FLORIDA COURT REPORTERS ASSOCIATION
PRO BONO PROGRAM
A GUIDE FOR REPORTERS
INTRODUCTION
For several years, studies have uncovered significant numbers of citizens who have civil legal needs they cannot pay for. Court reporters around the country are eager to help guarantee every citizen’s right to equal justice under the law. To that end, the Florida Court Reporters Association has established a pro bono program.
WHY SHOULD I GET INVOLVED IN A PRO BONO PROGRAM?
Here are some possibilities:
1. Sometimes people need expert help. Reporters are experts who possess special skills. Your contribution can make a difference in whether or not someone less fortunate than you gets a fair shake from the legal system.
2. Pro bono work is widely recognized as a hallmark of true professionalism. You can help show that court reporters are responsible partners in the legal process.
3. You can make useful contacts in the course of your volunteer work.
4. It feels good.
I’VE DONE A DEPO HERE AND THERE ON A PRO BONO BASIS WITHOUT MAKING A BIG DEAL OUT OF IT. WHY SHOULD I BOTHER WITH THE FORMALITIES OF WORKING TOGETHER THROUGH A PROGRAM?
First, good for you! But there are a couple of reasons for working through a formal program. First, Bar programs screen civil pro bono applicants, so you’re not likely to get burned. Second, working through a program gives you an “out” if you are approached directly by an attorney about doing a job free of charge. Third, a formal program gives us a way to track reporter participation and demonstrate our commitment.
WHAT ARE REPORTERS OFFERING IN THE WAY OF PRO BONO SERVICES?
The main reason for involving a reporter in any matter, of course, is to obtain an accurate record of a proceeding. In times past, a pro bono lawyer might have had to forego conducting depositions that would have been useful to their case because there was no money to pay for them. With reporters willing to contribute services at waived or reduced fees, pro bono attorneys have an added tool at their disposal to effectively pursue the cause of justice.
FCRA encourages reporters to volunteer whatever they feel comfortable contributing – a couple of hours a year, 50 transcript pages, waiver of appearance fee, or whatever. In any case, it is important for the reporter and the attorney involved in a particular case to know what the reporter will be contributing so that no misunderstandings occur.
HOW CAN I BE SURE A LITIGANT IS TRULY INDIGENT?
FCRA encourages reporters to work only with established pro bono programs. Bar pro bono programs conduct thorough reviews of applicants to make sure they, in fact, qualify under the program’s guidelines. After all, lawyers who contribute time and expertise do not like to be taken advantage of.
HOW OFTEN WILL I BE ASKED TO REPORT A PRO BONO PROCEEDING?
In general, you as a volunteer are in control of how much you choose to contribute. It’s unlikely you will be asked to participate more than once a year. Encouraging your colleagues to participate is an effective way of ensuring the load is equally shared.
WHAT IF I RUN INTO A PROBLEM DURING A PRO BONO DEPOSITION?
Handle problems as you normally would. Then immediately report the matter to your pro bono coordinator.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ONE PARTY IS INDIGENT AND THE OTHER IS NOT?
You can charge normally for services provided to the non-indigent party.
IT ALL SOUNDS GOOD TO ME. WHERE DO I SIGN UP?
1. Fill out the attached pledge card.
2. Contact FCRA Headquarters at 222 S. Westmonte Avenue, Suite 101, Altamonte Springs, Florida, 32714
3. Contact the Pro Bono Coordinator.
4. Reporter Assignment/Evaluation sheet
POINTS TO REMEMBER:
1. Work only through established pro bono programs.
2. CIVIL CASES ONLY.
3. Give only what you feel comfortable with and encourage colleagues to participate.
4. Fill out and return the evaluation form so that records may be maintained and credit given.
YOUR STATE COORDINATOR IS:
Deanna Boenau, RDR, CRR, CBC, CCP
AmeriCaption, Inc.
P.O. Box 50653
Sarasota, FL 34232
941.359.8100
E-Mail Address: americaption@comcast.net
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