In an odd confluence, the Wisconsin Badgers in a post-game press conference for the NCAA tournament shined the light on an often-overlooked, but critical profession in the law: stenographers.
This past weekend, many were focused on the NCAA tournament’s opening round of 64. But, in a post-game press conference, Wisconsin Badgers Frank Kaminsky, Nigel Hayes, and Sam Dekker were focused on the stenographer accurately recording their quotes.
From the AP Report:
Then, with the interview room lights turned down and nearly deserted, the three came bouncing back through the curtains and posted up right behind the stenographer. Like a trio of schoolchildren, they started peppering the woman responsible for transcribing their quotes with questions about how stenography works. Then, they started punching the keys on her machine to see what they would produce.
At another press conference, Nigel Hayes showed his appreciation for the work of the stenographer. From the ESPN column:
Afterwards, Hayes recognized the good work of the stenographer via this tweet:
https://twitter.com/NIGEL_HAYES/status/579481968066195456
The most important person in the room
Stenographers play a critical role in the legal profession. If you are ever a witness in a deposition, administrative hearing, or trial, you will learn what every good judge and hearing officer advises counsel and those in the courtroom:
The court reporter is the most important person in the room.
This is because without the court reporter, the proceedings cannot begin or continue. The court reporter is who ensures the record is accurately transcribed and preserved.
Some cases can go on for years. A deposition taken in year one of a lawsuit would be long forgotten but for the accurate transcription provided by the court reporter. Similarly, if ever an appeal is taken, from an administrative proceeding or a trial, the work of the court reporter will be what is cited by counsel in briefs and reviewed by clerks and judges.
It is therefore critical for witnesses and counsel to respect the work of the court reporter. To speak clearly, answer questions verbally, minimize talking over one another, and follow up with the court reporter to ensure the accurate spelling of proper names, business jargon, and other words with challenging spellings (like Hayes’s use of “cattywampus”).
March Madness and stenography
In this season of March Madness, Wisconsin Badger Hayes’s appreciation for the work of the stenographer serves as a useful reminder to all who may become involved in a legal proceeding:
Show the court reporter respect.
After all, the court reporter is the most important person in the room.