Finding a Repeatable Process for Litigation Support

Learn how to build effective litigation support into your day-to-day practice to drive game-changing results.

Finding a Repeatable Process for Litigation Support

Where to Begin?

Start with the fundamentals and add in more support as you need. Building effective litigation support into your day-to-day practice takes effort, but it will deliver results in the end. We use cost-effective, simple-to-use software to be more efficient.

Hire or retain qualified people on a limited basis. Be realistic about who you can get, how much they will cost and how much you can rely on them.

Most importantly, take the time to plan. There’s no need to work up an extensive project description, but be sure to always start with a basic, written statement of work that identifies the scope of the project.

By following these guidelines, supercharge the litigation support you need to elevate your efficiency and reputation, and grow your practice into something bigger.

Seek Out Accurate Court Reporters

In court reporting, accuracy is everything. It is imperative to ensure that your court reporting is accurate, as it could significantly affect the outcome of your case! Below are 5 ways to ensure you receive accurate court reporting from your service provider:

Industry Reputation: What is your court reporter (or firm’s) reputation in the industry? Ask for references and contact them to determine the level of expertise and quality of work provided.
Technology Utilized: Did you know that many court reporters utilize Computer Assisted Technology (CAT) to report the spoken word onto a digital stenograph machine, and then subsequently edit the notes into final text at a later date? What technology does your court reporting firm offer to ensure accuracy?
Court Reporter Education: At Karasch, although it is important for court reporters to possess speed and accuracy, they also must have excellent listening skills, strong English grammar, vocabulary and punctuation skills. In addition, they must possess solid business acumen, be aware of current events and know the correct spelling of high profile people, places and events, since these items could be mentioned during court proceedings. An expert knowledge of legal terminology and criminal and appellate procedure is also critical. Having a good understanding of your court reporter’s background and education will help to ensure the accuracy of your transcripts.
Experience: A court reporter’s experience often determines the level of accuracy you can expect. It is important to take note of your court reporter’s training and education. If the court reporter does not have appropriate experience, you should have some concerns about the potential errors that could occur as a result. Similarly, if the firm providing the court reporting service does not provide their court reporters with the appropriate training, you should be wary about using their services.
NCRA Certifications: Check your court reporter’s NCRA certifications. The certification program has three tiers of achievement, all of which are admirable:

Registered Professional Reporter (RPR): The RPR program is the only nationally recognized certification program that establishes your competence as a reporter.
Registered Merit Reporter (RMR): This step follows that of becoming an RPR. Court reporters with this status are recognized as one of the top court reporters in the country.
Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR): The RDR is the highest level of certification available to court reporters and can only be achieved by those court reporters that have held RMR status for five years, exhibited exemplary skills in all areas of court reporting and served as a consultant or leader in the profession.