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April 22, 2020 By Dawn Houghton

Easy Ways to Celebrate your Teammates While Working Remotely

In the last month, many of us have found ourselves navigating a new world by working from home.  Amidst juggling technology challenges, workloads, teaching our little ones, and figuring out how to get our groceries delivered — maintaining connection with our co-workers can provide much needed balance and motivation.

In honor of Administrative Professionals Day, here are some tips and tricks to connecting with and celebrating team members during this ever-evolving time in a remote world.

CONNECT

  • Be social. Schedule a remote video call or teleconference with your department.  Go beyond “just work” to talk about how everyone is doing, share the best and most challenging parts about working from home — or even play a game.
  • Praise publicly. Whether it be a shout-out, meme, or email, it is specific recognition for hard work or accomplishments that count.
  • Ditch the email. Occasionally opting for a short phone conversation or Facetime helps us reconnect with co-workers more than texts or email.

CELEBRATE & REWARD

Remember birthdays, anniversaries, or “just because” moments and make them known! Being out-of-the office can make it easy to overlook, so remember to recognize the special days.

  • Surprise Deliveries. That’s right, there are places that will send out a cookie-gram — even a single cookie to your teammate at a minimal cost. Who wouldn’t love that pick-me-up? https://www.cheryls.com/cookie-to-the-rescue-cookie-card-cco-spr20-230531?searchTerm=cookie&sBrandIdTab=CCO_&storeIdTab=10202
  • Snail mail. In an e-world a mailed note can be just the unexpected gift that they cherish. Encouragement, thanks or just because — surprises can brighten a day.
  • Send an e-gift card for a job well done. Instant gratification and reward!

Filed Under: Court Reporters, Court Reporting, Legal Professionals, Legal Technology, News

April 16, 2020 By Dawn Houghton

Top 10 Etiquette Tips for a Successful Remote Deposition

  1. Know the jurisdiction’s current rules and, if necessary stipulate on record to waive the requirement for in-person oath taking.
  2. Provide the agency/court reporter with the electronic exhibits ahead of time.
  3. Organize your files and documents ahead of time, so you are not flipping through papers (loudly) at deposition time.
  4. For video feeds — dress professionally, maintain a clutter-free background and control non-verbal reactions to testimony.
  5. Minimize background noise the audio might pick up, by turning off any televisions or radios.
  6. Ensure you are prepared prior to start time with the right dial in and access information.
  7. Join the deposition at least 10 minutes early to ensure there are no technical issues on your end.
  8. Utilize your handset instead of the speaker to ensure the best quality sound when questioning.
  9. Speak loudly and clearly into the phone, and always mute yourself when not questioning.
  10. Identify yourself each time you begin speaking, to ensure an accurate record.

Filed Under: Court Reporters, Court Reporting, Legal Professionals, Legal Technology, News, Trial Services

April 15, 2020 By Dawn Houghton

O’Brien & Bails Hosts Court Reporter Workshop on Unprecedented Worker Relief Programs

Friday, April 10th, O’Brien & Bails hosted training via Multi-platform Video Conferencing to educate their core court reporters on the CARES Act, Families First Coronavirus Act (FFCRA), – and unemployment benefits that may be available to independent contractors.

Presenting, was Dwayne Houghton, CPA, Shareholder of Biggs, Hausserman, Thompson & Dickinson, P.C. – whose expertise guided the Court Reporters through never-before available self-employed worker relief programs resulting directly from the impacts of COVID-19 on the industry.

Court Reporters often operate as independent contractors, and this time of uncertainty for our nation provides many challenges to taking depositions amid work from home orders and court closures. O’Brien & Bails values the Court Reporters that make up our entire industry and strives to provide ongoing education and resources to all the Court Reporters in the O’Brien & Bails network.

The recent webinar goes into great depth of each program below, but this provides an overview of the programs currently in place – and the general areas where Dwayne Houghton in partnership with O’Brien & Bails helps Reporters navigate:

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)

Unemployment Benefits

Pandemic unemployment benefits are being made available to the self-employed, who are not typically eligible. Now they may be eligible to apply based on normal earnings when work is not available to them and if making less than the state unemployment benefit amount. Reporters are encouraged to consult with their state for actual unemployment amounts.

