The legal industry today is adapting towards a more technological approach requesting all those involved to be proficient in a variety of computer and software skills. This knowledge has a major impact on the value of a court reporter in the industry, thus increasing their career opportunities.
Word, Spreadsheet, Presentation Software:
A large part of a court reporter’s job is to transcribe documents for trial, and at times legal professionals might need these documents in various formats. In these instances, court reporters can make use of computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Open Office, or Google Docs. A reporter is often involved in communication and exchanging documents with other parties, therefore being proficient in software programs that serve this purpose is beneficial.
Video Conferencing:
Using video conferencing for real-time examinations or trials is useful for reducing the cost of travel if the people involved are in numerous locations. Having practical knowledge to set up the equipment for video conferencing is necessary to facilitate progress.
Electronic Discovery and Case Filing:
Court reporters need access to all relevant information when preparing a transcript. The process of identifying and producing electronically stored information is called E-discovery. In order to manage electronic files, the court system allows case documents such as pleadings, motions, and petitions to be stored in an e-filing system. Each jurisdiction’s system may differ and court reporters should familiarise themselves with the various systems.
Systems for Document Management:
For every case, law firms use software to handle document storage, organization, categorization, annotation, and retrieval. Some of the widely used systems are Amicus, MyCase, Clio, PracticeMaster and Expert – Although a court reporter might not have had the opportunity to use all of the aforementioned programs, a thorough understanding of the working model is typically required.
Real-time Reporting:
Most court reporters often work in real-time during discovery or trials. There are a few programs that can make a huge difference during this process. While the majority use StenoCast for point-to-multipoint data transmission, other programs like Bridge, CaseView, and Summation have their own perks of file management of which court reporters should have knowledge.
The reporter who stays current with new technologies and is willing to learn new skills is a valuable asset to any law firm. Continuous learning will greatly increase career opportunities for those individuals ready to develop their skillsets.
To book a court reporter for a meeting or a mediation, or even to discuss a court reporting position with On The Record, call one of our locations today, conveniently located in Whitby and Barrie. We look forward to discussing your court reporting or mediation needs.