O'Brien & Bails

Michigan Court Reporters

By Dawn Houghton

Will Technology Replace Court Reporters? Not Likely

Court Reporter

We live in a world of ever evolving technology where each day brings a new gizmo and gadget. While this makes life easier and more efficient, it also threatens the job security of workers across all industries. If you are in the court reporting or legal industry, you have most likely heard the ongoing chatter of court reporters being replaced by voice recording technology. We are here to reassure you that technology will not be replacing the roles of court reporters anytime soon due to more reasons than one:

The legal industry is no exception to the time = money concept. In fact, it is one of the most time sensitive industries. Court reporters must produce accurate transcripts of depositions and trials in a timely manner. More often than not, they are producing a transcript with a very quick turn around time. Their ability to do this depends on their ability to know who is speaking, read lips of soft spoken talkers, mark key sections of the transcript, highlight code text, and make notes to reference later all while the trial or deposition is happening. Some reporters provide real time, which allows legal parties to have instant access to a live transcript feed as the reporter is writing it. However, this is not 100% cleaned up, and may not include punctuation that the reporter goes in and adds later. Individuals who are not on site utilize real time reporting to stream from their location, which saves them both time and money on traveling.

Regardless of how voice recording has evolved over the past decade, it still is not as accurate or trustworthy as a seasoned court reporter. Why not? In depositions and trials, there are multiple speakers. These individuals may have heavy accents, talk rather fast, or get emotional. Not to mention, the speakers can interrupt one another or talk at the same time. Technology is not capable of asking someone to repeat what he or she said, or preventing people from talking over each other like a court reporter can. This could cause costly mistakes in the transcript for all parties involved.

The misconception that court reporters will soon be replaced stems from the notion that voice-recording technologies would cost less than having to hire a court reporter. However, this is simply not accurate. Law firms would not only have to pay for the software, but they would also have to have it hardwired and purchase storage for large digital files. This could cost anywhere from $40,000 to $50,000. When you utilize voice recording technology, you must also have an IT professional available to resolve any malfunctions that may occur. When you add up all the costs associated with the voice recording system, it is more accurate, affordable, and feasible to simply hire a professional court reporter.

While technologies have impacted and enhanced the court reporting and entire legal system at large, human judgment remains invaluable. At O’Brien & Bails, our team of professional court reporters are not only willing to adapt to the new technologies that have entered the legal system, but also embrace them to become more efficient and effective for our clients. It is our unwavering commitment to our clients’ success and passion for the practice of law that will enable us to endure the coming decade as we have for the past 61 years. We aren’t going anywhere. Learn more about our court reporting services at: https://www.obrienandbails.com/court-reporting-services/

 

By Dawn Houghton

Exercise Tips for Employees with Desk Jobs

Exercise at WorkIt’s often customary to spend eight, sometimes nine hours a day sitting while you’re at work. And by the time your workday comes to a close, you just want to go home and relax. So by default, you end up sitting again either in front of the TV or computer. Medical studies have found that spending seven or more hours sitting can lead to long-term health concerns. It has also been found that physical activity can stimulate the brain, improving memory and thinking skills. At O’Brien & Bails, we think everyone should make it a priority to get out of their chairs and move throughout the workday.

A unique way to incorporate low-impact physical activity into your workday is to hold meetings on the go. A number of employers are encouraging this (when it’s feasible). If you’re part of a small meeting that consists of three or four people, recommend a “walking meeting.” Not only is this creative, different and fun, but it gets you and your co-workers out of your chairs and away from your desks. Walking meetings are a great way to encourage camaraderie while getting some extra steps in and refreshing your brain for the rest of the day. Good blood flow leads to good ideas!

If getting away from your desk is nearly impossible, we all understand time crunches and managing multiple projects, same with tight deadlines, consider in investing in a standing desk. Standing desks have become a rising trend in office settings. It is a way to get you or your employees up on your feet without sacrificing productivity. Many are easily adjustable, so that you can alternate sitting and standing throughout the day. If standing while working is not an option or you are in a long deposition, you can get physical activity in while remaining seated. Simply lift your leg, straighten it out, hold for 5-10 seconds, and then lower it back down without letting your foot touch the floor. Do this simple exercise at least 15 times per leg, a few times per day.

