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Archive for November, 2020

The New Normal: Tips for Remote Depositions

Posted on: November 30th, 2020 by joshw No Comments

For many of us, including us here at CourtScribes, connecting by Zoom, Teams, or WebEx is rather routine. Many use this for work-related meetings, online schooling, or remote social hours. These video-conferencing platforms have provided a way to maintain daily connections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even during the pandemic, litigation has continued amidst social distancing requirements and court closures, and with that comes the remote depositions. Many, if not all, depositions during COVID-19 are being handled remotely. While this does pose additional considerations as to procedure, remote depositions are not to be feared. Below are the three tips for witnesses, counsel, and other participants to assist in preparing for a remote deposition.

 

1. Plan, Prepare and Plan Some More

Take advantage of the short commute to your home office by using that extra time to prepare for the logistics of a remote deposition. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and a working microphone. The court reporter transcribing the deposition will thank you. Also, make sure family members and pets are out of the way to minimalize any distracting background noises.

Also, double-check the background that will be visible behind you. Many depositions are video-recorded as well as transcribed, and these videos ultimately may be played to a jury. Photos, clocks, and artwork behind the witness may detract from the testimony. Consider using a professional-looking virtual background if necessary.

 

2. Use an Experienced Court Reporter

While this might be your first remote deposition, make sure it is not the first for your court reporter. The court reporter (or videographer, like CourtScribes) should serve as the host and should be well-versed in the mechanics of serving as the appointed officer from a remote location.

Experienced court reporting services should come prepared with a stipulation to swear in the witness remotely. They should also be ready to handle exhibits electronically, which will save the witness from having to ship hard copies to the court reporter later. Sophisticated video-conferencing platforms allow a witness to take control over an exhibit on the screen and to scroll through pages or add markups as instructed by counsel.

Like any video conferencing call, you will receive a link prior to the deposition. Test it out a day or so before to make sure you have the necessary software installed and to confirm the platform is compatible with your computer, camera, and microphone. Similarly, make sure you have a game plan for exhibits, whether that be uploading them in advance or sharing them yourself during the deposition. Likewise, make sure you conduct a trial run of that technology.

 

3. Be a Good Witness (Or Prepare Your Client to Do the Same)

Have the host set up a private break room so the witness and counsel can confer during breaks. The witness should set up her screen so she can see the questioning attorney, the court reporter, and her counsel. Remotely, it is easy for the witness to fall into conversation mode and forget to include the witness’s counsel in the equation. If needed, counsel could hold up a finger when he or she intends to object to remind the witness to wait.

Witnesses also should be aware that the questioning attorney often will ask if the witness has any materials with them during the deposition. If so, these materials likely will have to be provided to the other side.

Overall, being more comfortable and familiar with the process than your opposition will be to your advantage and will allow you to focus on substance rather than the logistics. Remote depositions are likely to be around for a while. Embrace them!

If you need court reporting services that handle digital recording then CourtScribes.com which supports all states and programs that aid in the court reporting world are ready to serve you in your court reporting, videography services, interpreters, live-streaming, and video-to-text synchronization.

Although the majority of cities that offer CourtScribes’ services are in Florida, the company home base, other cities all across these United States that CourtScribes offers services in, are the following: Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Port St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Coral, Coral Springs, Clearwater, Palm Bay, Fort Myers, Weston, Sarasota, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Stuart, Hollywood, Naples, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Jupiter, Key West, Coral Gables, Maryland, Manhattan, Buffalo, Washington DC, Baltimore, Bowie, Virginia, Frederick, Albany, New York, Brooklyn,  Westchester, Gaithersberg, and Rockville.

Covid-19 Ushers in Changes for Court Reporting

Posted on: November 23rd, 2020 by joshw No Comments

Anyone who has been involved in a lawsuit knows the time and expense involved in taking depositions of witnesses. CourtScribes.com knows that typically you go to a lawyer’s office, the parties and witnesses in the case are asked, under oath, to tell what they know or have seen and their testimony is transcribed by a certified shorthand reporter. It is put in booklet form for later use in court.

Some depositions are videotaped, which adds considerable expenses to the process.

 

Why is This Important

Depositions are an important fact-finding element of litigation. But they can be a real hassle. Having to drive long distances, fighting traffic, and running up attorney fees even before the depositions begin is part of the problem. And then there are the certified shorthand reporter’s charges which typically run from $1,000 – $2,000 per deposition.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an easier way of attending a deposition? It would be even nicer if there was a way for a lawyer to file a lawsuit, and take deposition with the understanding that if the case were lost, nothing would be owed to the agency that provided the shorthand reporter, that person being paid by the agency itself.