  • Apply as early as your state put a shelter/stay at home order in place.
  • If qualified for state unemployment, they will be eligible for Federal government assistance of an additional $600 per week through July 31st.
  • 2019 Schedule C, Net Earnings to calculate self-employed weekly benefit.
  • While working remotely, you may be eligible to still apply for partial benefits.
  • Must take remote work that is offered in order not to be disqualified for benefits.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

Self-employed individuals may be eligible to receive a tax credit against regular income tax under the State’s Stay at Home Order or Child Care. Although you cannot qualify fully for both the tax credit and unemployment, it may be possible to claim the tax credit for the first ten business days and on Day 11 begin application for Unemployment benefits.

  • Comes in the form of a credit on your 2020 taxes.
  • Maximum credit for Emergency Leave is 10 days at a maximum of either $200 or $511 depending on reason for credit.
  • Need to provide documentation such as a scheduling calendar.
  • Credit is equal to the number of days they are unable to work.
  • Up to 50 days for Family Medical Leave Act at the lower of $200 or 67% of your average self-employment income.
  • Effective April 1st.

Paycheck Protection Program Loan

This act provides the Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) Paycheck Protection Program Loan. A low-interest, potentially forgivable loan designed to be used for payroll costs, rent, utilities, as well as interest on debt incurred before Feb 15. Acceptance of this loan means an individual is no longer eligible for unemployment.

Filed Under: Court Reporters, Court Reporting, Legal Professionals, Legal Technology, News

April 9, 2020 By Dawn Houghton

As remote security concerns loom, O’Brien & Bails offers secure solutions

In a world that has quickly transitioned to working remotely by requirement, millions of users have flocked to videoconferencing services for depositions, meetings, classes and social gatherings. But Federal and State Law enforcement are now asking questions about some other remote platforms’ security and privacy policies.

https://www.npr.org/2020/04/03/826129520/a-must-for-millions-zoom-has-a-dark-side-and-an-fbi-warning

O’Brien & Bails, as an industry leader of technology solutions in Court Reporting & Litigation Services we offer proven, secure solutions for remote deposition services.  Through our Multi-platform Video Conferencing service, we are here to provide the equipment, training, support, and secure connection you need.

Some features of O’Brien & Bails secure remote video platform include:

–       SSL/TLS encryption and configuration

–       Custom secure links

–       Firewall protection

–       Separate secure teleconferencing

–       Full disclosure of recording proceedings / enabled only upon consent

In this time of national crisis, our Multi-platform Video Conferencing service fees are FREE.

What was a product of convenience has become necessity and O’Brien & Bails stands ready to set your firm up for success. For remote deposition solutions contact us online or 800.878.8750.

Filed Under: Court Reporters, Court Reporting, Legal Professionals, Legal Technology

March 18, 2020 By Dawn Houghton

COVID-19 and Status of Federal & State Courts

Like so many, the O’Brien & Bails team continues to monitor the evolving guidelines outlined by the CDC amid the increasing impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. While the health and safety of our clients, employees and colleagues remains our top priority, we’re also working diligently to ensure depositions move forward at this unprecedented time. Considering the realities of reduced travel for depositions or mediations, we encourage you to consider our remote services for conducting depositions.

https://www.obrienandbails.com/remote-internet-depositions/

STATUS OF THE COURTS

We have been monitoring the status of all Federal and State Courts to ensure we know the guidelines and remote options each court is implementing. O’Brien & Bails will continue to provide our services to clients globally, utilizing our technology for remote desktop conferencing, teleconferencing, video conferencing and realtime reporting anywhere in the world. Use the links below to connect directly to the Federal and State Courts, which outlines openings and closures across the country.

STATUS OF THE COURTS

We have been monitoring the status of all Federal and State Courts to ensure we know the guidelines and remote options each court is implementing. O’Brien & Bails will continue to provide our services to clients globally, utilizing our technology for remote desktop conferencing, teleconferencing, video conferencing and realtime reporting anywhere in the world. Use the links below to connect directly to the Federal and State Courts, which outlines openings and closures across the country.

