Q: If you are working for a private lawyer or law firm, you should begin by understanding what they prefer. Ask if they have any particular expectations or requirements for the transcript. You may also need to follow local or statewide regulations for formatting.  For example, the California Court Reporters Association publishes on its website the “Minimum Transcript Format Standards.” These standards establish the number of lines per page, the spacing, the margin sizes, and so on. You need to find out if similar standards or expectations exist for your location. As another example, the court system of Massachusetts publishes a booklet entitled “Uniform Transcript Format.” This booklet sets forth expectations on everything from formatting the title page to what color and weight paper are to be used. A transcript of any legal meeting, deposition or hearing must clearly identify its source. You will need a cover page that identifies the type of meeting and the location. If this is specifically connected to an ongoing court case, you should provide the name of the case, the court, and the docket number. For example, your cover and first page heading may identify, “Deposition of John Doe, at the Offices of Smith & Wesson, 123 Main Street, Los Angeles, CA, in the matter of Davis v. Roberts, Case Number 16-12345.” On the title page, you will usually be expected to identify the individuals who are part of the meeting. This will add clarity for anyone reading the transcript. You should identify people by name and by their role in the meeting or hearing. For example, you may record, “In attendance: John Brown, Attorney for the Plaintiff. Samantha Smith, Attorney for the Defendant. David Davis, Plaintiff. Wanda Witness, expert witness and deponent.” A legal transcript must report the date and time that the dialogue begins. You should note any time when a break occurs. Then you will report the time that the proceeding ends. For example, at the start of a deposition transcript, you may note: “Deposition begins at 10:35 a.m., Monday, July 11, 2016.” Then report the conversation that occurs, until you note, “Deposition breaks for lunch at 12:45 p.m.,” followed by “Deposition resumes at 2:00 p.m.” You need to indicate each person who is speaking and record each word carefully. Generally, you should include even such utterances as “uh” and “um,” because they may indicate a person's pause while thinking of an answer.  Include nonverbal gestures when they are relevant to the proceedings. For example, you may note, “The witness nods his head up and down.” Provide a complete record, even when the speaker changes his train of thought, makes grammatical mistakes or otherwise corrects himself verbally. For example, “Well, yes sir, um, wait, I mean ma'am, yes ma'am.” At the beginning of the document, it is important to list the individuals who are in the meeting. As the transcript progresses, you need to identify each speaker consistently and accurately. Depending on the type of document you are creating and the jurisdiction where you are working, there may be a specified format for identifying speakers. For example, you may initially list individuals by name, and then each time the person speaks, the line will begin with a designation, such as "PROSECUTOR," "DEFENDANT," or "WITNESS." It is common to identify the speakers in all capitals, so that each change of speaker stands out visibly in the transcript. Include any future proceeding information, such as a trial or hearing date and time, parties and legal representatives to be included. At the end of the transcript, you need to attest that the transcript is a truthful account of the proceeding. This is a fairly standard signature page, much like one you would use for an affidavit or other legal document that you've recorded and transcribed. It should include a statement that includes a truthfulness oath along with your signature, the date and the time. For example, your certification may say, “I, Robert Recorder, certify that the foregoing is a true and accurate transcript of the deposition in the above titled matter.” Then sign it.
A: Learn the required or expected format, if any. Identify the proceeding that you are transcribing. Identify the parties who are part of the meeting. Record the date and time. Record the proceedings precisely and completely. Identify speakers accurately. End the transcript with the time and date. Create a signature page for yourself.

Q: Les Miserables comes in many different forms than just the novel. It’s popularity has spurred musicals, plays, and movies. Consider consuming one of these media to help you understand the story or as an alternative to reading the book.  There are many different versions of Les Mis as a movie. You can watch any of them to understand the story. You could go and see the play or musical. Major cities including New York and London still run productions of Les Mis, and you may even be able to find it at a local theatre. You may find that watching the movie or seeing the play can help motivate you to read. If you travel a lot, try using an e-reader or tablet instead of the hard copy. This can help you to pass time without having to tote heavy books on your trip. Reading can sometimes be a boring or solitary endeavor. Suggesting Les Mis to your book club can make reading the book an enjoyable endeavor.  Watching a story unfold and discussing it can be powerful motivation for many people. In addition, it makes the process more enjoyable.  Combine Les Mis with other enjoyable activities such as eating a French meal or having a glass of French wine. If you truly don’t enjoy reading, listen to am audio version of Les Mis. This may allow you to enjoy the story without actually having to do any physical reading. Studies have shown that listening to books offers basically the same intellectual benefits as reading a book. In fact, there are some people who learn better from hearing than through visual stimulation. If you’re reading Les Mis for pure enjoyment, there is no pressure to get through it quickly. Take your time while reading the book to allow yourself to truly enjoy this classic piece of literature. Break down the book by chapters to make it more digestible.
A:
Rely on media other than books. Suggest it for your book club. Listen to the Les Mis audiobook. Take your time.