Huseby Inc. Court Reporting Blog | Nationwide Court Reporters

A Leader in Real Time Technology & Computerized Litigation Services
Steno Saddlebag

What Attorneys Need To Know About Realtime Court Reporting In Columbia

September 22, 2011 – 9:39 am

Realtime court reporting offers a host of benefits to attorneys, including the ability to gain instant access to translation of testimony, mark testimony, and make more accurate notes. However, in order for you to get the most out of your realtime court reporting service in Columbia, you must follow a few best practices, including the following:

Prepare Your Court Reporter Ahead of Time

Give the court reporter copies of the pleadings ahead of time. This will help the court reporter to produce an index of the different search terms and names pertaining to your case. As a result, they will be able to create a more useful, robust, and accurate dictionary.

Make Sure You’re Prepared

Check to make sure you have the right hardware to properly connect to your court reporter and access the translations. While most court reporters do carry extra connectors, you never know what could happen and you want to ensure you’re prepared, as well. Also have your laptop ready to go at least 15-20 minutes before the start of the trial or deposition so the court reporter can troubleshoot any issues.

Get Trained in Realtime Court Reporting

Before you’re actually in the courtroom or at a deposition, get some training on how to use real-time. Just an hour of training can make a big difference. Not only will you be more comfortable using it in action, but you’ll also get the information you need to really benefit from it.

Be More Aware

Particularly with realtime, it’s important to be conscious of the court reporter and not speak over opposing counsel or witnesses.

Don’t Worry About Typos

Court reporters write things out phonetically, so you might see some misspellings in the realtime transcript. But not to worry; the final transcript will have the correct word.

If used correctly, realtime is a powerful tool for attorneys. If you’d like to learn more about how realtime can benefit you, please contact our Columbia court reporting office. Our professional staff is standing by, ready to help you.

By admin | Posted in Court Reporters, Real Time Court Reporting | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Are You Finding The Top Court Reporters In Charlotte?

September 21, 2011 – 9:26 am

Solid testimony from an expert witness can make or break your case. But as a court reporting firm in Charlotte, we also know that there are many other factors that can build up, or diminish, the strength of your case - including whether or not you have the right court reporter.

Excellent court reporters are so easy to take for granted. They sit quietly, deftly taking down testimony and asking for clarification only when necessary. And there work doesn’t stop once the judge calls the court to a close for the day. In fact, much of their work is done behind the scenes, after 5 p.m. But as a result, they’re able to quickly deliver the high quality, accurate transcripts you need, when you need them.

Clearly, court reporters are more than the glorified typists they’re sometimes made out to be. So when you have the all-important task of finding a good court reporter in Charlotte, how can you make sure you hire the right one? Here are some tips:

Ask for Referrals to Court Reporters in Charlotte

Ask trusted colleagues for referrals to good quality court reporters. Referrals are going to be the most cost efficient and effective source for the best ones.

Prepare for Your Interviews With Charlotte Court Reporters

While it can be tempting to just “wing it” during an interview, make sure you prepare thoughtful questions to ensure the court reporter has the skills and experience you need. Some questions to ask include:

  • How much experience do you have?
  • Have you ever missed a deadline?
  • Why should I hire you?

Be sure to ask all those you interview the same questions so you can compare apples to apples once the interview process is complete.

Check References of Charlotte Court Reporters

Checking references is probably on of the most important steps in the process. Some candidates for the position might interview well, but don’t really have the skill set to back it up. Therefore, be sure to verify at least three references before making a final decision.

Hiring the right court reporter is no easy task; one bad decision and you could seriously impact your case. But Huseby can help. With just a phone call, we can give you access to skilled, dependable, and professional court reporters when you need them. If you’d like to learn more, please contact our Charlotte court reporting office. Our professional staff is standing by, ready to help you.