 

Thank Covid-19

One of the benefits that have come out of Covid-driven lockdowns is a new way of taking a deposition where the parties, witnesses, and lawyers don’t have to go anywhere. Now a deposition can be taken right from your home. If it is not taken from the home, at the very least it can be taken at the attorney’s office. This is not only convenient, but it can guarantee that the proper actions are taken during a sketchy pandemic situation.

If you need court reporting services that handle digital recording then CourtScribes.com which supports all states and programs that aid in the court reporting world are ready to serve you in your court reporting, videography services, interpreters, live-streaming, and video-to-text synchronization.

Although the majority of cities that offer CourtScribes’ services are in Florida, the company home base, other cities all across these United States that CourtScribes offers services in, are the following: Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Port St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Coral, Coral Springs, Clearwater, Palm Bay, Fort Myers, Weston, Sarasota, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Stuart, Hollywood, Naples, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Jupiter, Key West, Coral Gables, Maryland, Manhattan, Buffalo, Washington DC, Baltimore, Bowie, Virginia, Frederick, Albany, New York, Brooklyn,  Westchester, Gaithersberg, and Rockville.

Who is CourtScribes and What Do They Do

Posted on: November 16th, 2020 by joshw No Comments

court reporting agency

CourtScribes is a team of highly professional court reporters that are leading the industry in top of the line technology for a fraction of the price. An experienced court reporter is essential to every case. This includes federal, state and local jurisdictions.

Digital recording is now the exclusive method for all Supreme Court cases. With professional legal videography, ease of access databases, and transcripts that are made with effective and precise support services, CourtScribes provides a service that paralegals and attorneys alike can rely on. Whether it’s a trial, deposition, arbitration, mediation, or a hearing, visit CourtScribes.com or call 1-833-SCRIBES today to inquire about their services.

 

Top of the Line Services

 

Videography

CourtScribes provides live and on-demand video streaming for your proceedings. These videos are also kept in our database for needed use. We use video-to-text synchronization for easy research into a past video. Using our time-recorded transcripts, you’ll be able to lookup statements from a perfect text record that matches up with both video and audio in perfection. Our top of the line technology will ensure that your case will be recorded with precision and accuracy.

 

Audio Recording

CourtScribes audio recording equipment is designed to record every voice clearly and precisely. Each sound channel is dedicated to another person. Without having interfering channels, each voice will be captured in its own time allowing for playback at any time. Regardless of outside noise, accents or low speaking voices, there should be zero issues with our court reporters’ abilities to capture every moment.

Audio Transcripts

Each sample of audio will be replayed, documented and time-stamped for future review if needed. There won’t be any issues if a previous statement needs to be retraced or disputed. These transcripts are available through our 24/7 online database.

If you need court reporting services that handle digital recoding then CourtScribes.com which supports all states and programs that aid in the court reporting world are ready to serve you in your court reporting, videography services, interpreters, live-streaming, and video-to-text synchronization.

Although the majority of cities that offer CourtScribes’ services are in Florida, the company home base, other cities all across these United States that CourtScribes offers services in, are the following: Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Port St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Coral, Coral Springs, Clearwater, Palm Bay, Fort Myers, Weston, Sarasota, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Stuart, Hollywood, Naples, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Jupiter, Key West, Coral Gables, Maryland, Manhattan, Buffalo, Washington DC, Baltimore, Bowie, Virginia, Frederick, Albany, New York, Brooklyn,  Westchester, Gaithersberg, and Rockville.

State College of Florida Offers Free Digital Court Reporter Program

Posted on: November 9th, 2020 by joshw No Comments

As we at CourtScribes have covered many times on this website, the legal industry is currently experiencing a severe shortage of court reporters given the overall increase in demand for services and the pandemic’s shift to digital platforms.

This shortage presents an opportunity for those seeking a rewarding career as a digital court reporter, with average starting wages of $25 per hour.

Here in Florida, The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is partnering with State College of Florida (SCF) to provide a virtual information session about a tuition-free digital court reporter training program. The information session is part of WRC’s monthly Career Connections program to link women to quality jobs and funded training programs.

 

When is This Being Offered

The free informational webinar will be offered on November 18th from noon to 1 p.m. Participants can attend by phone or computer and will be able to ask questions. Guest speakers include representatives from SCF, the online training company Ed2Go.

