Hyperlinked Exhibits
Navigating between the transcript and corresponding exhibits can be a waste of time. With hyperlinked exhibits, attorneys are able to go directly to the desired exhibit without the headache of locating it at the end of the transcript or in a separate volume all together. In a hyperlinked transcript, if an exhibit is referred to (ex. "Exhibit 1"), every time that exhibit is referenced in the transcript, an attorney can click on the word ("Exhibit 1") and view that exhibit. Not only does this additional function save time while reviewing a transcript, but it also provides the attorney with an easy and effective way of showing the transcript and exhibits at trial. Hyperlinked services vary from court reporter to court reporter, so be sure to ask your court reporter or court reporting firm what options and outputs they have to offer.
Online Repositories, Invoicing, and Scheduling
Today, just about everything is paperless and can be accessed online, so why aren't your court reporting services? Well, they actually can be. Things like online repositories and online calendaring allow attorneys and their support staffs to have complete control of their court reporting services with only the click of a mouse. With online repositories, attorneys are notified via email when their transcripts or videotaped depositions are ready for viewing, giving them instant and remote access to these important case materials. Online repositories also give other attorneys in your office or experts working on the case the ability to access case materials at any time. Online calendaring provides attorneys and support staff with the opportunity to conveniently change deposition dates and times, increasing productivity and reducing wasted time. Electronic invoicing decreases paper usage and eliminate misplaced invoices. Some court reporters and court reporting firms provide online access to those invoices, a convenient resource when trying to determine expenses when settling a case. Contact your court reporter or court reporting firm to find out how your law practice can go green and save time and money while doing it.
Conclusion
A lot has changed since Marcus Tullius Tiro started taking dictations for Cicero in 63 B.C. Court reporters now instantly stream the text of your deposition to attorneys or experts anywhere in the world. They arrange for attorneys to depose witnesses and experts on the other side of the country. Just as lawyers have taken advantage of technological advances, so has the court reporting profession. The days of providing a plain, basic transcript are over. Although there is no telling how technology will advance over the next 2,000 years, attorneys can rest assured that the court reporting profession will continue to be there assisting, innovating, and making your life easier long into the future.
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