By admin | Posted in Court Reporters | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Tips On Breaking Into The Austin Court Reporting Field

September 20, 2011 – 9:13 am

The first step toward breaking into court reporting in Austin is to make sure a career in the field is really right for you. To help you, here’s a snapshot of the personality traits that thrive in the field, as well the overall job outlook:

Traits Necessary for Success in Court Reporting

  • You like words and grammar
  • You are willing to work the late nights and long hours necessary to improve accuracy
  • You are meticulous
  • You are professional, including always dressing appropriately and being on time
  • You handle stress well, including tight deadlines
  • You are afraid to speak up and ask for clarification if there’s uncertainty about a word or phrase

Outlook for Court Reporting Jobs

Despite what you might have heard about electronic recording equipment replacing live court reporters in Austin and throughout the U.S., the need for skilled reporters is growing. In fact, the job outlook for a court reporter is “excellent,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with employment projected to grow by 18% through 2018.

How to Break Into the Court Reporting Field in Austin

Once you know for sure whether court reporting is right for you, your next step should be to enroll in a reputable court reporting school in or around Austin. While there is no educational requirement in Texas, most students who attend school will be better prepared for the challenges that lay ahead in a court reporting career. If you enroll in school, you will also have the opportunity to network with other up-and-coming court reporters, as well as tap into the valuable knowledge and experience of the school’s faculty.

While school isn’t required, passing a certification exam is. But in order to qualify to take the exam, first you must pass two proficiency tests administered by an instructor at your school. If you are not enrolled, most court reporting schools will still allow non-students to take the tests.

Once you’ve passed the school administered exams, you must then sit for the Court Reporters Certification Board (CRCB) exam. The exam consists of two parts: skills and knowledge. However, if you are certified in a state other than Texas that has similar certification requirements, then you may be exempted from taking the skills portion of the exam. To do so, you will have to present an Application for Eligibility of Certification by Endorsement and also pass the knowledge portion of the exam. Go to the CRCB website for a list of states that are eligible and ineligible for Certification by Endorsement.

After you’ve taken the CRCB exam, you can go to their website for a list of those who passed the test. The board will issue your license and you will be certified by the Texas Supreme Court if your name appears there. In the future, you will have to take continuing education classes in order to renew your license.

By admin | Posted in Real Time Court Reporting | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Atlanta Court Reporting With Realtime

September 19, 2011 – 11:04 am

In today’s technology driven age, many of us are used to getting immediate results in most aspects of our lives, whether we’re using GPS to get directions or our iPhone to access the latest weather report. This notion is no different when it comes to court reporting. And thanks to the computerization of stenography and sophisticated transcription software, realtime court reporting delivers instant access to translations of courtroom proceedings.

But as an Atlanta court reporting firm, clients often ask us: “Is realtime all it’s cracked up to be?”

According to the National Court Reporters Association it is. Their position is that “realtime court reporters offer the best, most accurate, most efficient means (human or technological), best proven and most widely available method for reliably and instantly capturing and integrating the spoken word into a comprehensive and accurate information base.”

But what does this instant access really mean for you - and how can it benefit your clients and your cases? Here’s a look:

Realtime Court Reporting Save You Time

Many times, an attorney will think they covered all the key points and got clear answers during an examination; only later, after reviewing the transcripts, they realize that’s not true. As a result, they have to recall witnesses and spend more time examining them. But with realtime court reporting, you can review the transcript immediately or on breaks and determine whether you’ve covered all your bases.

Realtime Court Reporting Means Less Hassle

As with any case, lengthy transcripts are a fact of life. But with realtime court reporting, you can quickly search testimony using specific keywords or phrases during proceedings. No more poring through page after page to find something a witness said. You can also markup or highlight important areas for later recall.

Realtime Court Reporting Improves Communication

Another benefit key benefit of realtime court reporting is the ability to stream proceedings off-site. For instance, an attorney or expert witness working remotely can view the transcript immediately and ask questions. They don’t have to wait for the printed transcript.

Realtime Court Reporting Keeps You Competitive

Many tech-savvy clients are starting to demand that their legal counsel use the most advanced technology in order to manage their cases. As a result, with realtime court reporting, you can set yourself apart from other firms in Atlanta that don’t offer it.

Realtime Court Reporting Keeps You Better Organized

Realtime court reporting can help you more easily manage your case. All transcripts can be organized and details can be quickly called up when needed. Related documents, images, and other important files can also be organized via the realtime software and linked to within the transcripts.

