Court reporters have the responsibility of getting the names of deponents, witnesses in court, and attorneys. It might be surprising, but getting the spelling of a witness’ name can be challenging.
Having produced thousands of deposition transcripts, and having made mistakes as far as a witness’ name, I have created the following rules for myself:
- Always ask the witness for their full name, and never rely on a deposition notice or the attorney’s suggested spelling of the name.
- Upon asking for the deponent’s name, if the answer is something like, George Fallon, I always follow up with the question, “Do you have a middle name?” Otherwise, it is inevitable once we go on the record, and the attorney says, Please state your name for the record,” the witness will answer with a middle name that is tough to spell, for instance, “George Alan/Allen Fallon.”
- Once you get the full name, ask for the spelling of the whole name. The name David might be spelled Davyd. Never assume a spelling. I will ask, “Is David spelled the typical way, D-a-v-i-d, or does it have a unique spelling?” Otherwise, people might look at me like I am crazy asking how to spell David.
- Be consistent. If you use the full name on the cover page (Deposition of George Allen Fallon), use that full name on the certification page, the signature line, everywhere. Don’t use George Allen Fallon in one place, George Fallon in another place, or George A. Fallon another place. The transcript will not look professional.
- When the witness is doctor, Ph.D., (expert), put the appropriate initials after the name. Do not use Dr. George Fallon; rather use George Fallon, M.D. An expert’s report or business card will have the correct initials of any licenses or certifications. If you use M.D., and choose not to put other initials behind the name, be consistent throughout the transcript. For instance, use George Fallon, M.D. or George Fallon, M.D., Ph.D., BCED.
Names can be tricky, but not for great court reporters.
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