication.
- It’s critical to work with court reporters, videographers, and interpreters who are thoroughly vetted, highly trained, and whose performance is monitored regularly.
- Professionals who understand the nuances of your case and are adaptable to your firm’s unique needs deliver the best results.
2. Do You Have Documented, Scalable Processes?
Chaos in the back office can lead to missed deadlines, errors, and unhappy clients.
- Scalable, standardized procedures with ongoing measurement and refinement reduce variability and ensure quality.
- Look for providers with clear SOPs, a centralized knowledge base, and dashboards that monitor exceptions and trends.
3. What Technology Powers the Service?
Even the best teams need the right tools to stay efficient.
- Modern providers leverage scheduling software, real-time availability tools, customer portals, and offer the option for AI-powered transcript analysis.
- Technology should enhance communication, reduce errors, and streamline access to critical deposition materials.
4. How Do You Handle Continuous Improvement?
Excellence requires ongoing effort and adaptation.
- Effective providers use client feedback, performance reports, and regular cross-departmental reviews to improve service.
- This culture ensures that service evolves alongside your firm’s growing needs.
5. How Transparent Are Your Metrics?
If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.
- Transparency through KPI dashboards and regular performance reviews helps firms maintain confidence in their providers.
- Data-driven decision-making ensures accountability and continual refinement.
Why It Matters
Choosing the right court reporting provider requires more than convenience or habit—it calls for a thoughtful look at who will be handling your work, how they operate, and what tools they use to support you. These five questions help legal teams evaluate potential partners with intention, ensuring that expectations are aligned from the start.
Taking the time to assess these factors reduces the risk of delays, miscommunication, or poor-quality transcripts—issues that can impact your case and your client.
