Transcript Turnaround Planning Guide
Planning guidance for law firms and legal teams.
Start with the proceeding requirements
A rough draft is an uncertified working version intended for immediate review.
Coordinate the supporting services
An expedited transcript is a certified transcript produced on a faster schedule than standard delivery.
Give scheduling complete information
Tell scheduling exactly when the text is needed and how it will be used so the correct option can be coordinated.
Start with the deadline the case team actually has
Transcript planning begins with the moment counsel needs usable text. Some matters require preliminary working text soon after testimony, while others require the certified final record on an accelerated production schedule. Those are different delivery objectives and should be stated separately when the proceeding is scheduled.
Give scheduling a concrete transcript delivery deadline
General labels such as “rush” are less useful than an actual date and time. State when preliminary text is needed, when the certified transcript is due, and which recipients should receive each deliverable. Concrete timing allows the reporter and production team to evaluate the assignment before testimony begins.
Consider the length and complexity of the proceeding
Long depositions, technical testimony, multiple speakers and heavy exhibit use can affect production. If counsel anticipates an unusually long day or specialized terminology, include that information before the proceeding.
Consider realtime when the need is during testimony
If counsel needs readable testimony while the witness is speaking, realtime reporting addresses a different stage of the workflow than post-proceeding transcript production. A matter can combine live access, preliminary working text and accelerated final delivery, but the scheduling request should define each requirement separately.
Map transcript products to the people who need them
Identify the attorneys, paralegals, experts or other authorized recipients for each transcript product, along with confidentiality or formatting requirements. Clear recipient instructions reduce production questions after the record closes.
Need to schedule a reporter?
Send the proceeding details to our scheduling team.