iPads in the Deposition Setting

The Apple iPad is changing the way attorneys conduct a deposition.  Here are a few observances that we’ve seen and suggestions on how to best maximize this technology.

Go green!  With PDF files, you no longer need to cart around reams of paper.

·         Written interrogatories – Instead of carrying paper, convert your files into PDF.

·         Certified transcripts from your certified court reporters can be downloaded onto your computer and read in PDF format.

o   Traditional PDF or Condensed Min-U-Script with interactive word concordance, your options are limitless.

·         Scanned Exhibits – Instead of carrying paper exhibits for reference purposes only, scan the exhibits to PDF and store them on your iPad.  No more lugging heavy boxes from site to site.  At the conclusion of the deposition/hearing, Doris O. Wong Associates, Inc., is happy to scan your marked exhibits and place them in a repository for future reference.

PDF files – Files are searchable making finding information easy.  Copy, paste and print your files.  Whether it’s a deposition transcript, exhibits or supporting case files, PDF files give you the ability and flexibility to carry multiple files in one easy location.  

Adobe Reader – if you’re interested reading the PDF files, this is a free APP.

iAnnotate or GoodReader APPS - Write notes and make annotations to your PDF file.

Dropbox – Easy file transfer from your iPad to your networked computer so that your files are wherever you are.

E-mail – set up your iPad to receive your office and home e-mail.

Access Legal Dictionaries and Law Libraries – By adding Black’s Law dictionary, ABA Journal, Lawyers.com, etc., to your iPad you can conduct legal research from virtually anywhere.

Access to Realtime Transcripts – CaseViewNet is coming out with a new free APP that will allow you to get interactive realtime directly from the reporter’s notebook.  At the conclusion of the deposition the transcript and your notes are saved on the iPad for future reference.  Of course, the certified transcript will replace the uncertified rough draft upon completion.

Video conferencing – with the iPad’s camera, you can hold impromptu face-to-face conferences and chats.  This by no means should replace a true video conference with secured IP lines, cameras and digital microphones.

Are you a Kindle lover?  All books purchased on the Kindle can be shared to your iPad.  Simply download the Kindle APP and you’re ready to go.  If you have a large law library of reference books, this is a great way to always have your books on hand.

WiFi, 3G or 4G – as long as you have an Internet connection you can be connected to your office e-mail at all times as well as search the Internet.

Of course there are many other applications for the iPad.  Have fun exploring the possibilities.

Realtime Court Reporters tips on making wireless realtime work for you

Are you sick of cables being strewn across the conference table?  Serial connections are becoming a thing of the past.  As technology progresses and operating systems change, technological advancements are giving realtime court reporters another alternative to providing interactive realtime services.

Wireless interactive realtime is a collaborative event.  In order to have a successful experience with wireless realtime, we suggest you follow these tips.

#1)  Preparation before the proceedings – for both attorneys and reporters

·         What interactive realtime software is counsel using?  Depending on the limitations of the software will determine what hardware and software the reporter will need to make a good connection. 

o   CaseViewNet – used in conjunction with LexisNexis – Allows Rapid Refresh so that every change a court reporter makes within the file, counsel gets the benefit of that change.  Arrive late, you get the entire file.  Files are transferred via WiFi.

o   StenoCast – Wireless feed using a “serial” thumb drive which is compatible with all interactive realtime software.  Drivers must be loaded on the receiving notebook for the thumb drive to work.  Does not allow Rapid Refresh.

o   File transfer for both “wireless” feeds are secure and password protected.

·         Have the software and drivers downloaded on counsel’s notebook before the proceeding.  Most CR agencies will be happy to visit with IT personnel at counsel’s site beforehand to test the connection and drivers.   Trying to set up the day of the deposition can be stressful, especially if you are new to wireless realtime. 

·         Reporters should always keep the most updated software and drivers on a thumb drive in case there is no Internet connection onsite.

·         Counsel should provide the court reporter with as much terminology beforehand so that he/she can add it to the dictionary.  The more information the reporter has, the cleaner the first pass transcript and be better experience for counsel.

·         Everyone should arrive early the day of the deposition to set up.  You may have to troubleshoot the connection so allow sufficient time for this to take place.  If the equipment fails, court reporters should bring throw down netbooks, notebooks or iPads (CaseViewNet APP coming soon) to ensure all counsel get the realtime feed they requested.  You know your equipment will work.

#2)   Accepting the realtime feed

·         As the certified reporter is writing the testimony, counsel’s computer will see exactly what is being written on his computer.  The interactive software will allow you to mark testimony, make notes and annotations, copy and paste, and even print.  Some packages even have an interactive concordance that builds as the testimony continues.