FEDERAL COURTS

Click on the link below to read updated news and closures posted by the United States Federal Courts as they update orders and inform of closures due to COVID-19.

https://www.uscourts.gov/judiciary-news

You may also check status of the individual Federal Court websites to learn of restrictions and precautions for your local Federal Court.

https://www.uscourts.gov/federal-court-finder/search

 

STATE COURTS

Listed below are links to find what your state judicial system has implemented regarding COVID-19. Please continue to monitor your local state and circuit court websites for updates related to court closures and pending deadlines.

Alabama

http://judicial.alabama.gov/

http://judicial.alabama.gov/docs/COV-19%20order%20FINAL.pdf

Alaska

http://courts.alaska.gov/home.htm

https://public.courts.alaska.gov/web/media/docs/socj-2020-8130.pdf

Arizona

https://www.azcourts.gov/

http://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/201/Press%20Releases/2020Releases/20200313COVID19final.pdf

Arkansas

https://www.arcourts.gov/

https://www.arcourts.gov/news/judiciary-closings-cancellations-changes

California

https://www.courts.ca.gov/

https://www.sfsuperiorcourt.org/general-info/Information-Regarding-Coronavirus-And-Court-Operations

Colorado

https://www.courts.state.co.us/

Connecticut

https://jud.ct.gov/

Delaware

https://courts.delaware.gov/

Florida

https://www.flcourts.org/

Georgia

https://georgiacourts.gov/emergency-judicial-orders/

Hawaii

https://www.courts.state.hi.us/

Idaho

https://isc.idaho.gov/

Illinois

http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/

http://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/NewWebsite

https://www.co.madison.il.us/departments/circuit_clerk/index.php

http://www.co.st-clair.il.us/Pages/default.aspx

Indiana

https://www.in.gov/judiciary/

Iowa

https://www.iowacourts.gov/

Kansas

http://ksd.uscourts.gov/

https://www.jacksongov.org/

https://www.shawneecourt.org/

https://www.wycokck.org/home

Kentucky

https://kycourts.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Louisiana

http://www.lasc.org/default.asp

Maine

https://www.courts.maine.gov/index.shtml

Maryland

https://mdcourts.gov/

http://www.baltimorecitycourt.org/

Massachusetts

https://www.mass.gov/

Michigan

https://courts.michigan.gov/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.36thdistrictcourt.org/

Minnesota

http://mncourts.gov/

Mississippi

https://msdh.ms.gov/

Missouri

https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=151673

https://www.bamsl.org/index.cfm?pg=covid19

Montana

https://ci.billings.mt.us/

https://courts.mt.gov/

Nebraska

https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/

Nevada

https://www.nvd.uscourts.gov/

New Hampshire

https://www.courts.state.nh.us/index.htm

New Jersey

https://njcourts.gov/index.html

New Mexico

https://www.nmcourts.gov/

New York

http://www.nycourts.gov/

North Carolina

https://www.nccourts.gov/

North Dakota

https://www.ndcourts.gov/

Ohio

https://www.ohnd.uscourts.gov/    

https://www.ohsd.uscourts.gov/

Oklahoma

https://www.oked.uscourts.gov/

http://www.okwd.uscourts.gov/

Oregon

https://www.courts.oregon.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Pennsylvania

http://www.pacourts.us/

Rhode Island

https://www.rid.uscourts.gov/

South Carolina

https://www.sccourts.org/index.cfm

South Dakota

https://www.sdd.uscourts.gov/

Tennessee

https://www.tncourts.gov/

Texas

https://www.txcourts.gov/

Utah

https://www.utcourts.gov/

Vermont

https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/

Virginia

http://www.courts.state.va.us/

http://www.courts.state.va.us/news/items/covid_19.pdf

Washington

https://www.courts.wa.gov/

West Virginia

http://www.courtswv.gov/index.html

Wisconsin

https://www.wicourts.gov/index.jsp

Wyoming

https://www.courts.state.wy.us/

 

For the latest on COVID-19 and preventive measures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html

Make sure to follow O’Brien & Bails Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter for the latest up-to-date information.

 

Filed Under: Court Reporters, Legal Professionals, Legal Technology, News

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