Effective trial preparation is the key to winning a case and legal transcription outsourcing helps attorneys obtain accurate and timely records of depositions, administrative hearings, and various types of court proceedings. The transcripts of the audio and video recordings become the official documentation and are important tools in trial preparation as well as in the trial itself.
Advancements in technology have taken court reporting to a new level. Here are some of the changes that are helping attorneys prepare cases more professionally, deliver more powerful presentations, and serve their clients better.
- Synchronized video software: This tool helps lawyers present their case more effectively. The videotaped deposition is synchronized with the court proceedings transcription. The user can easily search for a word or phrase in the video clip and immediately see, hear, and read the pertinent section on the monitor. This can make a big difference during a heated debate in the court. Synchronized video can be shown to the jury as well as be used by the attorney to review hours of testimony. Synchronized video software leaves no doubt about what was said.
- Mobile apps: Today, most use mobile apps in the office, at conferences and in the courtroom. There are high-tech apps that allow lawyers to store client information and other files safely and provide access to federal libraries, the constitution, and millions of federal and state court dockets and documents, and more. With these apps, lawyers can monitor activity in existing cases from anywhere and easily attend local and web-based litigation events from any mobile device.
- Sophisticated tablets: A high tech tablet is a useful tool for a small law practice. An article published in Above the Law describes how a solo practitioner who handles civil litigation and transactional work uses his tablet in the office as well as in to create visual presentations for depositions, trial presentations, and negotiations.
- Mobile video conferencing: By setting up a conference using video, audio and real-time text streams, a lawyer can take a deposition from a person in a remote location. Users can present an exhibit from anywhere or send messages among various types of portable devices as well as standard videoconferencing equipment.
- Document management software: Cloud-based legal practice management tools have transformed the legal practice. Advanced robust and easy-to-use software allows law firms to upload and keep all their documents securely in one place, and view, print, or share them from anywhere, at any time. Travelling becomes easy as they don’t have to carry their files along with them.
When it comes to high volume transcription of various types of legal proceedings, the ideal option for busy law practices is to rely on an experienced digital transcription service provider. Experts can deliver transcripts of recordings in any format – MP3, DSS, MP4, WAV, and AIFF, and video formats such as MPEG-2, .dat, .mov, .swf, .avi, .wmv, and MPEG-4. Established legal transcription service providers also have advanced measures in place to ensure secure file transfer and HIPAA compliance. This includes browser-based drop box and secure FTP portals. This ensures the confidentiality of client data. With the right provider, lawyers are assured of secure, accurate and timely legal transcription services.
