How far in advance should I schedule a court reporter for a deposition?

Aim for at least one to two weeks when possible, and earlier for realtime, video, an interpreter, or busy periods. Reserving early gives you a better choice of reporters and time to set up specialized services like a realtime feed or same-day rough draft. Last-minute and expedited bookings are usually available but may cost more and limit your options.

What's the difference between a rough draft, an expedited transcript, and standard delivery?

A rough draft is an unedited, uncertified version (often same day) useful for prepping the next witness, but it cannot be cited as the official record. Standard delivery is the certified transcript, commonly delivered in roughly two weeks. Expedited or daily delivery shortens that turnaround for an added fee. Order whichever you need at booking, since each affects setup and price.

What should I send the court reporter before the deposition?

At minimum, the case caption and a spelling list of proper names and technical terms: parties, attorneys, experts, companies, and any medical, scientific, or industry jargon. Also tell them the format (in person or remote), whether you need realtime, video, or expedited delivery, and your exhibit numbering plan. This is the cheapest, most effective way to improve transcript accuracy.

Do I need a separate videographer if the deposition is recorded on video?

Usually yes. The court reporter creates the written record, while a legal videographer handles the video record, and they are often different vendors. Some agencies bundle both, so confirm at booking. A video deposition still needs a reporter to produce the certified transcript that synchronizes with the video.

Deposition Prep Checklist for Attorneys

A clean deposition record starts long before the witness is sworn. The difference between a smooth transcript and an expensive do-over usually comes down to logistics handled in the days beforehand: confirming the reporter, prepping exhibits, briefing the witness, and nailing down the technical setup. Use this checklist to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

1–2 weeks out: lock down logistics

Confirm the date, time, and time zone in writing. Re-serve or circulate the notice so every party has the same details. Note whether the start time is when the witness should arrive or when you go on the record.
Decide the format. In person, fully remote (Zoom or a deposition platform), or hybrid. The format drives nearly every other choice below.
Book your court reporter and confirm certification. Verify the reporter holds the right credential for your jurisdiction. Some states require a Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) or notary commission; others recognize the national RPR/RMR. If you don't have a regular reporter, you can search and compare professionals for free on this directory and filter by location, certification, and services.
Reserve the realtime and rough-draft options up front. If you want a realtime feed (live text during the depo) or a same-day rough draft, say so when you book — reporters often need to set up specialized software and may charge accordingly.
Arrange a videographer if the deposition will be recorded. A legal videographer is usually a separate vendor from the reporter; confirm whether yours bundles both.
Order an interpreter early if the witness needs one, and confirm the interpreter is qualified/certified for legal proceedings.

A few days out: documents and the record

Assemble and pre-mark exhibits. Decide your exhibit numbering convention (sequential across the case is cleanest) and make enough copies: one for the witness, one for the reporter, one for each attorney, plus extras. For remote depos, have a plan for sharing exhibits electronically and for getting marked copies into the record.
Send the reporter a list of proper names and technical terms. Party names, expert names, company names, drug names, medical or engineering jargon, and place names. This is the single cheapest way to improve transcript accuracy.
Prepare your outline and a witness/exhibit cross-reference so you can find documents quickly without dead air on the record.
Confirm the location and that you have a quiet, private room with reliable power and seating. If it's an unfamiliar office or a conference center, verify access and parking.
Plan the read-and-sign question. Decide whether the witness will reserve the right to review and sign the transcript, and know your jurisdiction's default if no one raises it.

The day before: technical readiness

For remote and hybrid depositions especially, test everything:

Test the platform, camera, microphone, and internet for everyone on your side. An external mic and a wired connection beat a laptop's built-in hardware.
Confirm a backup. Know what happens if the reporter or a participant drops — a phone dial-in number, a second device, or the reporter's standard protocol.
Send connection links and dial-ins to the witness, opposing counsel, the reporter, and any videographer or interpreter.
Charge devices and have chargers on hand. A dead laptop mid-deposition stops the record cold.

Briefing your witness

Even a well-prepared witness needs a refresher on mechanics, separate from the substance of their testimony:

One person talks at a time. The reporter cannot take down two voices at once. Wait for the full question before answering.
Verbal answers only. "Uh-huh," nods, and "over there" don't translate to a transcript. Say "yes," "no," and describe locations in words.
It's fine to pause, ask to see a document, or say "I don't know" or "I don't recall." Guessing creates problems later.
If you don't understand a question, ask for it to be rephrased. Answering means you understood it.
Take breaks — but finish answering a pending question first.

On the record: small habits that protect the transcript

Slow down and don't talk over opposing counsel. Cross-talk is the leading cause of "(simultaneous speech)" gaps.
Spell unusual names and terms the first time they come up, even if you sent a list.
Identify exhibits clearly: "I'm handing you what's been marked as Exhibit 14."
Speak up when you go off and back on the record, and let the reporter confirm before continuing.
Be kind to the reporter. They will read back testimony, flag when they can't hear, and produce your transcript faster when the proceeding is orderly.

After the deposition

Confirm turnaround and delivery format. Standard delivery is typically a couple of weeks; expedited and daily delivery cost more. Ask whether you're getting a PDF, an e-transcript, and/or condensed and word-index versions.
Note any "expedite" or "rough" you ordered so the invoice matches your expectations. Court reporting fees vary widely by region and by what you order (per-page transcript rates, appearance/attendance fees, realtime, video, exhibits), so review the invoice line by line.
Calendar the errata/signature deadline if the witness reserved the right to read and sign.

A short note on cost: prices and certification rules genuinely differ from state to state and even county to county, so treat any figure you see online as a starting point and get a quote that itemizes appearance fees, per-page rates, and add-ons. Comparing a few reporters before you book — something you can do free here — usually pays for itself the first time you avoid a scheduling scramble or a garbled transcript.