When it comes to physical activity, it is easy to forget about your hands and your wrists. They are one of the most common workplace ailments – especially if you’re typing for 8+ hours like many of our court reporters. The best thing you can do for your hands and wrists is stretching them out regularly. This improves range of motion, and reduces the risk of carpal tunnel and can even protect you from breaks if you fall. An effective and easy stretching exercise is to make a gentle fist, wrapping your thumb across your fingers. Hold the fist for 30 – 60 seconds, and then release and spread your fingers. Repeat with both hands at least four times per day.

We understand that being active when you have a demanding desk job can be challenging. However, there are many ways to implement simple exercises into your daily work routine. Once you start the habit of being more active during your work day, your body and mind will thank you.

By Dawn Houghton

Utilizing Multi-platform Video Conferencing (MpVC) to Your Advantage This Summer

Multi-platform Video Conferencing

Baseball games, birthday parties, family vacations, 4th of July plans… Summer and all of its fun festivities are just around the corner. You may be wondering how you can find that work-life balance to make it all work for you and your family. Multi-platform Video Conferencing (MpVC) is the solution for your busy schedule.

MpVC is one of the latest technology trends in litigation. It combines the convenience of a telephonic deposition with the benefits of appearing person. MpVC allows attorneys to attend a deposition or meeting from the convenience of their own office or home. The service allows you to remotely connect from any device, anywhere. Are you stuck in an airport during a layover? Maybe you are out of town at a conference or on vacation. No problem, MpVC averts you from having to cancel or reschedule any deposition, and allows you to be “face to face” for client meetings too.

Attorneys and clients alike find MpVC to be extremely beneficial. When scheduling depositions via MpVC, attorneys save time and travel expenses.

With MpVC, you can balance your packed summer schedule and back-to-back trial preparation all while cutting expenses. There is no need to slow down. Are you ready to appear at your next deposition from your smart phone or iPad? Learn more about this service, as well as how we can add value to other areas of the discovery phase of your cases at: https://www.obrienandbails.com/court-reporting-services/.

By Dawn Houghton

Happy Law Day from O’Brien & Bails!

Law Day

The United States recognizes May 1 as Law Day. It is a day to reflect on the critical role that law plays in the foundation of our society and nation. Since 1957, we have had the honor of providing court reporting and litigation services to law firms throughout Michigan and the nation. Our extensive experience in the legal industry has given our entire team a deep understanding of the importance of law for a prospering society, nation, and world.

Each year, the American Bar Association chooses a specific theme to celebrate on Law Day. This year’s theme is “Separation of Powers: Framework of Freedom.” To learn more about Law Day, its history, and how you can celebrate, visit American Bar Association or NALS – The Association for Legal Professionals.

To view events celebrating Law Day in Michigan, visit: https://www.michbar.org/programs/lawday/home.

 

By Dawn Houghton

The Importance of Standing Orders

As an attorney, you have countless responsibilities on your plate. No case that you cover is the same, and in order to save you time and to meet your clients’ needs, you should use a standing order.

If you are unfamiliar with a standing order, it is a set of regulations, rules, guidelines, and preferences that court reporting or trial services agencies follow on specific cases. Each and every standing order is different. For example, one standing order may simply request the name of the court reporter that will cover a deposition in advance, and another may cover the file types of the transcripts that will be sent to the attorney or the delivery rate of those transcripts. No matter what a standing order may cover, each one is customized to ensure that you receive exactly what you want when you want it. With a standing order, you never have to take the time to call your agency with a request, as it will already be on record! All you have to do is simply call your agency, and request a standing order and then fill it out. Once the agency has your standing order on file, you can arrive to each deposition or trial feeling prepared and organized.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy “Improve Your Trial Preparations: Focus Groups and Mock Trials.”