Huseby Inc. Court Reporting Blog | Nationwide Court Reporters

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

5 Keys to Success for Newbie Court Reporters

August 9, 2011 – 4:04 pm

Some people have the mistaken impression that court reporters have an easy job. All they do is sit there and type up what transpired during a court case or in a deposition and voila! – they’re done.

But as a nationwide court reporting firm, we know that excellent court reporting takes a lot of hard work and late nights. To be successful in this profession requires total dedication and a passion for precision. It also takes some smart moves that will help position you a cut above the rest. Here’s a look at five of them.

Court Reporters Should Read the News Everyday

In court reporting, you have to be able to write about different topics, industries, and subject matters with ease. By reading the news everyday, names and words will become easier to recognize and to accurately report while you’re on assignment. For instance, if you’re unfamiliar with the acronym “NASDAQ,” then you might report it as “Nazdack.” And your clients don’t want to see mistakes like that.

Court Reporters Should Do Their Homework

Before going to a court case or deposition, research the attorney, expert witnesses, doctors, and anyone else involved with the case online to become familiar with who they are and what you are going to be hearing during your assignment. This is especially important if a case or deposition is complicated and technical in nature. The more knowledge you have about the people involved and the specific subject matter, the better transcript you will be able to produce.

Court Reporters Should Go the Extra Mile

Despite all your work, there will be times when topics are unfamiliar to you. But it’s important to go the extra mile and spend the time necessary to research a word nuance or an obscure subject matter if it means you’ll be able to deliver a more accurate transcript. Your clients expect accuracy and they will take note of any errors you make.

Court Reporters Should Seek Out Support

Court reporting, nationally or locally, is a solitary profession. You don’t exactly have a lot of opportunity to interact with co-workers and colleagues and so it can get a bit lonely. What’s more is that when you experience a work-related issue, it can be difficult to know where to turn. That’s why it’s important to seek out support from other, more experienced, court reporters by joining a local or nationwide court reporting association, or getting involved in online forums and message boards.

Court Reporters Should Practice

Don’t set your sights on being “as good” as other court reporters; aim to be better. The only way to do that is through regular practice. Try to practice a little bit everyday, rather than one long session once a week. Your skills will improve faster and your weaknesses will fade away.

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

When To Use Mediation

August 9, 2011 – 4:01 pm

Conflict is a natural part of life. Unfortunately, sometimes that conflict leads to legal disputes that must be settled in the court of law. Other times, though, these disputes can be resolved through mediation.

As you probably know, mediation is the intervention of an objective facilitator, called a mediator, between two parties in a dispute in an attempt to reach an agreement. A mediator is not necessarily concerned about the substance of the disagreement, but more with the mediation process that helps the parties reach a satisfactory conclusion on their own, outside the courtroom.

When to Use Mediation

  • The parties have reached an impasse. Both parties or representatives of both parties have tried unsuccessfully to reach an agreement and no further progress can be made.

  • Both sides want to resolve the issue outside the courtroom. Litigation is expensive and messy. A mediator can be brought in to try and resolve the issue without having to go to court.
  • There is high emotion involved. A mediator can, for instance, act as a go-between for parties that are too angry or emotional to face each other.

How the Mediation Process Work

During the mediation process, the mediator will work to control the environment so that neither party feels threatened; set the ground rules, such as that parties are not allowed to interrupt each other; identify areas of agreement; determine which problems are preventing a conclusion; and generate options for a conclusion. To facilitate the process, the mediator will ask both parties a variety of questions, such as:

  • “What brings you here today?”
  • “What outcome would you like to achieve?”
  • “What would happen if we can’t reach an agreement?”

The time required for the mediation process varies, depending on the complexity of the issue and the willingness of both parties involved to make the tough decisions necessary to reach a conclusion.

Why Use A Mediator

Mediation offers a host of benefits. It’s typically less expensive and less time-consuming than litigation. The parties involved can access the expertise of an objective third-party. Both parties have an opportunity to hear each other out in a controlled and confidential environment. And it can improve communication, give parties the information they need to make a decision, allow both parties to move forward, and, in many instances, repair a relationship.

