The California court system is in crisis. Courtrooms across the state are closing due to lack of funding, and dozens of official court reporters have been laid off. In 2011, San Francisco Superior Court laid off 24 official court reporters, and in Los Angeles Superior Court alone, 56 courtrooms will be shut down. On May 15, the Los Angeles Superior Court will no longer provide court reporters for civil trials. In addition, after June 18, 2012, court reporters will be available for civil law-and-motion matters on a limited basis.

So what does this mean to freelancers and firm owners?   While you might welcome an increased volume of calls from clients asking for a reporter in court, it’s not as simple as merely sending a reporter, producing the transcript in your freelance format, and billing freelance rates. There are strict rules governing court transcripts and page rates, and if you think they don’t apply to private reporters, think again.

If you think…

you can work in L.A. courts without prior approval of the Court…

court rules and codes don’t apply to agencies or freelancers…

you can bill freelance rates for court work…

you can produce transcripts using your deposition format…

then you may be putting your license in jeopardy.

Get the FACTS first!

 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

  • Transcript formatting, including transcripts on appeal and pagination
  • What transcript rates the Government Code permits
  • Scheduling/coordination – what you need to know when assigning reporters
  • Court forms
  • How the Court Reporters Board views private reporters covering court
  • How to get approved to work in the Los Angeles court system

Register now!

WHEN:  Saturday, June 2, 2012 – 10:00-4:00

WHERE:  LAX – exact location coming soon. Watch caldra.org for details

COST:  Members    $99 / Nonmembers:   $149

0.5 CEU pending


CAUTION FROM THE CRB

“Freelancers should beware of rushing into a California state court without knowing applicable statutes.”

Court Reporters Board of California, CRB Today newsletter


Meet our Speakers

Lisa McMillan worked for 16 years as an official court reporter for the Santa Cruz and Monterey courts until losing her job in a mass layoff of the civil courts in 2010. Now a freelancer reporter and firm owner, Lisa will share her unique perspective of covering court as an official, freelancer and firm owner.

 

 

 

 

Yvonne Fenner became a licensed CSR in 1996 and worked as a freelance reporter until 2006, when she joined the Court Reporters Board. She was appointed Executive Officer in 2009. As executive officer, Yvonne will shed light on the CRB’s view of freelancers who cover court proceedings and the potential disciplinary pitfalls they face.

 

 

 

 

Toni Pulone is a licensed CSR and operates Pulone & Stromberg Court Reporters in San Jose. As a firm owner of over 30 years, she frequently is asked to cover court proceedings for clients in local civil courts. Toni also serves as DRA’s Legislative Liaison and Depo Diplomat.

 

 

 

 


Deposition Reporters Association of California
1900 Point West Way, Suite 146
Sacramento, CA 95815-4706

888-867-2074  caldra.org