Although we thought that with the advent of videoconferencing that travel in the legal community would go down, it seems like our clients are traveling more than ever. But what should the busy legal professional do who needs to set up a deposition out of town? How do you find the best court reporter and firm to handle that important deposition?

Well, most of us start by typing in some keywords in Google and see what comes up. In any search I make on Google, I always avoid the paid ads at the top of the list. Do those firms that advertise even have office space there or have full-time reliable court reporters available? I can tell you that most the firms that come up on the paid ads in the Central Valley of California (Fresno, Bakersfield, and Visalia) do not even have a local presence in the area. Is that true in all areas? I am not sure, but is it worth the gamble? After all, there is a possibility you may have to pay more if the firm does not have a local presence in the area.

Now what? I know when I travel I use a trusted friend and resource to book my travel. I do not rely on Expedia or Travelocity because I know what he offers is personalized service. He knows what my husband and I like when we travel and he puts a package together for us that meets our needs. He has booked some vacations for me overseas and there has never been a glitch. He has taken care of everything. The reason for this is that he is a part of a networking group, a group of like-minded travel agents that specialize in personalized service.

I would say that instead of relying on Google, you turn to your local court reporting firm for advice. For instance, Wood & Randall is part of a large network of locally owned court reporting firms with offices and connections all over the country. After years of traveling to national, state, and vendor meetings, our network is vast and covers all the states. We even have court reporting friends in Canada, Europe, and Asia.

If you are getting ready to book that deposition, you may want to think about a few things. Do you need a videographer or an interpreter? Of course, that is easily booked with this one phone call. Their networking partner will be happy to help with that and will make their resources available for this deposition.

Another question is where do you want the deposition held. For instance, Chicago is a very big city. Where in Chicago? Do you want the deposition at a court reporter’s office or as close as possible to the airport or hotel where you plan to stay? Do you need the deposition to be held in a room with videoconference capabilities because one of the attorneys in the case is not planning to travel and needs to attend? Does the witness prefer to be close to their home or business? This is another area where a good networking resource is invaluable. With a little planning and a reliable partner, your local court reporting firm, these bookings can be fast and easy. We have another trip coming up in the fall, and I am so glad that I do not have to Google every location and try to decide where to stay and how to get there. I make one phone call and know I am in trusted hands. Isn’t that how it should be when you travel on a deposition as well?

If you have an out-of-town deposition that you need assistance with, please give us a call at (800) 322-4595 or schedule with our online scheduling form.