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What Lawyers Need to Know About AB 711: A Step Toward Smarter Court Reporter Scheduling

If you're an attorney practicing in California, there's a bill on the move that could streamline your litigation logistics and save your clients money: AB 711, authored by Assembly Member Phillip Chen and co-sponsored by CalDRA and CCRA.

Passed unanimously in both the State Assembly and the Senate Judiciary Committee, AB 711 aims to reduce the persistent issue of court reporter double-booking—a problem that has left many courtrooms uncovered and professionals scrambling at the last minute. For lawyers, this legislation introduces a practical and important change: a requirement to “meet and confer” about court reporter arrangements before motion hearings.

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Why This Matters to You and Your Clients

Under AB 711, litigators must now discuss court reporter coverage early in the process—before motions are filed. Why? Because duplicative bookings waste time, increase cancellation fees, and contribute to a shortage of available, experienced certified shorthand reporters (CSRs). By coordinating early, you're more likely to:

  • Avoid double-booking and associated cancellation fees

  • Secure experienced, licensed reporters for your hearings

  • Ensure accurate and impartial records are maintained

  • Prevent last-minute courtroom surprises

In short, it’s a change that promotes professionalism, cost-efficiency, and better access to justice.

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The Problem: A Shortage Made Worse by Double-Booking

CalDRA, in response to growing concerns from judges and attorneys about inconsistent coverage, conducted a statewide survey of CSRs. The findings were striking:

  • 26% of reporters in LA County

  • 50% in Orange County

  • 66% in Ventura County

…reported being double-booked at least once a month. That means skilled reporters were assigned to multiple hearings simultaneously—making it impossible to cover them all. The result? Empty chairs in courtrooms, delayed proceedings, and avoidable expenses.

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A Common-Sense Fix

This bill doesn’t cost the state a dime. It simply requires that attorneys address court reporter logistics before filing motions. That small step has the potential to dramatically increase the availability of human, licensed reporters by reducing waste in the system.

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The Bigger Picture

AB 711 is not just about individual hearings—it’s about strengthening the infrastructure of the legal profession and improving access to the accurate record that underpins justice. With strong bipartisan support and backing from CalDRA, CCRA, and SEIU, the bill is moving swiftly through the Legislature and reflects a collaborative effort to support the court reporting profession and the legal community it serves.

What’s Next?

AB 711 now heads to the State Senate for final consideration. Stay tuned for updates, and in the meantime, make sure your litigation teams are prepared to meet and confer about court reporter coverage—it’s now more than a best practice; it’s a legal requirement in the making.

Bottom line for lawyers: Talk about the court reporter with opposing counsel before the motion—your clients, your calendar, and California’s courts will all benefit.