The bottom line is that if the Atlanta court reporting firm you use doesn’t offer this valuable service, you could be missing out on an important opportunity. Here at Huseby, we provide complete and fully interactive realtime solutions, including local and remote connections. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you, please contact our Atlanta court reporting office. Our professional staff is standing by, ready to help you.

By admin | Posted in Real Time Court Reporting | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

When to Outsource Litigation Support to a Michigan Firm

August 9, 2011 – 4:39 pm

Many of the state’s largest law firms rely on outside consultants to help with large-scale litigation. But litigation support in Michigan doesn’t have to be limited only to the biggest players in the legal industry. The desire to use every available resource to win a case applies to firms of all sizes. And by outsourcing litigation support, Michigan law firms can achieve this goal more efficiently, in less time, and with less cost.

That said, outsourcing these critical tasks can be a scary prospect. So when researching litigation support in Michigan, look for firms that can offer you the following benefits:

A Litigation Support Firm in Michigan That Stays Up-to-Date

Firms that specialize in litigation support are ready to go at a moment’s notice, whether you need deposition services, court reporters, or to develop and implement data management strategies. Professionals at these firms essentially live and breathe litigation support and they are engaged in trials year round. As a result, they are on top of new and emerging trends and technologies in the litigation support field in Michigan and around the U.S. Can you say the same about your staff members? Or do most of them serve in other roles besides litigation support, as well?

A Litigation Support Firm in Michigan That Can Free Up Your Time

A litigation support firm can complete the necessary work when you need it. A reputable firm will have adequate staff to properly service the expected and unexpected demands of your project. This takes away the burden from you, so you can focus on the legal issues of your case.

A Litigation Support Firm in Michigan That Can Ensure Quality

The success of your case depends on the strength of your argument and the quality of the information you present. That means there is little room for error. As a result, if your staff doesn’t perform litigation support work on a regular basis, it’s easy for them to make a mistake – which can impact you negatively in the courtroom.

A Litigation Support Firm That Can Offer a Fresh Perspective

When hiring a consultant, you don’t want someone who just takes orders and doesn’t ask questions. Many times, litigation support professionals are IT experts or graphic design specialists, rather than lawyers. As a result, they can offer you a fresh perspective and fresh ideas on how to present your case in the most visually appealing manner. They can also translate complex ideas into easy-to-understand concepts for the judge and jury, strengthening your case in the process.

So the next time your law firm needs litigation support, court reporters, or deposition services in Michigan, consider outsourcing those tasks to a specialty firm, like Huseby. We consistently invest in the development of new products and services, keeping our firm on the leading edge of litigation support and related services.

By shuseby | Posted in Court Reporters, litigation support | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Good News For Deposition Reporters in Nevada

August 9, 2011 – 4:37 pm

Back in April, 2011, the Nevada state legislature, practically overnight, decided to craft a bill that capped the amount of money court reporting firms, freelancers and deposition reporters in Nevada could charge for transcripts. Specifically, Assembly Bill 353 set out rules that would not allow firms or freelancers to charge more than $2.50 per page of a transcript.

The bill was in response to an invoice submitted by a deposition support firm to a Nevada attorney on the opposing side. The firm charged the attorney $4.18 per page for a copy of the transcript in addition to other fees. The total invoice amount was $1,611.85.

Upon learning of this dangerous legislation, the Nevada Court Reporters Association (NVCRA) quickly informed and mobilized its members. Members attended hearings and several individuals, including attorneys, spoke out against AB 353. The group also held a meeting with the sponsor of the legislation. Soon after, the legislature pulled the bill and decided to work with NVCRA to find a more reasonable solution.

The Lesson for Court & Deposition Reporters in Nevada?

Court and deposition reporters in Nevada must stay vigilant when it comes to keeping their eyes on the state legislature while it’s in session. Just one lawmaker can propose and sponsor legislation that could have hugely negative impacts on the profession as a whole and essentially put a cap on the amount of money you are allowed to earn.

