Using a Wisconsin realtime court reporting service is convenient and beneficial. You can take advantage of the latest court reporting technology such as annotating text or searching through the testimony for a specific keyword. In order to have the best experience, it’s smart to know what to expect and prepare accordingly.

 Before the Testimony: What to Expect with Realtime Court Reporting

Wisconsin realtime court reporters use traditional steno machines hooked up to computers with special software to create “real time” transcripts. Your computer is then connected to the court reporter’s. Using a special type of software, the court reporter’s transcribed words appear as text on your computer screen as they are typed.

 If you want to view the court reporter’s realtime feed on your computer, contact the court reporting agency to find out what equipment, if any, you need to bring and if you need to install any software. You may also need a serial port, USB serial adapter, or virtual serial port to connect to the court reporter’s feed.

 During the Testimony: Working with Realtime Feeds

On the day of the proceeding, arrive 15 to 30 minutes early so that the court reporter has sufficient time to hook up your laptop, test the connection, and install any additional software or device drivers. Even if the court reporting agency supplies you with a laptop to use, the court reporter may need additional time to go over basic instructions on how to use the software or access the transcript afterward.

 During the proceeding, you’ll see realtime testimony on your computer screen and be able to take advantage of all of the benefits that realtime court reporting offers. You can annotate the text, copy and paste testimony into an email to your partner or secretary, and even search through earlier testimony for a given keyword.

 After the Testimony: Getting the Most out of Court Reporting

Wisconsin court reporters later edit the testimony to correct any spelling errors or typos and then send you an updated version of the transcript. You can import this into your software where all of your original annotations remain intact. You now have an electronic copy of the transcript that you can use to quickly find key discussions, copy and paste text into presentations, and share with your partners.   

Realtime Reporter – Conquering Your Fears

Rachel Gwidt, RPR

To my pleasant surprise, I didn’t freeze up and write badly.  I wrote exactly the same as I would have written with nobody being able to see it.  Actually, I feel like I focused harder than if no one was watching.  Everyone was able to read it just fine.  Did I have some things in my favor?  Absolutely.  It wasn’t super fast and technical (just a nice, short, easy car accident-type case).  I thought to myself, what a stroke of luck to be able to have my first real time experience be so easy and stress free.  Do I feel this automatically qualifies me to take a real time patent case with 12 attorneys hooked up to me tomorrow?  Absolutely not, but what I got from the experience was huge to me.  It was validation of my writing skills and confirmation that I CAN do it.  Most of all, I came away with a new confidence in myself that I didn’t have yesterday (or all the days before that for that matter).  Those of you that know me fairly well know what I’m talking about! 

Smile

Court Reporters – Professionalism

Why is Email Etiquette Important?

Email Etiquette

Millions of people use email, and much of this correspondence involves business communication.  This blog pertains to business/professional email.  By that, I mean any email sent to your colleagues, clients or prospective employers.  The following are some helpful tips to consider when writing an email:

• Do not use shorthand; i.e., “can u plz send info on careers?”
• Avoid misspellings and poor grammar. 
• When possible, be direct; however, don’t leave out important details.
• Take a look at your email address.  Are you a sexymom@isp.com?  Use a more formal address.
• Use your spell checker.
• Do not use offensive language.
• Avoid using hypertext markup language or HTML.  Not every email program can interpret this, and it will not translate well.
• Avoid writing your message using all upper case letters.  It looks like you’re shouting.  Also, avoid using all lower case letters.  Some people will interpret this as mumbling.
• Use your email program’s “Reply To All” feature only when your reply will be necessary to know for the original sender and all people in the original email’s To: and CC: field.
• Do not use “Reply To All” when only the original sender needs to know your reply.
• Use AntiVirus Software on your emails.  Keep it up to date.  Scan your emails.
• Ask before you send huge attachments.
• Avoid “me too” responses.  Not enough content, but enough to annoy people with a large amount of emails.
• If your email is emotionally charged, walk away from the computer and wait to reply.
• Always acknowledge emails.
• Always end your emails with “thank you, best regards,” something.
• Many people overuse exclamation points in email.  Try to use only one exclamation point in an email message.  Remember, exclamation points can be interpreted as anger or frustration.  The recipient cannot hear the tone of your voice.

Jane M. Jones, RMR, CRR
Brown & Jones / Deposition Reporting
 

Shorthand and stenography have gone high tech, and today’s court reporters are digitally savvy professionals that take advantage of the latest innovations in court reporting technology. From realtime court reporting that delivers speech-to-text directly to the laptops of attorneys to video conferencing, Wisconsin court reporters from Brown & Jones have the latest tools and the know-how to put them to good use.