If you’re interested in finding a mediator to settle a dispute, Huseby can help. Through our professional mediation services, we can work with you and the other party to bring your legal issue to a conclusion, creating a chance for closure and easing the financial and emotional burdens associated with ongoing legal disputes.

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

Attract New Clients – and Create More Billable Hours – With Video Conferencing

August 9, 2011 – 3:54 pm

With the rise of technologies like Skype, Facetime, and Google Talk, video conferencing – or chatting, as it’s called outside the business community – is growing in popularity. In fact, nearly a fifth of U.S. adults (19%) have tried video chatting either online or via their cell phones, according to a study conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, a part of the non-partisan, non-profit Pew Research Center. The study confirms that video chatting is a trend that’s likely only going to increase – providing a lucrative opportunity that attorneys can leverage. Specifically, your firm can benefit from video conferencing services in a variety of important ways.

Video Conferencing for Internal Meetings

For firms with multiple practices in different cities, video conferencing can be especially rewarding. Video conferencing means no more traveling across the country for a two-hour meeting, saving your firm both time and money. As a result, those resources can be devoted to functions like marketing and attracting new clients. And with more time available, lawyers can work on additional cases, thus growing the practice.

Video conferencing can also add an important dimension when compared with a conference call – body language. Participants can maximize the communication process by being able to interpret posture, gestures, and facial expressions instead of just verbal cues.

Video Conferencing for Client Consultations

Nothing can fully replace an in-person meeting and there are times when those are absolutely necessary. However, video conferencing services offer a more appealing and convenient method of communication in appropriate situations. For example, you may want to conduct initial consultations via video conferencing.

In addition, in today’s technology driven world, offering your clients a more flexible way to communicate will go a long way in improving business relationships and differentiating your firm from your competition. To leverage its potential, be sure to advertise that you offer video conferencing services on your website and in your marketing materials.

In the past, many law firms have been reluctant about video conferencing due to nightmarish issues with connections, bandwidth, compatibility, and more. But conferencing technology has advanced so much in recent years that today, it offers a simple and cost-effective way to do business, conduct meetings, and share ideas.

By shuseby | Posted in Video Conferencing | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Are You Putting the Jury to Sleep With Your Court Trial PowerPoint Presentation?

August 9, 2011 – 3:18 pm

PowerPoint presentations for a trial can make your case more persuasive and memorable for the judge or jury. Or they can put everyone to sleep. In other words, just because you’re giving a PowerPoint presentation, complete with bullets and fancy graphics, doesn’t guarantee courtroom success.

Think about it. How many PowerPoint presentations have you sat through? How many have grabbed and held onto your attention, and how many have left you staring into space with a glazed look in your eyes?

The reality is that in order to ensure the judge and jury pay attention to – and retain – the information presented in your court trial presentation, you need to follow some basic tips regarding the text, graphics, and animation and formatting.

The Text in a PowerPoint Presentation for a Trial

  • Every single slide should have only one message. If you try to cram in as many points as possible on a slide, you will only confuse the judge and jury.
  • Be concise. You don’t have to include complete sentences on each slide. Just a few key words to emphasize your point are enough. For example, instead of writing:“John Smith got into a car accident and as a result of the injuries sustained, he died from trauma to the head on January 2, 2006,”

    write:
    John Smith
    Died 1/26/2006
    Cause of Death: Head Trauma

  • Instead of using bullets, use the addition and equal signs or arrows to show how one point leads to another, and then to the final conclusion.

The Graphics in a PowerPoint Presentation for a Trial

  • Every color or image you use in your court trial presentation should convey a point. Extraneous lines and colors simply serve as distractions.

  • Keep in mind that content is more important than style. Your court trial presentation should look good, but more importantly; it should clearly convey or support your argument.

