Getting court reporting jobs and keeping them are on every court reporter’s mind. What really separates court reporters when the skills and certifications really seem to be quite equal?
As a court reporting agency owner, here are the attributes which want us to get to know a court reporter better. Never be late. Much better to get there a little early and “chat” with the attorneys. They will be much nicer to you throughout the proceeding also.
We like our court reporters to be our eyes in the deposition. Tell us a little about the attorneys on the case, fast, slow. Difficult; easy. Many of our cases continue and this is useful information. Of course, we like to know if there will be other depositions. Getting paperwork in quickly and using our forms. Although another firm’s paperwork might be somewhat interesting, I am more interested in the court reporters who take the time and show the interest in understanding and using our forms.
Want to really impress and get another call? Get the deposition in early. The earlier the better. That allows the court reporting firm to bill quicker and get paid quicker. And a very happy client!
Competition is fierce for clients among agency owners. The happier a reporter makes one of our clients, the better for all. We do follow up with our clients to see how the deposition went, and the best way to get more work is when the client says, “The reporter was great!”