Graduates of the self-paced class will be ready to pass the Certified Electronic Reporter exam and can work from home or in-person providing deposition and litigation support. The webinar participants will learn about the online class, how to apply for the fully funded scholarship through CareerSource Suncoast and hear directly from an employer regarding job opportunities in this high-demand profession.

These days, digital court reporters play an essential role in the legal system by capturing and maintaining a verbatim record of court proceedings via digital audio equipment. As litigation continues to rise nationwide, and the technology used to capture testimony evolves, there is a need for digital court reporters who can work in the freelance market for a court reporting agency or as a full-time government employee at a courthouse.

WRC also offers free individual career coaching. Those interested can register at www.mywrc.org/CourtReporter or call 941-256-9721 for more information.

If you need court reporting services that handle digital recording then CourtScribes.com which supports all states and programs that aid in the court reporting world are ready to serve you in your court reporting, videography services, interpreters, live-streaming, and video-to-text synchronization.

Although the majority of cities that offer CourtScribes’ services are in Florida, the company home base, other cities all across these United States that CourtScribes offers services in, are the following: Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Port St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Coral, Coral Springs, Clearwater, Palm Bay, Fort Myers, Weston, Sarasota, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Stuart, Hollywood, Naples, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Jupiter, Key West, Coral Gables, Maryland, Manhattan, Buffalo, Washington DC, Baltimore, Bowie, Virginia, Frederick, Albany, New York, Brooklyn,  Westchester, Gaithersberg, and Rockville.

Oregon Has a Stenography Meets Social Justice Issue

Posted on: November 2nd, 2020 by joshw No Comments

Many people have asked, and not just in Oregon, “Why in 2020, in this electronic age, do courts still have a roving stenographer?”  

Ryan White, an official court reporter at the Portland Federal Courthouse, has an answer: Because transcripts produced without a live reporter can come out sounding like this representative sample from an actual Oregon court transcript: I object (unintelligible), sir. I dont think (unintelligible). I understand that the news — the news media (unintelligible). 

How Did This Happen

In the 1990s, Oregon state courts and magistrate hearings (but not federal courts), began using digital recordings instead of live reporters in order to save money.

What happens at a trial matters beyond the courtroom. Trial verdicts set precedents; they are appealed. Neither one of these is possible unless there is an accurate record of the trial. That record cannot have gaps, and it should not, experts say, be skewed by a transcribers accuracy in reproducing the spoken words. 

 

“In my experience,” White says, “the people who are pushing the ’Record’ button … are often the judge’s staff or clerks. This is just another duty on a long list of duties. It may look like it’s recording, but then afterward nothing is there. Or they thought they saved it … but somehow files are often missing when you go to look them up.” 

 

Bonita Shumway, another official court reporter at Portlands Federal Courthouse, says  all it takes is someone shuffling papers or pouring water, and the incidental noise will completely block out whatever is being saidand that, of course, can be the sentencing itself.”  

And then theres the transcription, which has lots of potential pitfalls. It’s not clear how Oregon handles transcription of the recordings. But Shumway’s impression is that transcripts are auctioned to the lowest bidder and may be sent overseas. If the transcriber is underpaid and ill-trained, even a clear recording may result in an unclear transcript. 

What are the Effects

This affects everything from petty crime cases to high profile ones. Everything, White said, except for crimes on Native American reservations, crimes that cross state lines or that affect interstate commerce, and crimes against the federal government. 

One solution is to require live court reporters across the board, in all courts in Oregon. This is what neighbors California and Washington already do. And it seems to have really worked for them.

Another solution is to invest heavily in regulating the digital recording and transcription of circuit and magistrate court cases. Both options are possible, though, and both have the potential to succeed. 

One way to avoid problems is by having a microphone allocated for each person speaking, by instructing clerks to monitor background noise, and by paying someone to monitor the recording feed in real-time so that any problem with the recording is discovered while it can still be remedied.

If you need court reporting services that handle digital recoding then CourtScribes.com which supports all states and programs that aid in the court reporting world are ready to serve you in your court reporting, videography services, interpreters, live-streaming, and video-to-text synchronization.

Although the majority of cities that offer CourtScribes’ services are in Florida, the company home base, other cities all across these United States that CourtScribes offers services in, are the following: Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Port St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Coral, Coral Springs, Clearwater, Palm Bay, Fort Myers, Weston, Sarasota, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Stuart, Hollywood, Naples, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Jupiter, Key West, Coral Gables, Maryland, Manhattan, Buffalo, Washington DC, Baltimore, Bowie, Virginia, Frederick, Albany, New York, Brooklyn,  Westchester, Gaithersberg, and Rockville.