I. Conduct

• A. Always conduct yourself in a manner reflecting the highest integrity of the digital reporting and transcribing profession. Be fair and impartial toward each participant in a proceeding. Be truthful and accurate at all times.
• B. Be respectful of judges, commissioners, attorneys, witnesses, clerks, members of official organizations, and all others associated with your assigned proceeding.

• C. Be alert to situations that may present the possibility of conflicts of interest. Guard against not only the fact, but the appearance of impropriety.

• D. Avoid giving or receiving any gift, incentive, or reward of substance to or from attorneys, clients, witnesses, or any persons associated with the proceedings, other than businesslike payment for professional services rendered.

• E.Determine fees independently, except when established by statute or court order.

• F. Prepare the record in accordance with the transcript-preparation guidelines established by statute or court order, or, if not applicable, then by local custom and usage.

• G. Preserve the recordings of the record in accordance with statute or court order, or for a period of no less than three years, through storage of the original paper notes and tapes, as well as a paper or computer disk version of the verbatim transcript.

• H. Meet promised delivery dates. Make timely delivery of transcripts when no date is specified, and provide immediate notification of delays, and truthful assessment to clients of reasons why.

• I. Do not offer counsel, advice, or personal opinions.

• J. Know your software and hardware system and be able to do simple troubleshooting.

II. Confidentiality

• A. Preserve the confidentiality and ensure the security of information, oral or written. Do not discuss remarks heard on or off the record with anyone. Keep all assignments strictly confidential.

• B. In instances of transcripts that are not intended for public distribution, do not make public any part of the proceeding.

• C. Do not disclose any transcription ordering or other information that is provided by one party to anyone else without express permission of that party. When in doubt, decline to discuss anyone’s special ordering or delivery arrangements.

• D. Strive to be helpful to all parties if they express a need, but do not orally communicate any substance of the proceedings to any party or non-party.

III. Commitment

• A. Strive to become and remain proficient in electronic court reporting and/or transcribing professional skills.

• B. Keep abreast of current literature, technological advances and developments, and participate in continuing education programs. Strive to further knowledge and skill through participation in workshops, professional meetings, and interaction with colleagues.

• C. Assist in improving the electronic reporting profession by participating in national, state, and local association activities that advance the quality and standards of the reporting profession.

• D. Cooperate with the Bench and Bar in improvement of the administration of justice.