🧠 Blog Content (Updated for 2025)
Court Reporter Trial Tips That Still Matter in 2025
By Tom Oakes | Founder of Philly Legal News
In 2010, I contributed a segment to the Trial Techniques and Tactics newsletter published by the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC). The focus: how attorneys can better work with court reporters to ensure trial transcripts are accurate, timely, and stress-free. This was the brainchild of Rob Hunter, who was the president of the International Association of Defense Counsel. These were called. “One Minute Trial Tips.”
Fifteen years later, these courtroom strategies remain as valuable as ever.
🔗 Canonical Source:
Originally published in the IADC Trial Techniques and Tactics Newsletter, November 2010.
Republished with permission for historical insight and practical relevance.
🎯 Key Court Reporting Tips from the Field
1. Contact the Reporter in Advance
Always communicate your needs to the judge’s court reporter at least a week before trial. This includes:
- Daily copy
- Expedited or realtime transcripts
- Special technical requests
2. Provide a Word List
Share a list of proper names, acronyms, or technical terms in advance. This reduces transcription errors, ensures clarity, and avoids costly do-overs.
3. Use Digital Files
Emailing a word list as part of a digital transcript package helps the court reporter maintain accuracy. Adding a supplemental glossary or corrected spellings helps reduce post-production editing.
4. Support with Proposed Witness & Exhibit Lists
If possible, send the court reporter your proposed exhibit and witness lists. This provides even more context and improves transcript reliability.
5. Practice Silent Advocacy
The concept of Silent Advocacy goes beyond courtroom etiquette — it’s a trial strategy built on discipline, preparation, and respect. This approach was exemplified by the late George J. Lavin, Jr., Esquire, a legendary Philadelphia trial lawyer who not only practiced Silent Advocacy with precision but also authored a book on it, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful litigation and controlled courtroom presence.
Lavin taught that the most persuasive moments in trial often happen without raising your voice. Your tone, demeanor, and interactions — even with the court reporter — can shape how the jury and judge view your professionalism and trustworthiness. For example, when you provide the court reporter a word list without being asked prior to trial, or provide your exhibit list early, you aren’t just being courteous — you’re sending a message of preparation and mastery to everyone that is part of the courtroom, including the courtroom deputy, the judge’s law clerks, and others. His ability to have the jurors relate to him as a friend of the court, provided him with a step up in their eyes. He was assisting the Court, assisting the court reporter, assisting courtroom personnel and thereby getting credit in the eyes of the jury as someone they could trust.
Moreover, Silent Advocacy includes knowing when not to speak — resisting unnecessary objections, avoiding dramatic body language, and letting the facts speak through clarity of presentation. These silent acts accumulate in the jury’s subconscious. You appear composed. Confident. Honest.
George Lavin believed this level of control could turn the tide of a case. It’s not about flashy theatrics. It’s about winning respect — quietly.
In today’s fast-paced courtroom environments, Silent Advocacy remains a timeless and powerful tool for any litigator seeking to gain credibility without ever saying a word.
Why Court Reporter Collaboration Still Matters Today
In an age of AI transcription and digital recorders, some may assume the role of the court reporter is being phased out — but nothing could be further from the truth. Court reporters remain the most trusted source for creating an accurate legal record, particularly in high-stakes litigation, depositions, and jury trials.
Unlike automated systems, professional reporters can:
- Clarify unclear speech
- Handle accents, interruptions, or overlapping dialogue
- Provide certified transcripts admissible in court
In fact, many jurisdictions still require a certified court reporter for civil and criminal trials — especially where appeals or transcript-based rulings may follow.
Moreover, when attorneys collaborate with court reporters by preparing word lists, technical terms, and exhibit IDs in advance, they don’t just improve the transcript — they improve the overall credibility of their presentation. Jurors notice professionalism. Judges appreciate smooth proceedings. And reporters are more likely to deliver clean, timely work when treated as key members of the courtroom team.
In a world of litigation overload and digital chaos, precise communication is more important than ever. Respecting your court reporter’s role in that process is not only wise — it’s strategic.
🧑💼 About the Author
Tom Oakes was the founder of Thomas G. Oakes Associates, a national court reporting and litigation support firm.
A former official court reporter for the U.S. District Court (Eastern District of Pennsylvania), he has held the highest court reporting certifications and is a Certified TrialDirector Trainer. Tom has trained lawyers at Temple University’s LL.M. in Trial Advocacy and Villanova Law School, and frequently lectures for the IADC, FDCC, and the ABA.
📎 Outbound Resource
- Visit the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) to explore more trial technique resources.
📘 Disclaimer
This blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship. The content reflects historical commentary and professional opinions based on past publications and personal experience. References to legal strategies, individuals, or organizations, including the IADC and George J. Lavin, Jr., are made with respect and for illustrative purposes. Readers should consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance specific to their individual circumstances.
