Top 5 Risks of Using Non-Certified Videographers

Top 5 Risks of Using Non-Certified Videographers

When depositions require video, attorneys and court reporting firms rely on videographers to create a precise and admissible record. But hiring someone without legal training—such as a general videographer who lacks certification or knowledge of deposition protocols—introduces significant risks. Below are the top five issues firms face when they cut corners on professional legal video.

  1. Risk of Inadmissible Evidence

Courts maintain strict standards for deposition video. If time stamps, oaths, or procedural elements are missing, opposing counsel may challenge admissibility. A non-certified videographer is unlikely to know these requirements, and attorneys could lose valuable testimony.

  1. Compromised Chain of Custody

In legal settings, the chain of custody is everything. Certified videographers follow precise protocols to authenticate recordings and safeguard files. Without these procedures, questions may arise about whether the video has been altered or tampered with—casting doubt on the entire record.

  1. Technical Failures

General videographers may be skilled at weddings or corporate shoots, but often lack redundant audio, video, and power setups required in depositions. A single equipment failure—without backups—can result in a lost record, wasted attorney time, and additional costs to reconvene.

  1. Lack of Professional Neutrality

Legal video demands impartiality. Certified videographers are trained to maintain neutral framing, avoid distractions, and follow standardized practices. Non-certified professionals may unintentionally inject bias—through camera angles, editing, or even casual comments on record—putting the integrity of the video at risk.

  1. Damage to Firm Reputation

Attorneys trust court reporting firms to deliver complete, accurate, and professional records. A poorly executed video reflects directly on the firm, not just the videographer. Even a single incident of substandard work can undermine credibility and jeopardize future business.

Protecting Your Clients and Your Firm

Using a certified legal videographer isn’t just best practice—it’s risk management. From maintaining admissibility to protecting your reputation, certified professionals ensure the record stands up in court and meets the highest standards of accuracy. In an industry built on trust, firms can’t afford to gamble with unqualified providers.

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