Sunbelt Blog

Realtime Court Reporting – The Environmentally Friendly Choice

The advantages of realtime court reporting extend beyond the sheer convenience of viewing transcripts on your computer as the words are spoken and into the realm of being an environmentally friendly choice. Will realtime court reporting wipe your carbon footprint clean? Of course not, but it can take a small chunk out of it by eliminating reams of paper for each proceeding and reducing some travel.

• Realtime court reporting generates less paper – Visions of a paperless office haven't yet materialized despite rapid changes in technology. However, with realtime court reporting, you can dramatically reduce the amount of paper generated per proceeding as both initial transcripts and final transcripts can be electronically transmitted to your computer. In addition to the original transcripts, copies can also be emailed to other parties involved in the case. Instead of generating stacks of paper which must be securely stored or shredded, you'll have a small file which can be uploaded to your online depository for safe, secure access anytime and anywhere you need it. Another benefit is the ability to take notes directly in the realtime court reporting software. Not only is this convenient and effective, it also means less paper. Instead of jotting notes on a legal pad, your notes go directly into the electronic transcript in context with the words being said.
  
  
• Realtime court reporting leads to a reduced reliance on couriers. If you regularly use a courier or overnight delivery service or some other motorized form of transportation to transport copies of transcripts to your colleagues, realtime court reporting eliminates delays and makes a small contribution in fuel consumption.
  
  
• Realtime court reporting reduces travel. With live Internet feeds of realtime transcripts available, fewer people need to be physically present during depositions and other proceedings. Fewer people traveling delivers the added bonus of reduced travel and related energy costs.
  
  
• Realtime court reporting can mean fewer follow-up depositions. