Lex Reporting Blog Posts

This new service gives attorneys and paralegals secure web access to their downloadable transcripts, case files, current deposition schedule and invoice information. It also provides them with a “smart” online scheduler, which is superior to standard web forms because it remembers the user’s previous job requests, so they do not have to enter a lot of information each time they make a new request. This saves time and reduces errors by eliminating re-keying.

Attorneys and paralegals can get information quickly whenever and wherever they want because they can access their job calendar and invoice balances via their BlackBerry, Smart Phones and other mobile devices. They can look up a scheduled job’s details, including Google Maps directions to the location, and see what their balances are on any outstanding invoices – all without turning on a computer or making a phone call.

When they log on from their desktop or laptop, they can do even more. They can use online case repositories for downloading and sharing files with co-counsel or anyone else helping them on a case. Lawyers no longer have to carry copies of transcripts and exhibits when they travel. Instead, they can download that information on the spot wherever they have online access.

Questions about upcoming job times and locations, or outstanding bills no longer have to wait for a return phone call for answers. The RB Web online offices always have the most complete, up-to-date information on schedules and invoices available around the clock, every day of the year. This is possible because the online offices are directly tied to Lex Reporting’s in-house scheduling and billing system.

Information on the system is secure because it resides on Lex Reporting’s server protected by firewalls, encryption and passwords. Lawyers and paralegals can only access information through online offices for which they have user IDs and passwords. They cannot view confidential information they do not have authority to view, nor can unauthorized people view their information.

THE LEX REPOSITORY-INSTANT ACCESS TO ALL YOUR TRANSCRIPTS, DEPOSITION SCHEDULES, INVOICES & STATEMENTS 24/7. JUST CONTACT US FOR YOUR USER ID AND PASSWORD AT INFO@LEXREPORTING.COM OR 631-543-3566.

THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE COURT REPORTING PROFESSION

In order to accurately evaluate the future of the court reporting profession, we must be fully cognizant of its present status. The first issue for consideration is the influx of electronic recording in our courtrooms. True, a primary reason for resorting to this method is to cut costs. However, here in New York, and I am certain in other states as well, another reason exists: there are not enough reporters willing or competent enough to sit for the exams required for courtroom work. The courts are left no alternative but to resort to electronic recording. I use the word “resort” intentionally since many courts assign the high volume, important cases to court reporters, utilizing electronic devices only for their lower volume matters. My own inquiries to various courts have elicited complaints of dissatisfaction by reason of the inability to obtain daily copy, case delays due to late transcripts, unacceptable amount of transcription errors, all of which have caused decreased productivity in many court systems.

Today there is not only a shortage of “competent reporters,” there is also a decrease in the number of new reporters entering the marketplace. The stenotyping schools in New York City are now down to one, with a very high drop-out. Newly opened for enrollment is the American Academy of Voice Writing, an on-site voice writing school. On the upside, CART and Broadcast captioning fields are thriving. There has been a dramatic increase in available positions for realtime reporters.

Read More: The Future of the Court Reporting Profession

Court reporting is a well-respected profession. Statistics reveal an anticipated projected growth in the industry of approximately 18 percent between 2008 and 2018.

The court reporting profession traces its roots to a scribe who recorded speeches on parchment in the Roman Senate. It is a profession that has soared in growth to modern times, evolving from longhand to shorthand to stenotyping to voice writing.

At a conference or deposition, the stenotypist creates a record by typing what is being spoken by the people present. Using a stenotype machine, he/she presses multiple keys to type combinations of letters. These keystrokes are electronically recorded, then translated and displayed as text. The stenotyping method takes approximately two and one-half to three years to master and advance to realtime.

The voice writer creates a record by speaking into a hand-held silencing device, repeating what is being spoken. The dialogue being repeated is not overheard by anyone in the conference room, and scrolls down the laptop screen as text. The voice writing method usually takes approximately nine months to master and advance to realtime.

Electronic reporting is another method of court reporting, using audio equipment to create a record. The equipment is monitored by an electronic reporter who takes notes to identify speakers and for playbacks, if required. Realtime reporting cannot be attained with the electronic method as transcription of the testimony is required afterwards.

The words “court reporter” brings to mind the image of a courtroom. Although today’s court reporters may choose the courtroom as their career venue, a great many prefer to work with attorneys at depositions, with executives at board meetings and at public hearings. Many court reporters specialize in assisting the hearing impaired. These CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation) reporters work with hard of hearing students at high school and college classes and lectures. Others go on to become broadcast captioners, working for television networks and at sporting events.

Whether one chooses to work in a courtroom atmosphere or to enjoy the freedom of a freelancer working at various locations, employment opportunities are excellent.