CLT Risk Management & Mitigation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A transcriptionist receives a subpoena requesting transcripts from a case. The appropriate response is to:
- Ignore the subpoena if they are not a party to the case
- Immediately destroy the transcripts to protect client privacy
- Consult with the supervising attorney before taking any action (Correct answer)
- Provide all documents immediately without legal review
Correct answer: Consult with the supervising attorney before taking any action
Consulting the supervising attorney ensures the transcriptionist responds to the subpoena properly without violating privilege or procedural requirements.
Question 2: Which scenario represents a breach of confidentiality by a legal transcriptionist?
- Discussing case details with the assigned attorney
- Mentioning a client's case to a friend outside the firm (Correct answer)
- Filing a completed transcript in the firm's secure system
- Asking a supervisor to clarify an inaudible portion
Correct answer: Mentioning a client's case to a friend outside the firm
Discussing client case details with anyone outside the firm, including friends, violates confidentiality obligations fundamental to legal work.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for a legal transcriptionist?
- To set pay rates for transcription work
- To legally bind the transcriptionist to maintain confidentiality of client information (Correct answer)
- To establish work hours and deadlines
- To outline proofreading standards
Correct answer: To legally bind the transcriptionist to maintain confidentiality of client information
An NDA legally obligates the transcriptionist to keep all client and case information confidential, creating enforceable accountability.
Question 4: In legal transcription, 'verbatim accuracy' is critical primarily because:
- It makes transcripts easier to read
- Courts rely on exact wording to determine facts, intent, and legal rights (Correct answer)
- It reduces the number of pages in a transcript
- Attorneys prefer shorter sentences
Correct answer: Courts rely on exact wording to determine facts, intent, and legal rights
Verbatim accuracy is essential because courts and legal proceedings depend on the precise wording of testimony and proceedings to establish facts and legal outcomes.
Question 5: A risk management best practice when accepting a new transcription assignment is to:
- Begin immediately without reviewing scope or deadlines
- Clarify the scope, format requirements, confidentiality terms, and deadline upfront (Correct answer)
- Accept all assignments regardless of capacity to avoid conflicts
- Avoid asking questions to appear professional
Correct answer: Clarify the scope, format requirements, confidentiality terms, and deadline upfront
Clarifying scope, deadlines, and confidentiality terms before starting prevents misunderstandings and reduces errors, delays, and disputes.
Question 6: When transcribing a deposition that references exhibits, the transcriptionist should:
- Omit all exhibit references to keep the transcript clean
- Accurately note each exhibit reference with its corresponding identifier as mentioned on the record (Correct answer)
- Summarize exhibit content in their own words
- Place all exhibit references at the end of the transcript
Correct answer: Accurately note each exhibit reference with its corresponding identifier as mentioned on the record
Accurately noting exhibit references with their identifiers ensures the transcript correctly reflects the official record and maintains evidentiary integrity.
Question 7: Which action helps a legal transcriptionist manage the risk of missed deadlines on urgent projects?
- Accepting all urgent projects simultaneously
- Communicating proactively with clients about capacity and realistic turnaround times (Correct answer)
- Submitting partial work without notification
- Delegating work to unvetted subcontractors without disclosure
Correct answer: Communicating proactively with clients about capacity and realistic turnaround times
Proactive communication about capacity and realistic timelines allows clients to make informed decisions and prevents last-minute failures.
CLT Risk Management & Mitigation 3
A transcriptionist receives a subpoena requesting transcripts from a case.
The appropriate response is to: