Court reporters, clients, and gift giving – information for clients
The following information can be used to create an information sheet to share with attorneys at depositions, included as an envelope stuffer, etc.
For your information, Counselor:
- DID YOU KNOW — that incentives, gifts, and rebate programs are being offered by court reporting firms to influence the hiring decision?
- DID YOU KNOW — that reporting firms who give valuable gifts are not following the National Court Reporters Code of Professional Ethics, which states any gift, incentive, reward, or anything of value is not to exceed $150 in the aggregate per recipient each year?
- DID YOU KNOW — that the amount of these gifts may be considered by the IRS to be revenue to you and create a taxable event to the recipient, whether it be a lawyer, legal assistant, or any other employee of the law firm?
- DID YOU KNOW — that a reporter or deposition firm who gives gifts to a law firm that exceed $600 would be required to provide an IRS information return to that recipient law firm?
Protect yourself and your client. Hire a reporter based on skill and experience who puts ethics first.