What’s more is that with the rise in technology in the courtroom and the budget shortfalls in states including Nevada, capping fees or eliminating human court and deposition reporters entirely is likely an issue that will come up again. For instance, electronic court reporting is used widely in states such as Utah and Kentucky, and several other states, including Florida and Arizona, are studying the possibility. Again, that’s why it’s so important to stay informed and active on issues impacting the profession.

By shuseby | Posted in Depositions | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Offshore Vs. Nashville Transcriptionist: Which One Should You Hire?

August 9, 2011 – 4:34 pm

Onshore or offshore? These days, that seems to be the question when looking for transcription services, whether in Nashville or New York. Proponents of offshore transcription tout the significant cost savings. But with that money saved comes some huge risks. So before you agree to outsource your law firm’s transcription projects to an offshore company, be aware of the downside of doing so.

Language Barrier

With a transcriptionist in Nashville, you don’t have to worry about language barriers. However, the language barrier is obviously a concern when outsourcing projects offshore, not only in submitting the projects and managing turnaround times, but also in the work, as well. For instance, there are certain nuances and vernacular that make sense to English speakers, but are unfamiliar or confusing to someone in a foreign country trying to transcribe your dictation. Add into the equation legal or technical terminology and the project can get exponentially more complicated. And if the final document is full of errors, you’re going to have to spend the time to correct it, diminishing your cost savings in the process.

Security Issues

Security is another major concern. Sending documents and dictations to another country can clearly create a security risk. Even if the firm has a professional looking website, you can’t truly be certain that their facility is secure without personally visiting it. The same goes for transcription services in Nashville. But when a firm is just a short trip away from your office, it’s much easier and less expensive to stop in and verify. What’s more is that if there is a breach in security with an offshore firm, trying to navigate a foreign legal system and international law can get messy and expensive.

Ethical Considerations

Do you know if offshore transcriptionists adhere to a certain code of ethics? Must they become certified to transcribe legal documents? What standard does the transcription firm hold their transcriptionists to? What if there is a problem? Will it be dealt with promptly or will your phone calls and emails go unreturned? These are the kinds of questions you must ask in order to ensure your project is handled properly.

Cost savings is certainly a legitimate reason to consider an offshore transcription service. However, we believe that all lawyers should seriously weigh that one benefit against all the other risks imposed. While these same considerations certainly exist with a transcriptionist in Nashville, the issues tend to get amplified when dealing with an offshore firm due to challenges such as language barriers.

By shuseby | Posted in Court Transcription | Tagged , | Comments (0)

5 Questions To Ask When Searching For Local Transcription Services in St. Louis

August 9, 2011 – 4:32 pm

Not all local transcription services in St. Louis are created equal. Some strive for excellence; while others lag behind. Regardless, accurate transcriptions of your legal proceedings are absolutely critical, which is why you must be discerning in your ultimate choice. To help you find a local transcription support firm in St. Louis that’s right for you, here are some questions to ask:

1. How Much Experience Do the Transcriptionists at your Firm Have?

To ensure quality and accuracy, the firm should only employ qualified legal transcriptionists with at least three years of experience.

2. Does Your Firm Have Experience In My Practice Area?

It’s good, but not a requirement, for the transcription services firm to have experience in your practice area. If they do, they can provide you with transcriptionists who have some knowledge of your practice area and a grasp of industry terms and issues.

3. Is All Work Proofread?

For quality assurance, transcripts should all be reviewed by skilled and experienced proofreaders before being sent to you.

4. Can You Provide References of Your Transcription Services in St. Louis?

A good transcription support firm will be able to provide references when you ask. Those references should demonstrate a proven track record, consistently excellent results, and a commitment to doing business ethically.

5. What Do You Charge for Transcription Support in St. Louis?

The cost for transcription should be fair without compromising quality. You probably don’t want to go with the cheapest offer if you’re looking for quality. At the same time, the most expensive firm doesn’t necessarily translate into the best services. So shop around and compare pricing.

