Accurate written records for live events
The Typing Works provides on-site and remote reporting for court and quasi-judicial proceedings, hearings, meetings, inquiries, interviews and events. Choose anything from a detailed contemporaneous note to a searchable transcript delivered seconds behind the spoken word.
What do you need from the day?
“Live transcription” can mean several different things. The most suitable option depends on whether you need an attendance note, a full verbatim record, a checked document after the hearing or readable text while people are still speaking.
Reporter/logger attendance only
A professional reporter attends in person or remotely and prepares a detailed contemporaneous note or timed log of the proceedings.
- Key submissions, evidence, decisions and actions captured
- Speaker names and timings included where possible
- Same-day working note available by agreement
- No promise of a word-for-word record at normal speech speed
Qualified stenographic reporter attendance
A trained stenographic or verbatim reporter captures speech at courtroom speed using specialist equipment and reporting techniques.
- Designed to capture a substantially complete verbatim record
- Suitable for rapid exchanges and specialist terminology
- On-site or remote attendance, subject to the setting
- Working copy or later transcript available by agreement
Attendance plus final transcript
A reporter attends the proceedings and the captured material is then reviewed, corrected and formatted into an agreed final transcript.
- Immediate or end-of-session draft where required
- Speaker labels, punctuation and terminology checked
- Same-day, daily or agreed deferred delivery
- Client template, page numbering and timestamps available
Near-instantaneous live transcript feed
Authorised users follow a secure text feed on a laptop or tablet, normally only seconds behind the spoken word.
- Search testimony and submissions while the hearing continues
- Highlight or annotate important passages
- Access can be provided to approved users in different locations
- A checked daily transcript can follow the live working feed
| Service | Available during proceedings? | Verbatim? | Checked final document? | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reporter/logger attendance only | Contemporaneous note or log | No, unless specifically agreed and technically possible | Optional | £ |
| Qualified stenographic reporter | Captured live by the reporter | Designed for verbatim reporting | Optional | ££ |
| Attendance plus final transcript | Draft may be available | Depends on the reporting method selected | Yes | ££–£££ |
| Near-instantaneous live feed | Yes, seconds behind speech | Live working copy, followed by checking where agreed | Normally available | ££££ |
Court and quasi-judicial reporting
Legal proceedings vary considerably. A one-day open civil hearing may require a detailed attendance note. A lengthy arbitration or public inquiry may justify a qualified stenographic reporter, a daily transcript or a near-instantaneous feed for the case team.
We can discuss reporting arrangements for:
- Civil and criminal court hearings
- Employment and other tribunals
- Arbitrations, adjudications and mediations
- Regulatory and professional disciplinary proceedings
- Public inquiries, inquests and commissions
- Internal disciplinary, grievance and appeal hearings
An important distinction for court work
A privately commissioned attendance note is not automatically the court’s official transcript. Courts control attendance, device use, recording, live transmission and access to private or restricted hearings. Audio or video must not be recorded without the required permission. Where an official court transcript is required, the HMCTS-authorised supplier and EX107 process may apply.
Before accepting a court assignment, we will confirm the jurisdiction, whether the hearing is public or private, what permissions have been obtained, whether any recording is permitted and whether the proposed output is an unofficial note or an official transcript. See the current court attendance guidance and HMCTS transcript guidance.
Live records for meetings, research and events
The same service levels can be adapted for organisations that need participants to concentrate on the discussion while an independent professional creates the written record.
Corporate and workplace
- Board and committee meetings
- Workplace investigations
- Disciplinary and grievance meetings
- AGMs and formal consultations
Academic and research
- Interviews and focus groups
- Research workshops
- Public and patient involvement sessions
- Conferences and seminars
Public sector and professional
- Consultations and inquiries
- Round-table discussions
- Regulatory meetings
- Conferences and public events
On-site or remote
On-site reporting
The reporter attends the court, tribunal, meeting room or venue. This is usually the better option where the setting is secure, speaker identification is important or remote access is not allowed.
- Reporter can see who is speaking
- No dependence on an external meeting link
- Suitable for restricted or controlled environments
- Travel and access arrangements agreed in advance
Remote reporting
A UK-based reporter joins through an approved platform or secure audio connection. This can reduce travel costs and provide nationwide coverage for online or hybrid proceedings.
- Microsoft Teams, Zoom or approved platform
- Client-controlled audio stream where available
- Suitable for remote and hybrid participants
- Connection and security tested before the event
How a booking works
Tell us about the matter
Date, location, duration, speakers, jurisdiction and required output.
We recommend an option
We explain the practical differences and provide a clear bespoke quotation.
Access and testing
Permissions, security, terminology, equipment and connections are agreed in advance.
Reporting and delivery
The live note or feed is produced, followed by any checked final transcript requested.
Security built around the assignment
We agree the workflow before the hearing or meeting begins. This may include human-only processing, restricted access, confidentiality undertakings, client-controlled systems and bespoke retention arrangements.
Live transcription questions
Is a reporter/logger the same as a stenographer?
No. A reporter or logger can produce a detailed contemporaneous note, identify speakers and record timings, but an ordinary typist cannot guarantee every word at natural courtroom speed. A qualified stenographic reporter uses specialist skills and equipment to capture a substantially complete verbatim record.
Can you provide an official court transcript?
That depends on the court, jurisdiction and type of transcript required. Some official transcripts must be ordered through the HMCTS EX107 process and produced by an authorised supplier. We will distinguish clearly between an unofficial attendance note and an official court transcript before quoting.
Can a reporter type notes in court without recording?
Written note-taking and laptop use are generally possible in an open hearing, subject to any direction from the judge and the rules of the particular court. The device must not record audio or video, disrupt the hearing or transmit information without authority. We recommend notifying the court in advance of any professional attendance.
How quickly can we receive the transcript?
Options include a working note at an adjournment or at the end of the session, a same-day or daily transcript, and a checked transcript on an agreed deferred turnaround. Near-instantaneous feeds are available for suitable proceedings by prior arrangement.
Can you cover a multi-day or hybrid hearing?
Yes, subject to reporter availability, the technical arrangements and any permissions required. We can discuss on-site, remote and hybrid coverage, daily delivery and continuity across several hearing days.
How much does live transcription cost?
Pricing depends on the service level, duration, location, travel, number of speakers, specialist reporter availability, technical setup and delivery deadline. A reporter/logger attendance note is normally the most economical option, while a near-instantaneous feed is the most resource-intensive. We provide a tailored quotation before the booking is confirmed.
Not sure which service you need?
Send us the date, location, expected duration, number of speakers, type of proceeding, permissions already obtained and when the document is needed. We will recommend the most proportionate option.