Benefits of Legal Videographer / Court Reporter Teams

Whether you use a court reporting firm that also offers legal video or use two separate agencies to handle a deposition's court reporting and videography needs, court reporters and videographers often work well together. A teamwork approach can make the entire process much smoother before, during, and after the deposition.

For example, realtime court reporters typically output their live feeds to monitors located in the courtroom, mediation room, or conference room. When working as part of a court reporter / videographer team, the videographer can quickly patch the court reporter's feed into the existing A/V equipment and even create a synchronized recording containing the video and an overlay consisting of the court reporter's realtime transcript. Some videographers provide court reporters with headphones that are connected to the audio equipment, making it easier for the reporter to hear what's being said.

Teamwork after the deposition can prove invaluable. For example, the court reporter can refer to the video recording to review an inaudible word or verify a comment when editing the final transcript. The court reporter can also provide the videographer with an electronic copy of the final transcript as a courtesy which will help for later video editing or synchronization.

This teamwork is mutually beneficial for both the court reporter and the legal videographer. However, it's most advantageous to you, the client. The behind-the-scenes cooperation ensures that the deposition is recorded accurately both in video and steno form. The synchronized video transcript with close captioned text makes finding and editing video clips a breeze. 

While court reporters and legal videographers from separate firms can work well together and help each other throughout the proceeding, using a team from a single firm ensures a higher level of cooperation. When both team members are from the same company, they're more likely to share equipment such as microphones, monitors, and cables. In fact, they'll likely arrive together in a well-stocked company van and have a routine for setting up and breaking down their equipment. In addition, they'll follow established company procedures which ensure consistency regardless of which individuals make up the team. They will likely work more efficiently, too, as logistical challenges and protocols will have already been worked out between them due to their past experiences together. 

Depending on the firm, location, and nature of your needs, you may encounter the same teams from one proceeding to the next. Having worked with the team in the past, you know what to expect and that all of the details will be taken care of. The case may be different, but the professionals providing court reporting and legal video services will likely live up to your expectations once again.

Though legal video and court reporting are two separate professions that each requires specific skills and expertise, these professions complement each other. This synergy makes requesting a court reporter / legal videographer team a logical choice. When you choose a litigation support firm that offers both court reporting and legal video services, you can take full advantage of teamwork. Start by requesting a team capable of providing you with the specific services you desire. For example, if having a synchronized video transcript right away is important to you, having a realtime court reporter and legal videographer cooperating at the deposition may be more efficient than synchronizing the transcript with the video after the fact.

What advantages have you experienced by choosing a court reporter / legal videographer team? Please share your experiences in the comments link below this article.

SKILLS AND TRAINNING

All court reporters require the same basic academic classes, regardless of method. This includes legal and medical language, business law, and much English. The skills track is where the methods diverge. A new voice writing reporting student can become realtime certifiable well within the 24-month associate’s degree window, although sometimes it may take much longer. A student on average studies 1–3 hours a night which may or may not include homework. The voice writing method of reporting is highly technical, and the person who wishes to practice this method should be able to grasp and use Speech Recognition Engines and Computer Aided Transcription adequately. It typically takes anywhere from two to four years to learn the basic skills to become a stenotype court reporter. Candidates usually attend specialized certificate courses at private business schools, or sometimes associate's or bachelor's degree programs at accredited colleges or universities. Distance learning and online training courses are also available for both methods. After additional on-the-job training and experience, many court reporters then move on to real-time reporting.

Upon completion of formal training, court reporters practice in order to improve their skills, and licensed court reporters are required to attend continuing education courses to maintain their licensure. Some states require court reporters to be notaries public in addition to being a Certified Court Reporter (CCR). There are two major national court reporting associations in the United States, The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), and the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA). The minimum speed needed to become certified by the NCRA is 225 words per minute. The NVRA requires a minimum speed of 250 words per minute to qualify for certification. Depending on the court reporting method of choice, one tends to join either the IAPRT, NVRA or the NCRA. The NCRA offers the title Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) to those who pass a four-part examination and participate in continuing education programs. The NVRA offers the title Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) to those who pass a four-part examination, including both a skills and written exam, and participate in continuing education programs. A reporter may obtain additional certifications that demonstrate higher levels of competency such as Certified Real-time Reporter (CRR) or Real-time Verbatim Reporter (RVR). Both of these associations offer equivalent examinations to test reporters for speed and competency on their method of reporting. The Canadian Court Reporter John M. Weir (CVR) could do 350 words per minute during legal hearings.

The AAERT is the electronic court reporting and transcribing industry's professional association in the United States, founded in 1994. The AAERT offers electronic reporters and transcribers three certifications: certified electronic reporter (CER), certified electronic transcriber (CET), and certified electronic reporter and transcriber (CERT). The International Alliance of Professional Reporters and Transcribers (IAPRT.org) is a member-based not-for-profit consortium engaged in the ongoing development of all methods of court reporting and transcription, and guiding public and private court reporting professionals worldwide toward the common goal of producing a verbatim and verifiable record. IAPRT offers on-line training and certification for members who participate in continuing education programs.

Required skills of a court reporter are excellent command of the language being spoken, attention to detail, and the ability to focus for long periods at a time. The most highly skilled court reporters can provide transcription inreal time and have significant earning potential

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