Ethics First: Why Integrity Is the Foundation of the Record

The profession of court reporting is amazing, so amazing in fact, that you will have attorneys, tech companies, and transcription companies wanting to own their own court reporting firm.  While it is an amazing profession to behold, owning a court reporting firm comes with many areas of responsibility and trust, and I hope to share just a bit of what that looks like.

Every word spoken in a courtroom or deposition carries weight. The record becomes the permanent memory of the justice system—relied upon by judges, attorneys, litigants, and appellate courts. That responsibility demands more than technical skill; it also demands unwavering integrity.

At O Court Reporters, we are proud to be an Ethics First Participant, not as a marketing label, but as a guiding principle that shapes how we operate every day.

Neutrality Is Not Optional—It Is the Law

California court reporters, myself included, are neutral officers of the court. Our role is not to please, persuade, reward, or influence. Our role is to preserve the record faithfully and impartially.

For that reason, California law strictly limits gift-giving by court reporters. With very narrow exceptions, reporters may not give or receive gifts, incentives, or anything of value in connection with proceedings they report. Even permissible items are capped at $100 in aggregate per calendar year per recipient, and indirect gifts, those routed through third parties, are also prohibited.

Why such strict limits? Because even well-intended incentives can create the appearance of favoritism, and the appearance of impropriety can be just as damaging as impropriety itself.

Equal Access Is a Cornerstone of Fairness

California law goes further. In depositions, any service or product offered to one party must be offered to all parties simultaneously. Preferential treatment is not allowed, and violations can result in civil penalties of up to $5,000.

This requirement reflects a simple but powerful truth:Fairness in the process protects confidence in the outcome.

At O Court Reporters, we structure our services, pricing, and practices so that no party receives an advantage that others do not. Transparency is not a burden—it is a safeguard.

Ethics Are Not Anti-Business—They Are Pro-Profession

From time to time, conversations arise in our industry about “common marketing practices” or “competitive incentives.” But longevity in this profession has never been built on perks. It has been built on reputation.

Courts have repeatedly recognized that providing gifts or incentives to secure reporting work, particularly beyond legal limits, can violate professional standards and unfair competition laws . These rules exist not to punish success, but to protect the integrity of the legal system and the professionals who serve it.

Ethical practice is not about what others may do; it is about what we choose to do.

What Makes a Great Court Reporting Firm

At O Court Reporters, we believe excellence is defined by:

• Neutrality without exception

• Compliance with both the letter and spirit of the law

• Equal access to services for all parties

• Clear, transparent pricing

• Respect for the role of the court and the public record

We do not rely on incentives to earn trust. We rely on accuracy, professionalism, and consistency.

A Quiet Commitment to the Record

Ethics are rarely loud. They are practiced quietly, decision by decision, job by job. They show up in how boundaries are respected, how pressure is handled, and how the record is protected, especially when no one is watching.

That is the kind of firm we strive to be. Because when the integrity o

f the record is preserved, everyone is better served.