What to Do When an Attorney Requests a Rough Draft

What should a court reporter do if an attorney requests a rough draft?

• A. Provide a preliminary version of the transcript
• B. Provide only the final version
• C. Advise the attorney that rough drafts are not available
• D. Charge extra for a rough draft

Answer: (A)

When an attorney requests a rough draft of the transcript, the appropriate response is to provide a preliminary version of the transcript. This is often acceptable practice in court reporting and allows attorneys to have access to the rough data for immediate reference. Rough drafts can be beneficial for attorneys who need to review testimony or statements before the final transcript is completed. The preliminary version typically contains a verbatim account of the proceedings, which may have some errors or be less polished than the final document. This version is crafted quickly to assist attorneys in their work, ensuring they have the necessary information for within deadlines or for further legal actions. In contrast, providing only the final version denies the attorney the opportunity to review important details in a timely manner, while advising that rough drafts are not available does not align with the common practices in court reporting. Charging extra for a rough draft may not be standard and could discourage attorneys from utilizing this valuable resource. Therefore, offering a preliminary version strikes the right balance between providing necessary information promptly and maintaining professional standards in court reporting.

When you're navigating the world of court reporting, you might come across a scenario that feels a bit tricky—an attorney requesting a rough draft of a transcript. So, what should you do? Should you balk at the idea, or is this something you can manage with grace? You know what? This is a common situation, and it’s essential to know how to respond appropriately.

The correct move, believe it or not, is to provide a preliminary version of the transcript. You may wonder why this is an acceptable practice. Well, attorneys often need immediate access to the details captured during proceedings, and rough drafts can save the day. Imagine being in their shoes, scrambling to review critical testimony before it’s polished up for the final version. Providing that rough draft could be a lifesaver.

So, what does a rough draft entail? Think of it as a verbatim slice of the court action. It’s not the be-all and end-all polished document; it’s got a bit of roughness around the edges. There might be a few typos, and the formatting may not be final, but it does give the attorney something to work with while they’re waiting for the refined transcript to land on their desk. This preliminary version is simply crafted to ensure attorneys have the necessary info at their fingertips, meeting those tight deadlines, or equipping them for additional legal maneuvers.

Now, let’s explore why the other options just don’t cut it. If you were to provide only the final version, you’d be effectively denying the attorney that vital window of opportunity to review important content in a timely manner. Not cool, right? Imagine missing a crucial detail in the heat of a case because you couldn't provide that info promptly. It’s like having a key ingredient but refusing to share it during a critical potluck—nobody leaves happy!

Advising that rough drafts aren’t available? Well, that’s simply not in line with common practices within our field. It’s shocking to think that some might even consider charging extra for a rough draft. Honestly, that could deter attorneys from utilizing this valuable resource and hamper the preciseness of legal proceedings.

In essence, navigating requests for rough drafts is not just about providing a document; it's about maintaining the integrity of the court reporting profession while also assisting the legal teams who rely on you. Striking that balance is what keeps the wheels of justice turning smoothly. By being approachable, responsive, and adhering to best practices, you set a professional tone that benefits everyone involved.

So the next time an attorney asks for a rough draft, remember: providing a preliminary version isn’t just a good practice—it's part of what makes being a court reporter truly rewarding. Each interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate your value, not just to yourself but to the entire legal system. And that, my friend, is worth celebrating.