#3)  At the end of the day

·         At the conclusion of the deposition, you have the option of saving the testimony on your notebook for future reference.   Since it is an uncertified rough draft, the file will be replaced with the certified transcript upon completion.  Note that all notes and annotations made to the uncertified rough transcript will be transferred to the final transcript.

As you can see, Step #1 is the key to making a successful connection.  We are available to assist you in any way necessary to ensure a successful connection. 

Why Interruptions Are Sometimes Necessary When Making The Record

The court reporter is also known as the “silent partner” because he records testimony quietly and unobtrusively.

But there are times when a reporter must interrupt the proceedings.  Reporters are reluctant to do so, but sometimes it is necessary to preserve the record.  Certified court reporters are trained to capture every word, and that is their goal on every assignment.

The following are the most common reasons a reporter will interrupt:

*He cannot hear.  A soft-spoken witness, a noisy air conditioning system, or a passing ambulance can make for an impossible situation.  A reporter doesn’t have a chance if he can’t hear.

*Speed.  When people speak at breakneck speeds, or when speakers overlap, it is difficult for the reporter to process the words to write them down.  Speed increases the chances that the reporter’s notes will not be as clean, which is particularly unfortunate if an attorney is requesting realtime and wants to view the testimony on his laptop as soon as it is spoken.

*Clarification.  “September” sounds like “December” or “October-nineteen-ninety-eight” could mean October 1998 or October 19, ’98.  Gestures and nonverbal answers need clarification.  Some witnesses have accents.  And many times words at the beginning or end of a sentence can be “swallowed up”, and “I don’t think so” could sound like “as far as I know.”

*Technical subject matter.  Reporters are familiar with technical terminology to a certain extent, but they cannot be expected to be familiar with every term or subject that an expert testifies to.  Interrupting an expert regarding an unfamiliar term will ensure that the reporter writes it down correctly for the entirety of the deposition from that point forward. 

*Procedural matters.  If there are questions regarding the marking of exhibits, designations of confidentiality, reading and signing concerns, it is the reporter’s responsibility to make sure counsel are on the same page regarding same.

*Understanding.  Unlike a tape or digital recorder, which just records noise and sounds, a reporter is trying to understand the proceedings at hand, how the parties relate to each other, and the reason for the lawsuit.  Reporters come in “cold,” so to speak; whereas, counsel have been working on the case at hand for months, sometimes years.  So when a reporter hears something that doesn’t make sense from his limited knowledge of the case, he may need to interrupt.

In closing, a good reporter will not interrupt without good cause.  Reporters believe that it is better to have a polite and intelligent interruption rather than have an inaccurate and useless record, and we think most counsel would agree.

DORIS O. WONG ASSOCIATES, INC., CELEBRATES ITS 45th ANNIVERSARY AND UNVEILS ITS NEW LOGO

We are pleased to announce that we are celebrating our 45^th anniversary this month!  We are very proud of all that we have accomplished since we first opened our doors, both for the legal community and for our profession.

First and foremost, we are industry leaders in embracing new technology.  For years all a court reporter needed was a Stenograph machine and a typewriter to produce transcripts.  When computer-aided transcription first became available in the late 1970s, we were the first court reporting agency in Boston, and one of the first in the country, to get on board.  Since that time, we have grown with each exciting development to the point where our reporters are now capable of providing instantaneous translation directly to counsel’s laptops, even wirelessly.  As a profession, we have seen over a half dozen iterations of the Stenograph machine make their way into the marketplace.  These ergonomically designed machines are incredible workhorses and engineering marvels that allow reporters to keep on top of their game.   

Of course there is more to the field of court reporting today than producing hard copy transcripts.  The Internet has created many opportunities to better serve our clients.  Today transcripts can be sent in multiple formats and can be easily accessed even if counsel are away from their desks.  The popularity of the iPad and other portable electronic devices will lead to the development of new applications in the legal arena that will bring counsel even more flexibility in their practice.  Mobile video conferencing is another service we will soon be providing.  This will allow attorneys to attend depositions regardless of whether a video conference unit is available on either side of the call. 

So much has changed in 45 years.  More changes will undoubtedly follow, all of which require a huge commitment of time and expense, as well as a steep learning curve, but the rewards and benefits to our clients make our efforts worthwhile.

As we unveil our new logo, we renew our commitment to provide the legal community with the best products and the most reliable service all at competitive prices.