Animation and Formatting in a PowerPoint Presentation for a Trial

  • Titles should remain static. If you do incorporate animation for the body text, make sure it appears from left to right, since that’s how people read.
  • Don’t use the over-the-top animation effects (such as the spiral, center revolve, or boomerang effects). These will detract from the credibility of the information you’re presenting.
  • Don’t put the slides on a timer. To maintain control, slides should progress when you click the mouse.
  • Be consistent in your formatting. For instance, if you bold the font on one slide’s title, be sure to do the same for all titles in the presentation.

The bottom line is that PowerPoint presentations for a trial can strengthen your case, make a bigger impact on the jury, and allow you to present important facts in a visually appealing and convenient way. But they can also detract from your argument if not used in an effective manner.

If you don’t have the time or resources to create an effective presentation, Huseby can help. Our court presentation support specialists can create a powerful presentation for your trial, so you can focus on building a winning case.

By shuseby | Posted in Trial Presentation, litigation support | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

What Is An EUO?

December 21, 2010 – 3:11 pm

At Huseby, one of the types of assignments we cover is called an examination under oath. Usually not part of an official court case, this is a question and answer session between a lawyer and an individual. The most common scenario is when the person has submitted a claim on their insurance policy and the attorney conducting the examination is representing the insurer. The examination under oath, often referred to as an EUO, is the insurance company’s opportunity to find out more information about the claimant and the incident before paying out money. Our Huseby court reporters are called upon to place the witness under oath, then take down the questions and answers, providing a record of the session. Since we are an independent agency and do not work for the law firm or insurance agency, we are an unbiased, neutral third party.

What Is It?
The individual will receive an official request to appear at a specific location on a certain day and time. People often ask if they are required to attend. Without a subpoena, no, they are not. However, if they do not attend or do not fully answer the questions asked during the EUO, this is seen an being uncooperative, and their claim will likely be denied. One of the clauses in most insurance policies is that the insured person will fully cooperate with any investigation regarding a claim. Individuals are frequently asked to bring certain items with them, such as police reports, documentation or photographs relating to the claim.

What Type of Questions Are Asked?
Many witnesses wonder what types of questions are asked in the EUO. They normally begin with questions regarding the insured’s background. This might include name, date of birth, address, telephone number, social security number, and spouse and family names and ages. There will be financial questions regarding employment and any bankruptcies or debts owed. The attorney will also ask questions about what happened in the days before, during and after the incident. This is an information-gathering exercise, so the person asking the questions will probably be very thorough.

Honesty
When the court reporter places the witness under oath, this carries the same weight as if the person were testifying in a court of law. If they lie under oath, they can face charges of perjury upon being discovered. If the insurance company representatives think someone lied during their EUO or that they did not fully disclose the proper information, the insurance claim will likely be denied.

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

Set Aside Time for Court Reporting Chores

December 17, 2010 – 3:05 pm

As the end of the year approaches, there are a number of things that should be on the to-do list of every professional court reporter. Most of them can be done any time of year, but are usually shuffled to the back burner when we are too busy to take care of the little things. These are the things we will do “when we have the time,” but we never seem to find it. The end of the year is always a good time to take care of minor housekeeping matters that will save time, trouble and/or money in the long run. As the pace slows down and the holiday lull approaches, take a little bit of time to do some court reporting chores. If not now, when? Down the road, you will be glad you did.

Back Up Untranned Jobs

Perhaps the least favorite chore of all court reporting duties is backing up old computer files. Gather the untranscribed and completed transcripts and put them on a CD or upload them to a secure virtual storage site. Label them carefully so that five years from now you could find them easily if needed. If you are still using paper notes, round them up in a box and put them in the attic or use a fireproof storage area. Label everything with indelible ink. Cover the boxes in plastic to protect them against moisture.

Update Your Software

How long has it been since you updated your software? Are you three versions behind? The fear of paralyzing your ability to get a transcript completed on time for a client may be enough to prompt you to put off updates and upgrades. Don’t wait until your computer crashes to learn a new version or change software entirely. This is the time. Make an extra back-up of your untranslated jobs and try it.