 Realtime Court Reporting

One of the most important revolutions in the court reporting industry is realtime court reporting. This technology takes the court reporter’s output from the steno machine and translates it into text as the court reporter keys it in – in real time. The steno machine is connected to a computer equipped with realtime court reporting software. Depending on the software and the needs of the client, the realtime feed can be transmitted to courtroom monitors, to individual computers or laptops, or securely over the Internet to remote attorneys. With realtime court reporting, Wisconsin court reporters’ transcripts can be transmitted to partners located virtually anywhere in the world as the words are spoken.

 In addition to being able to see the testimony in a text-based format, attorneys can immediately begin working with the court reporter’s feed. For example, they can add notes, search for keywords, copy and paste testimony, and more without having to wait for the court reporter to issue a final transcript.

 Video Conferencing

Wisconsin court reporters often participate in video conferencing as well. Video conferencing makes it possible to interview out-of-area witnesses remotely, participate in remote depositions, and hold meetings without the expense or hassles of travel. Whether you need a court reporter present or simply want a convenient way to meet with partners, video conferencing is a convenient, cost-effective choice that delivers the benefits of face-to-face meetings without the hassles.

 For example, imagine a Wisconsin attorney who needs to interview an expert witness located in Florida. Instead of the attorney flying to Florida or paying for the witness to fly to and stay overnight in Wisconsin, video conferencing suites in each location can be booked. The video conferencing facilities handle the technical details, and all the two parties need to do is show up and interact with one another.   

 Realtime court reporting and video conferencing technologies are changing the industry – for the better. Experience the difference with Brown & Jones in Wisconsin.

Are you a member of the National Court Reporters Association?  NCRA’s program “Ethics First” is a no-cost program that, in part, works to remind our clients why the impartiality and neutrality of the court reporter is of the utmost importance in maintaining an unbiased legal system.  As a member, you stand out as the reporter who is right for the client.

NCRA adopted as part of its Code of Professional Ethics (COPE) a policy that prohibits giving excessive gifts to anyone associated with the litigation.  The Board of Directors, in 2008, asked the Committee on Professional Ethics to review the policy.  As a result of that process, the association’s policy was reaffirmed, and a COPE advisory opinion was issued. 

In 2011, at COPE’s recommendation, the policy on gift giving had been revised again.  Currently, COPE is working on another Public Advisory Opinion to assist members in complying with the new policy.

In addition, the Ethics First program works to encourage court reporters, firms and their clients they serve to promote the impartiality and the neutrality of the court reporting profession and avoid inappropriate gift giving and gift acceptance. When used correctly, the Ethics First trademark is designed to instill public confidence in and support for the court reporting profession. 

As a participant, you will be able to use the Ethics First logo as proof of your adherence to the ethics necessary for our profession.  Your name is also included in a listing of Ethics First participants on NCRA’s website.  Your participation will be highlighted in the Professional Services Locator (PSL) listings.

 So how do you become a member of Ethics First?  As a member of NCRA, you can click on http://www.ncra.org/Membership/content.cfm?ItemNumber=11519&navItemNumber=11518 to sign up for Ethics First.  Your name will then be added to the directory, and you will be able to start using the logo on business cards and in other advertising. 

By signing up and promoting this division of NCRA you can help remind the legal community why the impartiality of court reporters is so important.  

Submitted by Jessica Waack
Registered Diplomate Reporter
Certified Realtime Reporter 

COURT REPORTING – Tricks of the Trade

After 15 years of deposition reporting, I have learned a few things about making a day of typing a little more comfortable.  It can be tough sitting all day when you can’t grab a bite or have a sore back, but there are a few things you can do to make your day a little easier.

Many of us keep meal bars in our computer bags for when hunger strikes.  For some reason, mine are always smashed when I get to them.  After so many years of eating mangled bars, I have looked into an alternative.  Last year I started carrying chocolate protein powder or a meal replacement powder. 

Now, I know this will sound weird, but I take half a cup of coffee, half a glass of water and stir in a chocolate meal replacement with a creamer.  It’s thick, filling and gives me caffeine to get through the rest of the day.  The protein powder can also be used instead and also be just as filling.  You can always adjust to your style, but the food never gets smashed, it will never go bad and who doesn’t love chocolate in the afternoon?

Another trick is I always wear an outer jacket, and I never hang it up at a deposition unless I already know what kind of chair I will have.  Although you can carry a back support device in your steno case, I prefer to optimize what I already have.  Many times I roll up my jacket and use it to support my back or even sit on it, depending on what kind of chair I am in.  Also, sometimes you get placed under a vent.  So although you may have started nice and toasty, suddenly a vent will kick in and blow right on you.  When your jacket is with you, it is much easier to throw it over your shoulders.

We have all got our tricks of the trade from our experiences.  Please share what you have come up with.  All of us        court reporters can use a little help and inspiration!

