Depositions are critical for case preparation. These under-oath, out-of-court testimonies provide invaluable evidence for building a case before trial. 

Yet, deposition recordings may amount to many hours of witness testimony, making it difficult for attorneys and their assistants to review all the necessary details. That’s where deposition transcripts come in. These complete, written accounts of everything that takes place during a deposition provide essential records that legal professionals can reference and review as they prepare and progress through a case. 

But how do you create these important documents, and why do they matter? Here’s everything you need to know about deposition transcripts. 

What Is a Deposition Transcript?

Deposition transcripts, or depo transcripts, are full, official written records of sworn, out-of-court witness testimonies. Like other legal transcripts, they include a verbatim account of everything said during the testimony, including any deposition objections from attorneys.

A court reporter can create a deposition transcript in person or remotely during the proceedings, as well as from audio or video recordings of the deposition. The final, certified transcript is typically used in the discovery phase of gathering evidence, but it can also serve as official evidence during a trial. Often, legal assistants use the transcript to create a deposition summary, which lawyers can use as a quick reference during case review.

Accepted File Formats

Deposition transcription can take place in several different formats. Specific requirements vary based on firm needs and court rules. The most common depo transcript formats include:

• Paper: This is the traditional written record, which is useful for quick navigation and referencing in court. Some courts still require paper submissions for official evidence.
• Digital: Digitized versions of depo transcripts are increasingly common, and many attorneys prefer them for searchability and portability. PDF and Word documents are frequently used, along with ASCII (plain text) formats.
• Litigation-specific formats: Some firms use litigation-specific software such as E-transcripts or LiveNote for litigation support. However, these documents can only be opened within the applications used to create them.
• Video-linked: More advanced transcripts combine video with text so users can click on text and jump to the corresponding video clip. These can be useful for conducting more detailed reviews of deposition proceedings.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Deposition Transcript?

Creating a deposition transcript can take between 24 hours and 14 days, depending on the nature of the deposition and the service you request. Typical delivery takes one to two weeks, with longer timeframes for depositions involving more speakers or complex subject matter. Many depo transcription services charge a fee for expedited or rush services.

Once you receive your document, it’s important to know how to cite a deposition transcript. When quoting witness testimony, use the following format: 

Deponent's Last Name Dep., Page Number: Line Number, Date of Deposition. 

For example, A deposition from Mr. Brown would be cited as:

Brown, 10:12–11:14, Sept. 15, 2024.

Benefits of Depo Transcripts

Deposition transcripts are an invaluable resource for attorneys and others involved in case review and preparation. Here are some of the most important advantages of having a thorough written record of out-of-court testimonies:

• Provide an accurate, permanent record of events: Depo transcripts are a complete, detailed account of everything said during proceedings. They provide a lasting record that’s more reliable than memories and more easily referenced than recordings.
• Expedite legal research process: Writing a deposition transcript creates a searchable document that legal professionals can use to quickly review testimonies.
• Create a neutral resource to inform case strategy: Deposition transcripts offer verbatim accounts of every word spoken during a testimony. They leave out interpretation so all parties can reference a neutral record.
• Deliver evidence when needed: Depo transcripts are useful for more than just case preparation. They can serve as digital evidence in motions, trial proceedings, or settlement negotiations and are used to impeach witnesses when their in-court testimony conflicts with their sworn deposition. 

Example Deposition Transcriptions

While the details may vary, the main components of deposition transcripts are the same. Dialog will be written out on numbered lines and pages for easy reference, usually following a Q&A format. Here’s a deposition example from a case involving a truck crash:

Transcription documents also typically include a summary section that provides general deposition information. For instance, you’ll usually see the name of the case, the date of the testimonial, and any participants involved on the first page, as in this example from Notta:

Depo transcripts may also include a cover page designating whether the document is confidential, as in this example from Lexitas Legal:

Court Reporting and Transcripts Go Hand in Hand

Court reporters play an integral role in creating depo transcripts. A deposition cannot even occur without a court reporter present, as it’s their job to oversee the proceedings and ensure everything is written out verbatim.

However, court reporters do more than create the deposition transcript itself. They swear in witnesses to begin the proceedings and use approved tools to record everything that’s said. In some cases, a court reporter may interrupt the proceedings to ask a witness to speak up or enunciate more clearly. Attorneys and others present may even ask them to read back portions of the deposition in real-time. 

Tips for Creating Accurate Depo Transcriptions

As a certified legal record, deposition transcripts must be completely accurate and reliable. Hiring a trained court reporter to capture the proceedings is essential to ensuring accuracy, but legal professionals can take further steps to ensure clarity during depositions. This includes:

• Providing court reporters with a detailed, accurate depo notice specifying the names of all parties involved and the nature of the proceedings
• Establishing a quiet recording space to ensure all audio or video depositions are captured clearly
• Limiting cross-conversations during testimonies to avoid misinterpretation
• Clarifying inaudible testimony or unusual terminology during the deposition

Following these best practices can set up court reporters for an accurate deposition transcription process.

Transcription Tech to the Rescue

Technology has radically altered the landscape for legal transcription. Although court reporters are still integral to transcribing depositions, trials, and all other legal proceedings, they now have more tools at their disposal.

Speech recognition software has never been more accurate. And, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), much of the process of legal transcription can now be automated.

Of course, new technology brings new risks into the fold. No transcription software is perfectly accurate, and that’s where court reporters still play essential roles in the process. While an AI-powered transcription tool like Rev can produce incredibly precise, ready-to-certify transcripts, it’s still the court reporter’s job to verify accuracy before depo transcripts are used as evidence.

Rev: Your New Legal Transcription Partner

Deposition transcripts, like so many other legal records, play an integral role in the legal process. Getting your transcripts done quickly and accurately ensures case preparation can proceed smoothly — and that your legal team has everything it needs to run an effective defense or prosecution.

With Rev, your team adds a powerful partner to speed up the process without sacrificing quality. Our legal transcription tools work not only for criminal and civil depositions, but also for trials, hearings, and any examination under oath. Plus, you can even capture real-time deposition insights with VoiceHub. 

Ready to take your case prep to a new level? Learn more about Rev’s legal solutions today.