Interpreters get away with murder.

[Kyung]

So I'm at a depo today. The interpreter says to counsel, "Please say you have an afternoon matter."
Counsel says, "Do you have another matter to go to?"

Interpreter says yes. Attorney ways, well, then I guess we'll have to end early for you. Then during the whole, the interpreter keeps looking at her watch.

If a court reporter did any of the above behavior, we would literally get killed. I swear.

[Melinda Miller]

So true!

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

I cannot believe an interpreter answered a call in the middle of a depo. That is over the top. Can't say I have ever seen that. I have seen one take off their shoes and get pretty comfortable.

[Katiana Ball]

LOL @ Kyung. Actually, both my parents are interpreters, and they told me, "Interpreters have it easy, court reporters have it hard." They meant that in more ways than one.

I guess the attorney sees that he MUST have an interpreter there, or else he cannot communicate with the witness (who cares about the record, right?). =[

--
www.ladysteno.com

[Suzanne Stotz]

Also I've seen interpreters actually answer their cell phones during the deposition when they see that the phone call is from an agency for an upcoming job.

[Kyung]

As Mary Ann says, they (lawyers) do look at reporters as someone there at their beck & call. The question is why? It kinda sucks.

[Mary Vazquez]

Very interesting. Interpreters do seem to get a free pass. I have experienced some brilliant interpreters and some that I'd gladly murder in the parking lot if given the chance. I love how they get to drink, eat and visit the restroom without the roll of the eyes or my favorite, after this line of quetioning. 45 minutes later, you're hoping there's not a puddle beneath you.