Invoice templates for court reporters and verbatim transcription specialists billing law firms and tribunals for reporting services.
A court reporter invoice is issued by a professional stenographer or verbatim transcription reporter to law firms, barristers, tribunals, arbitration panels, or corporate clients for attendance at proceedings and subsequent transcript preparation. In the UK, court reporters are used in arbitrations, mediations, employment tribunals, inquiries, hearings before regulatory bodies, and high-value commercial litigation where an authoritative verbatim record is required. Court reporters typically charge for their attendance at the hearing (a half-day or full-day rate), then separately for transcript production at a per-page or per-hour rate depending on the length and complexity of the matter. Rush or priority transcripts for overnight or same-day delivery attract a substantial premium. Many court reporters are self-employed and work through agencies or as direct contractors to chambers or law firms. Invoicing practices in this sector are well established, with attendance fees, transcript fees, and surcharges for rush work clearly itemised on every invoice.
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing attendance (full day) | 600 | day |
| Hearing attendance (half day) | 350 | half-day |
| Transcript (per page) | 2.8 | page |
| Rush transcript surcharge (same day) | 250 | job |
| Additional certified copy | 50 | copy |
| Travel and accommodation | 0 | at cost |
Invoice for attendance and transcript separately, as the transcript may be delivered days or weeks after the hearing. Issue the attendance invoice promptly after the hearing date; issue the transcript invoice on delivery. For multi-day hearings, issue a daily attendance invoice for each day and a consolidated transcript invoice at the end of the hearing or upon completion of the final transcript. This simplifies approval for firms processing costs against a matter. Rush surcharges should be agreed before the hearing, not added as a surprise on the invoice. Confirm overnight or same-day delivery requirements with the instructing solicitor when taking the booking. Document the agreed surcharge in your booking confirmation. For arbitration and ADR matters, parties often split the reporter's costs. Invoice the instructing firm and let them manage the cost apportionment. In tribunal work, you may invoice directly to the tribunal administration office under a standing contract.