Submitted by Jessica Waack, RDR, CRR

                    STAR MID-YEAR CONFERENCE

 Submitted by Mary Ring
Registered Professional Reporter                             

I attended the Society for the Technological Advancement of Reporting conference at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, which was held from March 15 through 17.  I was accompanied by my firm’s co-owner, Jane Jones, who is a member of the STAR Board of Directors, and Louann Hammes, our client services representative.  

STAR  is the driving force in the development of state-of-the-art court reporting technology.  They provide a forum for interaction with key technology vendors in addition to sponsoring education through publications and seminars.  Continuing education credits, CEUs, are earned when attending the various seminars that are offered.  This week there were many sessions on Case Catalyst software for court reporters and Catalyst 13 enhancements, taught by Vicki Main, Stenograph’s Product Manager. 

The evening before the conference began, Jane, Louann, and I had a great dinner and enjoyed a show full of classic Motown hits performed by the popular Australian vocal quartet Human Nature.  They were awesome.  The floor was literally shaking with the audience not able to contain themselves in their seats. 

Thursday’s seminars were very interesting.  I learned a lot about Case Catalyst Version 13 and the enhancements. Vicki Main is a very thorough, articulate and patient instructor, never moving on to a new subject until every question is answered. 

That evening I attended the Newcomer/First-Timers Reception and the Welcome Dinner, where I met so many wonderful people.  I spoke with many firm owners, court reporters and vendors, and I learned about them on both a personal and professional level.  They were all so kind and sincere, and I felt like I had known them for a long time.  They made me feel so welcome, as if I was part of a “family,” exactly the same feeling I think we foster at our company, Brown & Jones Reporting.  It was evident that we all have the love of our profession in common.  

On Friday morning I ate a “Breakfast Worth Getting Up For.”  Then I attended a Stenograph Forum featuring speakers from Stenograph covering a whole host of topics, from software/writer development, to student/mentor issues, to marketing concerns and the future of court reporting.  Afterwards, there was a business meeting, where the highlight was the “surprise” special recognition presentation bestowed upon Irving L. Starkman, owner of Starkman Reporting and Videoconferencing in Philadelphia.  Irv was honored for his tireless efforts in raising funds for STAR. 

In his acceptance speech, Irv talked about his great disappointment at not being able to attain his personal goal of raising $20,000 for this conference, indicating that he had “only” raised a little over $18,000.  There weren’t many dry eyes in the room after a member stood up and suggested we help Irv reach his goal.  One by one, throughout the room, shouts were heard of $100, $200, $500, $250, $100……Needless to say, Irv exceeded his goal.  What a great bunch of people!

I am so happy that I joined STAR.  I met a group of remarkable people – vendors, owners and reporters alike — all of whom really care about the great profession of court reporting and who make me proud to be a part of that group.   I also learned about many of the enhancements to our latest Case Catalyst software from the person who actually manages the product development team, which was invaluable to me.  I encourage everyone to join STAR.  It was such a rewarding experience for me, not only for the knowledge and CEUs I attained, but also for the sense of comradery I experienced.

Wait!   My blog does not end here.  After the afternoon sessions were finished, my husband and his sister and brother-in-law joined me for dinner.  We had planned to walk around afterwards a bit and enjoy the beautiful weather, but it was so busy on “The Strip” because of March Madness.  It was wall-to-wall, shoulder-to-shoulder people.  It’s hard to believe this many people would travel to Vegas just to gamble on basketball.  

Ah, gambling……that leads me to the end of my story.  Because we really couldn’t walk around comfortably outside due to the crowds, we decided to go inside the casino and play the “one-armed bandits.”  I had played a few penny slots with no luck, so I decided to up my bet to a nickel, playing five lines times five, or $1.25 total.  I was much more successful.  I moved from machine to machine, each time changing the denomination from pennies to nickels, cashing out after every win.  I had started out with $40, and after 45 minutes my winnings totaled $250.  At that point I told myself to cash in, but a little voice urged me to play just a few dollars more.  After all, I was inLas Vegas! 

I again moved on and found a type of video machine that I had not played before.  I again changed the denomination from pennies to nickels.  I again chose five lines times five, $1.25.  I hit the spin button, and the reels spun……and spun and spun and spun!  The lights went off, and the music came on.  My credits kept going higher and higher and stopped at 450.  Wow, I had won $200…or so I thought. 

Unbeknownst to me, I had chosen a $5 machine, not a nickel machine.  I had changed the denomination from $1 to $5, not from 1 cent to 5 cents……and I had bet $125!!!! The center of the screen flashed, “Call Attendant, Hand Pay $2,250.”  This is what you would call “DUMB LUCK.”  

Yes, I was a big winner in Las Vegas.  I hit the jackpot twice…..once at the STAR conference and once in the casino!