King County Superior Court is the busiest trial court in Washington State. It runs out of three locations — the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle, the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, and the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center on East Alder Street. On any given day, those three buildings are processing more cases than most states handle in a week.
Vernon Court Reporters is on the King County approved transcriptionist list. That list is managed by the Superior Court Clerk’s Office and renewed every December. Being on it means we are authorized to prepare official certified transcripts of electronically recorded proceedings — and we can start on yours the moment we receive the audio.
How King County Delivers Audio Recordings
King County does not mail CDs. All audio recordings are delivered electronically through a secure platform called ShareFile. When you submit your recording request through the KC Script Portal, the Clerk’s Office uploads your hearing audio to ShareFile and sends you a download link. You forward that link to us and we take it from there.
You can also order using the CD Request Form and submit it in person or by mail to the Records Access section. In Seattle that’s the 6th floor of the King County Courthouse or the 2nd floor at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. There is a $10 postage and handling fee for mail requests unless you include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
How to Order a King County Transcript
- Request your audio recording through the KC Script Portal or by submitting the CD Request Form to the Clerk’s Office. The Clerk’s Office will complete your request within five business days.
- Once ShareFile sends you the download link, forward it to us through our platform.
- We transcribe the proceedings verbatim, certify the transcript, and deliver it ready for filing.
Get Your Transcript in 3 Steps
- Register an account on our platform.
- Share your ShareFile download link or upload the audio directly.
- Get an instant quote with pricing and an estimated delivery time.
- Submit your request and we will take care of the rest.
A Note on Judge vs. Commissioner Courtrooms
Not every King County hearing is electronically recorded. Some courtrooms have official court reporters present who take stenographic notes. If a court reporter was at your hearing, digital audio is not available — you would need to contact that reporter directly to arrange a transcript.
Commissioner courtrooms are a different story. Commissioners handle a large share of King County’s daily docket — family law motions, probate matters, civil motions, and more — and those proceedings are electronically recorded. That is where we come in. If you are not sure which type of courtroom your hearing was in, the Clerk’s Office can tell you. Call (206) 296-9300, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Who We Help in King County
Most of our King County clients fall into one of a few categories. Criminal defense attorneys working on appeals from electronically recorded courtrooms at the MRJC in Kent. Family law attorneys who need a Commissioner hearing transcript to support a motion for revision or an appeal to the Court of Appeals. Parents or individuals representing themselves in custody or protection order cases who need an accurate written record of what was said. We work with all of them.
We also handle Involuntary Treatment Act proceedings, which are heard at Harborview Medical Center. Those transcripts are time-sensitive and we treat them that way.
Why Choose Vernon Court Reporters
We have been serving Washington courts for over 40 years. We are on the King County approved list, which is renewed annually — so you know we are current. Every transcript is verbatim and certified for official use.
Vernon is approved in courts across western Washington, including Pierce County, Snohomce County, Snohomish County, and Whatcom County. If your case involves multiple counties, there is a good chance we are already approved there as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is GR 35?
- GR 35 is Washington State General Rule 35, which requires every Superior Court to maintain a list of approved transcriptionists. Only transcriptionists on that list — like Vernon Court Reporters — can prepare official certified transcripts of electronically recorded court proceedings for use on appeal.
- How does King County Superior Court deliver audio recordings?
- King County uploads audio recordings to ShareFile, a secure file transfer platform, and provides the requesting party with a download link. You share that link with us and we retrieve the file — no CD required.
- How long does transcription take?
- Most transcripts are returned within 3 to 5 business days. Rush and same-day options are available depending on recording length.
- Can I order a transcript if I am representing myself?
- Yes. We regularly work with self-represented litigants. The process is the same regardless of whether you have an attorney.