Clean Up Your Dictionary

We all have those annoying little hiccups in our steno dictionaries that we know are wrong; that we know we should never use. It’s the word we inadvertently defined in a hurry with a misspelling. We skip over it every time we see it, wondering when and where that met a client’s eyes. It’s a word like “definately” or a phrase like “de minimus.” Now is the time to go through your dictionary and delete the inaccuracies and annoyances that take up precious moments of your time or cause embarrassment when they slip through the cracks. While you’re in there, add in the briefs you’ve been meaning to try and define the words you manage to find three different ways to write, depending on the day of the week and the phase of the moon. You’ll be glad you did.

Update Include Files

With the year’s end almost upon us, make a note on your calendar to change the 2010 to 2011 on all of your include files for the administrative, reading and signing, errata, affidavit, certificate and signature pages. Also take a moment to consciously note when your notary public commission expires. Be sure to leave plenty of time for renewal.

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

Court Reporters, Videographers Assist in Veterans History Project

December 15, 2010 – 10:59 am

One of the duties that court reporters take very seriously is the preservation of the record. As part of an initiative created by Congress in 2000, several groups and associations throughout the country chose to participate in the Veterans History Project on November 30th, 2010.

About 25 veterans, court reporters, videographers and interviewers volunteered their time to take part in the Veterans History Project in Des Moines, Iowa. As the interviewers talked to the military veterans of World Wars I and II, as well as the Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf wars and the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, court reporters took down their stories. The videographers recorded the veterans, helping to preserve this special personal history. The court reporters will later transcribe the sessions into a written record that can be viewed by the general public.

This is part of a project to preserve the stories and experiences of military personnel who served in combat. It is hoped that through this initiative, future generations of Americans can better understand the realities of war throughout the different eras and geographical locations.

In other parts of the country, this event is being spearheaded by television production companies, local chapters of The American Red Cross and school children. Many of these renditions will be donated to the National Library of Congress and will be available for viewing after six months of processing, while others will be displayed and made available on a local level.

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

Court Reporters, Law Students Prepare for College of William & Mary Legal Skills Trials

December 13, 2010 – 2:59 pm

Every year during January and February, law students at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia put on a series of mock trials in their state-of-the art courtroom. There are more than 50 trials taking place which will test the legal skills of the students. Each year, court reporters, court reporting students and voice writers volunteer their time and efforts to take down and transcribe the mock trials.

The organizer of the reporting and transcription arm of the Legal Skills trials is still seeking volunteers to take down one or more trials carried out in the McGlothlin Moot Courtroom. The docket has not yet been finalized, and will be released after the first of the year. Any trials that are not covered by a human reporter will be digitally recorded instead.

According to the comments from professional court reporters in Virginia that have participated over the years, these law students take their small mock bench trials very seriously. They prepare evidence, arguments and witnesses as if they were in a true courtroom. Yes, it is obvious that some of the law students have never encountered court stenography before, and find it challenging to speak up and not lose their train of thought in front of their courtroom audience. Other students, however, perform as if they have been doing it for years and try their cases without difficulty or distraction.

For more information about assisting with the mock trials, contact the Center for Legal and Court Technology at The College of William & Mary at (757) 221-2494. For more information about other projects by the Center for Legal and Court Technology, visit their website at http://www.legaltechcenter.net/default.aspx.

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

Healthy Driving Tips for Court Reporters, Lawyers and Busy Professionals

October 18, 2010 – 2:08 pm

This is the third in a three-part blog series about the health-related issues faced in the court reporting and legal services industry.

Court reporters are not the only people who have problems with carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Many busy professionals spend a lot of time driving in the car. Attorneys, for example, spend much time in their vehicles going to and from home, the office and the courthouse. Many people use poor posture when they are driving and aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, arthritis and back problems.

Here are some tips on how to reduce back, arm and hand pain, as well as numbness and tingling that can plague those who do a lot of daily driving.

