Arbitration and Mediation Court Reporting
Certified court reporters for arbitrations and mediations across Washington: verbatim records, sworn testimony, realtime and remote hearings. Since 1980.
or call 253-627-6401
At B&A Litigation Services, we provide professional court reporting services for arbitrations and mediations, delivering accurate, reliable records for alternative dispute resolution proceedings throughout Washington state. As arbitration and mediation continue to play a central role in resolving complex legal matters, having a certified court reporter present ensures clarity, accountability, and confidence in the process.
B&A offers experienced court reporters who understand the unique dynamics of non-courtroom proceedings and the importance of discretion, neutrality, and professionalism in these settings. It is the same certified reporting behind all of B&A’s court reporting services.
Sworn testimony
Our reporters swear witnesses when the arbitrator asks
Remote and hybrid hearings
Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams and other platforms
Three Tacoma conference rooms
Commencement Bay, Olympic and Cascade
Rough drafts and realtime
Available on request
Part of B&A’s court reporting services
Accurate Records for Alternative Dispute Resolution
Arbitrations and mediations often involve high-value disputes, sensitive information, and nuanced negotiations. While these proceedings may be less formal than trials, the record created can be just as important, particularly when outcomes are binding, subject to enforcement, or later referenced by the parties.
B&A court reporters create a precise, verbatim record of testimony, statements, and discussions when requested, ensuring that the spoken word is accurately preserved. Our reporters are attentive to speaker identification, terminology, and pacing, even in settings where dialogue may be conversational or less structured.
In Washington, every court reporter must hold a Department of Licensing certificate under chapter 18.145 RCW, and RCW 5.28.010 names a state-certified court reporter among those authorized to administer the oath. B&A reporters swear witnesses in arbitration when the arbitrator asks. The reporter is a neutral officer of the proceeding: the record belongs to the proceeding, not to either side.
Court Reporters Experienced in Arbitration and Mediation Settings
B&A assigns court reporters who are well-versed in arbitration and mediation environments. These proceedings often require a different approach than traditional courtroom reporting, including sensitivity to tone, confidentiality, and the collaborative nature of dispute resolution.
Our reporters are accustomed to working with arbitrators, mediators, counsel, experts, and parties in private settings and understand how to remain unobtrusive while maintaining a complete and accurate record. Whether the proceeding involves sworn testimony, opening statements, expert presentations, or settlement discussions, B&A court reporters adapt seamlessly.
Suitable for Any Type of Matter
B&A provides arbitration and mediation court reporting services for a wide range of cases, including multi-party and high-stakes arbitrations in:
- Commercial and business disputes
- Employment and labor matters
- Construction and real estate disputes
- Insurance and coverage matters
- Professional liability claims
Our court reporters are comfortable handling complex subject matter, technical terminology, and expert testimony, ensuring the record is clear and usable for all parties involved.
Reliable Transcript Delivery
Attorneys and parties rely on timely transcripts to support post-hearing briefs, enforcement actions, settlement evaluations, and future proceedings. B&A offers the same dependable delivery standards for arbitration and mediation transcripts as we do for all court reporting services.
B&A offers expedited options of the transcript when faster access is required. Rough drafts and realtime may also be requested, providing early access to testimony and discussion points while the final certified transcript is prepared.
Confidentiality and Professionalism
Confidentiality is often paramount in arbitration and mediation. B&A’s court reporters and staff adhere to strict confidentiality protocols, ensuring that all proceedings and records are handled securely and with discretion.
Our team understands the trust placed in us by counsel and parties alike and approaches every assignment with professionalism, neutrality, and respect for the process.
Coordination, Remote Hearings and Hearing Rooms
B&A’s scheduling team works closely with attorneys, arbitration providers, and mediation services to coordinate logistics, timing, and any special requirements. Whether proceedings take place in person or remotely, we ensure that reporting services are set up smoothly and efficiently.
Remote and hybrid hearings run on Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams and other platforms; see remote depositions for how we support them. For in-person hearings, our Tacoma office in Old Town has three conference rooms: Commencement Bay (23′ × 24′), Olympic (13′6″ × 27′6″) and Cascade (11′6″ × 13′6″), with complimentary WiFi, coffee and snacks, a full kitchen, and free onsite parking. Visiting details, including accessibility, are on the conference rooms page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a court reporter for an arbitration?
You need one whenever you may rely on the testimony later. A certified reporter produces a verbatim transcript for post-hearing briefs, a motion to confirm or vacate the award, or a later proceeding, and swears each witness when the arbitrator calls for sworn testimony. Without a reporter, the record of what a witness said is often only the participants’ notes.
Are mediations recorded by a court reporter?
Usually not. Most mediations proceed without a record. When the parties ask for one, for example to place the terms of a settlement on the record at the end of the day, a B&A court reporter can take it and prepare a certified transcript.
Can the court reporter swear witnesses at an arbitration?
Yes. Every B&A reporter covering a Washington proceeding holds a Department of Licensing certificate, and RCW 5.28.010 names a state-certified court reporter among those authorized to administer the oath. When the arbitrator calls for sworn testimony, our reporter swears each witness and the oath appears in the transcript.
Can you report an arbitration held on Zoom or Teams?
Yes. B&A reports remote and hybrid arbitrations on Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams and other platforms, with the court reporter on camera so every participant can see a person is present and accountable. There is no per-person Zoom fee, and rough drafts are available on request.
Schedule a Reporter for Your Arbitration or Mediation
Send us the hearing dates, location and whether you need realtime when you schedule a reporter for your hearing, or call 253-627-6401 or toll-free 1-800-649-2034.