Always be prepared for the unexpected, and usually at the most inconvenient times.  Even though our online scheduling pages, and those working in the calendar, clearly ask for the expected turnaround of transcripts in order to assign the right reporter to a job, for various reasons attorneys and their staff don’t always know.  Often times something comes out in a proceeding, or another witness gets added by opposing counsel, that requires an expedited delivery or rough draft so attorneys can prepare for that.

I always made it a practice to ask attorneys individually before we start or during a break if there is a chance they’ll need expedited delivery. It is especially good to know about an expedite if I happen to be sitting on a backlog of transcripts, some of which are already expedited, and/or have plans that will tie me up for a period of time. 

When that happens and you get that surprise expedite request, at least you have time to react and see if you can either line up your scopist or proofreader to help you get it done or worst-case scenario, contact the office to see if relief is available who can easily accommodate the request.  If relief is the only option, let counsel know when they are expected to arrive so they can plan for a convenient spot in the proceeding to accommodate the change in reporters.

Never say or do anything that would show your frustration or anger.  That’s one of the classic situations that prompt clients to request that a particular reporter not be assigned to their jobs in the future.

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