Grip
Do not over-grip the steering wheel. Relax your hold. Make the steering wheel bigger with a thick steering wheel cover to enlarge your grip.

Cell Phones
Rather than curling your hand around your cell phone, use hands-free technology, such as a speaker or headset to communicate.

Mirrors
Align your mirrors properly. Do not crane your neck to see out of your back window. Adjust the side- and rearview mirrors.

Seat
Put your seat in the right position by moving it forward or backward so that you can comfortably reach the pedals, steering wheel and gear shifter. Some seats are adjustable, moving up and down as well. Use a back support cushion or find a car with adjustable seatbacks that fill in  at the natural curve of the back.

Cold Weather
In chilly weather, start your car at least 10 minutes before you leave the house. This will warm up your car’s interior while you wait inside your home. Cold environments slow the blood circulation in the body. It exacerbates pain of arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and other medical conditions.

Beverages
Secure all beverages in a cup holder. Use a cup adapter to fill in extra space around it to prevent spills and burns while stopping or turning.

Gear Shift
Those driving a standard shift car might consider using a bigger shifter handle to enlarge their grip. Use one with an extension to make it taller, if necessary.

Remote Key
Use a keyless entry with your vehicle to reduce gripping and twisting motions with your keys. A remote access key will also prevent fumbling and distractions when arriving at your car. This could prevent tripping, dropping things and the resulting bending and twisting injuries to the back, legs and shoulders.

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

How Can Court Reporters Minimize the Effects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

October 14, 2010 – 2:03 pm

This is the second in a three-part blog series about the health-related issues faced in the court reporting and legal services industry.

Like most in their profession, Huseby court reporters spend the majority of their time either taking down proceedings on a stenotype machine or doing legal transcription on a computer. These frequent repetitive keystrokes can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Here are some daily practices that a court stenographer can use to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from occurring.
•    While on a job, keep your feet flat on the floor.
•    During every break, stretch the muscles in the fingers, hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders.
•    During the deposition transcription process, take a break every hour, even if it is just for a few moments.
•    Use ergonomic equipment and computers whenever possible.  Find a comfortable chair with firm back support and armrests. Use a wrist rest to avoid over-extension and over-flexion.
•    Your feet should be flat on the floor at your desk, not curled up in your chair.
•    Position the computer monitor at eye level. When using a laptop, prop it up a little bit without disturbing the ergonomic position of the hands.
•    When reading exhibits or other documentation for use in a transcript, keep it at eye level. Use a typing stand instead of laying it flat on the table.
•    Position your mouse so that you are not over-reaching to use it.

When court reporters feel the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, there are a few steps to take that will minimize the pain and tingling.

•    Watch your wrist alignment. When it is fully extended backward or forward, the pressure in the carpal tunnel is three times greater than normal.
•    Consider a splint. Wear a wrist brace to limit the movement and keep it somewhat more supported.
•    Do stretches throughout the day to give your muscles the chance to rest and recuperate.

There are a some home remedies that can help to relieve some of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

•    For swelling, use ice wrapped in a towel for eight to 10 minutes.
•    For stiffness without swelling, use heat for 10 minutes. Moist heat penetrates better, but dry heat is better than nothing.
•    Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling and stiffness.
•    Try not to sleep with your hands curled up under your chin or cradled against your chest.

Two brief stretches can help reduce the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome while at work or at home.

•    Do a “prayer stretch” with your hands together flat near your chest and fingers by your nose. Bring your hands down and elbows out. You should feel a comfortable, but not aggressive, stretch. Hold for eight to 10 seconds.
•    When the prayer stretch is too conspicuous for your location, lay your hands flat on a table and bring your wrists straight up. Hold for eight to 10 seconds.

If you are having symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, see your physician. The effects can be reduced when caught early. When left unattended or undiagnosed, the problems will become worse until eventually the only remedy is surgery.

By shuseby | Posted in Court Reporting Health | Tagged , , | Comments (1)