Editorial Guidelines
Transparency matters. Here's exactly how we source, verify, and present court reporter listings on this directory.
Data Sources
Our listings are compiled from multiple independent sources to ensure comprehensive coverage:
- Public business directories — Google Business Profiles, industry registries, and state licensing databases
- Professional associations — Certification bodies and trade organizations relevant to court reporters
- Direct submissions — Professionals can submit or claim their listing for review
- Web research — Structured data extraction from business websites and review platforms
Verification Process
Each listing undergoes the following checks before publication:
- Identity verification — Business name and address are confirmed against public records
- Contact validation — Phone numbers and websites are tested for accuracy
- Active status — We confirm the business is currently operating and accepting clients
- Geographic accuracy — Locations are geocoded and mapped to the correct service area
Ranking & Display Order
Listings within each city are ordered by a combination of factors:
- Sponsored status — Businesses that sponsor their listing appear first, clearly labeled as "Sponsored"
- Aggregate rating — Higher-rated businesses appear above lower-rated ones
- Review volume — Businesses with more reviews receive a secondary boost
- Data completeness — Listings with confirmed websites, certifications, and detailed service descriptions rank higher
We never accept payment to artificially inflate a listing's rating or reviews. Sponsored placements are clearly disclosed with a visual badge.
Review & Sentiment Analysis
Where available, we aggregate review data from public sources and compute a sentiment score. Our sentiment analysis considers:
- Overall star rating from review platforms
- Volume and recency of reviews
- Keyword extraction from review text
- Positive/negative/mixed classification
FTC Review Compliance
In accordance with the FTC Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials (effective October 2024), StenoScout adheres to the following review policies:
- No fake or fabricated reviews — All reviews displayed on this site originate from verifiable sources. We do not create, purchase, or generate artificial reviews.
- No review suppression — We do not selectively hide or remove negative reviews to inflate a provider's reputation. Reviews are displayed as aggregated from their source.
- No incentivized sentiment — We do not offer compensation, discounts, or other incentives in exchange for positive reviews specifically. Any future review incentive programs will be disclosed and will not condition the incentive on positive sentiment.
- Insider disclosure required — Reviews submitted by individuals with a financial or personal relationship to the provider must include a disclosure. This includes business owners, employees, family members, and paid endorsers.
- Client attestation — When our native review system launches, all reviewers will be required to attest: "I am or was a client of this provider and my review reflects my genuine experience."
Update Cadence
Our database is updated regularly. Listings are re-checked on a rolling basis to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated or incorrect information, please email corrections@stenoscout.com.
Content Standards
All editorial content (city guides, blog articles, industry resources) follows these principles:
- Factual accuracy — Claims are backed by data, sourced from public records or industry research
- Practical value — Every piece aims to help users make informed hiring decisions
- No pay-for-play — Editorial recommendations are never influenced by advertising relationships
- Regular updates — Content is reviewed and updated to reflect current pricing, regulations, and market conditions
Licensing & Credentials Disclaimer
StenoScout is a directory service, not a credentialing or licensing body. Listings on this site do not constitute verification of professional licensing, certification, or legal qualifications. While we display certifications (such as CLVS) as reported by providers and public sources, we do not independently verify the current status of these credentials.
It is the responsibility of the hiring attorney or firm to:
- Verify that the provider holds any certifications they claim
- Confirm compliance with applicable state and local regulations
- Ensure the provider meets the requirements of their jurisdiction for deposition video recording
Deposition videography licensing requirements vary by state. Some states require videographers to be supervised by or work in coordination with a licensed court reporter. StenoScout does not provide legal advice regarding state-specific requirements. Consult your state's court reporting board or bar association for current regulations.
Terminology
StenoScout uses the term "deposition videographer" to refer to professionals who specialize in video recording of depositions and other legal proceedings. This is distinct from the legally regulated title of "court reporter" (also known as "certified shorthand reporter" or "stenographer"), which is a licensed profession in most states. We do not use the terms interchangeably. References to the "National Court Reporters Association" (NCRA) and its CLVS certification reflect the official name of the certifying organization.
Last updated: March 2026. Questions about our editorial process? Contact contact@stenoscout.com.