
The View From the Bench
Recorded On: 09/13/2025
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- Student Member - $20
Join Judge Sal Iaquinto for a candid and insightful session offering a judge’s perspective on the vital role court reporters play in the courtroom. In this webinar, Judge Iaquinto shares his first-hand experiences and observations about what strengthens the court record—and what can compromise it. Explore the working relationship between judges and court reporters, highlight common challenges, and offer ideas for building stronger, more collaborative courtroom teams.
Webinar Highlights:
1. Professionalism and Teamwork in the Courtroom
Judge Iaquinto will discuss how judges, court reporters, clerks, and attorneys function as a team, and what happens when communication or decorum breaks down. He’ll share his thoughts on maintaining professionalism and resolving misunderstandings when tensions rise.
2. Handling Difficult Situations: Fast Talkers, Emotional Witnesses, and Unruly Courtrooms
From rapid-fire speech to high-emotion testimony, court reporters face intense pressure. Judge Iaquinto will provide practical suggestions on how the bench can better support reporters in these moments, whether that means slowing things down, repeating information, or simply being more attentive.
3. Lighter Moments from the Bench
While much of courtroom work is serious, there are moments that bring unexpected levity. Judge Iaquinto will share a few (anonymized) humorous stories and situations
that challenged even his ability to keep a straight face—and how court reporters handled those moments with professionalism.
4. What Judges Wish Court Reporters Knew – and Vice Versa
The webinar closes with an interactive discussion encouraging open dialogue between the judiciary and court reporters to strengthen mutual understanding.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the bench and gain valuable insights into improving communication, collaboration, and the integrity of the record.
Brought to you through NCRA's partnership with VCRA.
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Judge Salvatore R. Iaquinto
Sal Iaquinto served as a judge in the Virginia Beach General District Court from 2013 to 2024 and is currently serving as a judge in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Previously, he practiced civil litigation at Poole Mahoney, PC, managing the firm’s collection department and trying insurance defense cases. He also served as Delegate for the 84th District in the Virginia General Assembly from 2006-2013. During his eight years in office, Sal served on the Courts of Justice, Counties Cities and Towns, General Laws, and Martin Luther King, Jr. committees, eventually serving as chairman of two subcommittees. He also served as the Chairman of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program Commission and worked to successfully strengthen penalties for drunk drivers in the Commonwealth. He also worked to improve the process and decrease the costs for adoptive families, as well as protect homeowners through stricter eminent domain requirements. In addition to his legal and legislative work, Sal served as Regent University’s Vice President for Advancement from 2008-2010. He and his wife, Stephanie, have four children.