DRA represents Certified Shorthand Reporters who report depositions and out-of-court proceedings in the State of California, as well as captioners and CART providers. DRA strives to preserve and enhance the stenographic reporting profession, ensure its integrity, and maintain its high standards and impartiality wherever stenographic services are required. DRA is committed to ensuring that the stenographic reporting profession remains a viable and integral part of the legal system.

DRA CODE OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

(1) Make truthful and accurate public statements when advertising professional qualifications and competence and/or services offered to the public.

(2) Maintain confidentiality of information which is confidential as a result of rule, regulation, statute, court order, or deposition proceedings.

(3) Perform professional services within the scope of one's competence.

(4) Comply with the requirements of all applicable laws, including antitrust laws, for deposition reporters.

(5) Act without bias toward, or prejudice against, any parties and/or their attorneys.

(6) Do not enter into or participate in a business arrangement that compromises the impartiality of a certified shorthand reporter, that creates the appearance of impartiality of a certified shorthand reporter, that is improper or that creates the appearance of impropriety of the certified shorthand reporter, including but not limited to a business arrangement in which compensation for reporting services is based upon the outcome of the proceeding or may otherwise create the appearance of partiality.  

(7) Do not give, directly or indirectly, any gift to attorneys or their staff, other clients or their staff, law firms or any other persons or entities associated with current or future litigation, which exceeds $100 in the aggregate per recipient each year.   Nothing offered in exchange for future work is permissible, regardless of its value.  

A Member may be expelled, suspended or sanctioned based on the good faith determination by the Board of Directors that the Member has failed in a material and serious degree to observe DRA’s Code of Professional Ethics and rules of conduct, as outlined in its bylaws, or has engaged in conduct materially and seriously prejudicial to the purposes and interests of the association. The process for expulsion and suspension of a Member shall be followed as set forth in Article III, Section 12 of the bylaws.