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.

GIFT-GIVING IN THE NEWS

Some court reporting companies, and most notably national conglomerates, are heavily promoting giveaways to increase their business.   Whether they include coveted sports tickets, $25 gift cards, iPad, or sky miles, the effect is still the same:  It cheapens the profession and degrades the achievements of the thousands of reporters who have worked hard for their credentials and continue to invest, at their own expense, in the state-of-the-art technology that allows them to continue to provide their indispensable services to the judicial system. 

Not only does this practice fly in the face of the National Court Reporters Association Code of Professional Responsibility, but there are other concerns as well.  According to the Internal Revenue Service, such incentives that are received by lawyers’ secretaries or assistants for bookings are in effect the property of the client of that law firm and are to be disclosed to said client. 

Since court reporters are to remain neutral and impartial and are to avoid even the appearance of any impropriety, NCRA has found it necessary to state in their Code of Professional Responsibility that token gifts are not to exceed $100 annually to any one person or client.

Deposition Reporters Association of California, Inc., which is located in Santa Clara, has filed suit against US Legal after they refused to pay a fine imposed by the California Court Reporters Board for violating its regulation on kick-backs and gift-giving.  The complaint alleges that US Legal provides a $200 gift card to lawyers when they book their first deposition with them.

We encourage law firms to hire court reporters based on their skills and professionalism without regard to the gifts they will receive.  And shame on those reporting companies that are selling this great profession down the river and probably on the backs of the reporters they employ.

WHICH IS BETTER: DIGITAL RECORDING OR DIGITAL REPORTER?

It seems that many courtrooms across the country are replacing the stenographic court reporter with digital recording systems in an effort to save money and to move “forward” in these technologically advanced times.

Their intentions may be good, but they may not be receiving the desired result.

Digital recording systems record all ambient noise in a courtroom, such as passing ambulances, coughs, paper rustling, and noisy air conditioning units, which makes it very difficult, sometimes impossible, for a transcriptionist to prepare a verbatim record.  Conversely, a soft-spoken witness or a quiet objection from counsel may not be picked up by the recording system.  As is very often the case, the person monitoring the equipment is not the one who actually transcribes the recording.  And sometimes there is no monitor at all!  Furthermore, many times the equipment fails and the failure does not become apparent until a later time, resulting in lost testimony, mistrials and unnecessary cost, not to mention the egregious impact this has on litigants and, by extension, the legal system at large.

Certified court reporters who are present at trial are well-versed in digital technology.  They have invested, at their expense, in the leading-edge equipment and software that allow them to provide INSTANTANEOUS voice-to-text translation that can be transmitted to the judge and counsel’s laptops or electronic devices for their review.  Unlike an audio recording, they can filter out unwanted noise and can interrupt the proceedings if something needs clarification.  The final transcript can be delivered in multiple digital formats to suit counsel’s needs. 

Studies have shown that the error rate in transcription is higher when a certified court reporter is not used.  Court reporters who belong to the National Court Reporters Association undergo rigorous testing to improve their skills and prepare them for whatever testimony they may encounter.  Reporters who have earned NCRA’s highest credentials have proven records of capturing live testimony with at least 95 percent accuracy on test material.  Using a live court reporter is the most efficient, accurate, and cost-effective way to receive a timely verbatim transcript. 

Interesting factoids about litigation in FY2011

Taken from Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly published February 13, 2012
Multiple Counts

• 456 - Number of jury verdicts in Superior Court civil cases in FY2011, lowest since 2007
• 578 - Number of criminal cases to go to trial in Superior Court in FY 2011, the lowest total since 2007
• 155,968 - Number of cases filed in Probate & Family Court in FY 2011, the lowest total since 2006
• 377,654 - Number of civil cases filed in all courts in FY2011, he lowest total since 2005
• 1,132,002 - Number of all cases filed in FY2011, the lowest total of the millennium

WHAT SHOULD A LAWYER LOOK FOR IN A COURT REPORTER?

1. A reporter who is a member of their state and national associations and abides by the National Court Reporters Association’s Code of Professional Responsibility regarding ethics
2. A reporter who invests in their equipment and the latest technology and attends seminars to keep abreast of  trends and developments in the industry
3. A reporter who continues to obtain certifications such as the CSR (Certified Shorthand Reporter), RPR (Registered Professional Reporter), RMR (Registered Merit Reporter), RDR (Registered Diplomate Reporter), and CRR (Certified Realtime Reporter).  These are hallmarks in the reporting profession and demonstrate their desire to continue to improve their reporting skills
4. A reporter who is always on time.  A good reporter is always early for his assignment.  Clients should never wait for the late arrival of a reporter
5. A reporter who is professionally attired.  The reporter is a professional and should dress accordingly
6. A reporter who is organized, asks the right questions with regard to obtaining information concerning the case, obtains information regarding the attorneys present, who they represent, and what their transcript and litigation support requirements are
7. A reporter who has the skill sets that allow them to do their job quietly and unobtrusively
8. A reporter who is willing to do whatever is necessary to meet a client’s needs; e.g., providing rough drafts and/or expedited delivery or staying late so counsel may finish a deposition
9. A reporter who can treat each case with the utmost confidentiality
10. A reporter who puts the time in, does the research necessary, and produces an excellent and timely transcript each and every time

REBIRTH OF DOWNTOWN CROSSING AT THE OLD FILENE’S SITE

Doris O. Wong is currently serving a three-year term as a director of the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District, also known as BID.  BID is a nonprofit organization funded by property and business owners committed to revitalizing the area designated as Downtown Crossing, which includes the Theater, Ladder, and Financial Districts.  Many cities across the country have utilized BIDs for this purpose with much success, such as Times Square in New York.  Through outreach to businesses and the general public and collaboration with the Boston Police and other city departments, the BID hopes to create a safe and attractive environment for all who live, work, and shop in these areas, leading to less vacancies and more revenue for businesses. 

The BID employs ambassadors who wear bright orange shirts and green jackets and have a visible presence on the streets.  They are charged with maintaining public spaces, assisting visitors and pedestrians, and helping to create a friendly and welcoming environment. 

With Millenium poised to take over construction of a new tower at the old Filene’s space in Downtown Crossing, this area will thrive and prosper once again.

Are you really saving money using national conglomerates?

As an independently owned court reporting agency, we answer only to you, our valued clients.  Unlike the Walmarts and Home Depots of today, we provide personalized service.  We charge an honest page rate and furnish just those litigation support services you request.  Every invoice is itemized.  There are no hidden fees or bundled packages whereby you are billed for multiple litigation support services whether you need them or not.

All reporters at Doris O. Wong Associates, Inc., work exclusively for our firm.  This enables us to maintain quality and standardization with each and every transcript that leaves this office.  Hire us, your local professionals, who have a national reputation for excellence and yet maintain the personalized service you miss with the big-box conglomerates.