Clearly, there are many questions to consider before choosing a local transcription services firm in St. Louis. However, by asking the right questions and doing some homework, like contacting references, you can rest assured that the transcription firm you ultimately choose will be the right one for you. And if you’d like to put Huseby on your list of transcription services firms in St. Louis to interview, we’d welcome your inquiry.

By shuseby | Posted in Court Transcription | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Why You Should Use a Real-Time Court Reporter in Atlanta, GA

August 9, 2011 – 4:20 pm

Gone are the days when it took weeks to get a trial transcript from a professional court stenographer in Atlanta and you had to rely on your note-taking abilities in order to capture what occurred on any given court day. With a real-time court reporter, you can get transcripts, right at your fingertips, immediately.

How Does A Real-Time Court Reporter Work

A real-time court reporter, whether in Atlanta, GA or beyond, can offer an immediate translation of their machine from shorthand into English, with the text appearing on a computer monitor. The real-time reporter still uses a stenotype machine, but the newer generation models are electronic and linked to software that translates the shorthand into readable text. Real-time court reporting has been around for quite a while and it actually gained widespread attention through the highly publicized criminal trial of O.J. Simpson.

Benefits Offered By A Real-Time Court Reporter

As you can imagine, real-time court reporters in Atlanta, GA can offer you a variety of valuable benefits, including the fact that you don’t have to wait for transcripts, as stated above. Here’s a look at some other important advantages of using a real-time court reporter:

  • During the trial, you can review and highlight parts of the testimony, scaling back the need to take written notes. You can also make notes within the transcript on your computer – all without interrupting the proceedings.
  • You can send the trial transcripts off-site through email or the Internet, access online research programs, and communicate with off-site expert witnesses or co-counsel. This is an important benefit if you are trying to challenge a key point, but need to confer with an expert or with co-counsel first.
  • You can easily search for specific words, phrases, or other information throughout the transcript. You can also jump back to and reference previous sections of the transcript.
  • You can quickly research a full database of transcripts and assemble reports on your computer screen from the case’s transcripts.
  • You can organize real-time testimony by issue or reference, eliminating hours of preparation time by your staff.

Clearly, real-time court reporting isn’t necessary for every minor legal proceeding. But for larger, more complicated cases and depositions, it can prove an invaluable tool not just in recording court proceedings and highlighting important points, but also in connecting you with legal professionals and witnesses outside the courtroom, whether around the corner or around the globe.

By shuseby | Posted in Court Reporters | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Is a Job as a Local Court Reporter Right For You?

August 9, 2011 – 4:10 pm

Local court reporters have a critically important job. They create verbatim transcripts of trials and legal proceedings, such as depositions, so that the spoken word can be preserved and referenced at a later date. Furthermore, the need for skilled court reporters is growing. In fact, the job outlook for a court reporter is “excellent,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with employment projected to grow by 18% through 2018.

Sounds good. But how do you know if being a court reporter is right for you? Here’s a look at some of the top skills and traits it takes to achieve success in court reporting:

A Good Court Reporter Likes Words & Grammar

Do you have a fascination with words? Are you always correcting other people’s grammar? Do you enjoy proofreading documents? These are all good indications that court reporting is right for you.

A Good Court Reporter Is Professional

Not only should a court reporter have an eagle eye for errors, but they should also be dressed appropriately, be able to conceal their emotions, and be prompt. It doesn’t look good if, for instance, legal proceedings are put on hold to wait for a court reporter that’s running late.

A Good Court Reporter Is Accurate

Accuracy is probably the most important trait of a good court reporter. To be accurate, you have to be detail-oriented, diligent, and able to concentrate on minute bits of information, even in the midst of outside distractions.

A Good Court Reporter Can Handle Stress Well

Tight deadlines are a fact of life for local court reporters. For instance, there will be times when you have to record the proceedings of a case one day and deliver the completed transcript to your client by the next morning. It’s therefore important for a court reporter to be able to operate well under pressure.

If you’re interested in joining the ranks of local court reporters, the good news is that many of these skills can be learned over time. With hard work and a dedication to the profession, you can become a court reporter and find a rewarding job in this growing field.

By admin | Posted in Court Reporters | Tagged , | Comments (0)