10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Transcription Company

Hiring the right transcription company can make or break your case preparation, court filing, or client relationship. Whether you're an attorney, court reporter, or paralegal, choosing a reliable and qualified transcript provider ensures you receive accurate, timely, and court-compliant work.

Here are 10 essential questions to ask before signing on:

1. Are your transcribers certified?

Not all transcription companies are created equal. Ask if their transcribers are certified by a reputable organization like AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers). Certification shows a commitment to accuracy, formatting standards, and ethics.

2. Do you use U.S.-based transcribers?

Legal transcription requires familiarity with terminology, accents, regional dialects, and local court procedures. Working with U.S.-based professionals helps ensure accuracy and reliability.

3. How fast can you turn around a transcript?

Time matters, especially for appellate deadlines or rush filings. A trustworthy company should offer expedited options, including same-day or next-day services, and be honest about their capacity.

4. What types of transcripts do you specialize in?

Look for a company with experience in your specific area of need, whether that’s bankrutpcy cases, criminal cases, civil trials, depositions, or appellate work. Specialty matters when terminology, formatting, and court rules are involved.

5. How do you ensure accuracy and quality control?

Quality matters. Ask if transcripts are proofed or reviewed by a second set of eyes before delivery. At access, we have no less than three sets of eyes on the transcript before it reaches your inbox, so you can be assured that it is correct.

6. Do you have experience with court-specific formatting and deadlines?

Every jurisdiction has different rules. A knowledgeable provider should be familiar with local requirements, especially if you're working in a state like Indiana with strict appellate guidelines.

7. How do you handle payment and is your site secure?

Clear and consistent payment processes help keep things moving smoothly. We collect payment up front for private pay jobs. For indigent or court-appointed cases, we invoice upon transcript delivery in accordance with court procedures.

8. What is your confidentiality policy?

Legal transcripts often contain sensitive information. Make sure the company uses secure file storage and transfer methods, and has clear confidentiality protocols in place.

9. Do you offer online ordering and digital delivery?

Convenience counts. A streamlined process for ordering, paying, and delivering transcripts saves time and reduces back-and-forth.

10. What do your clients say about you?

Look for testimonials or reviews on Google or the company’s website. Consistent praise for accuracy, communication, and reliability speaks volumes.

Ready to Work With a Team You Can Trust?

At Access Transcripts, LLC, we’re proud to check every box above. Our certified, U.S.-based transcriptionists deliver high-quality transcripts for attorneys, courts, and legal professionals across the country.

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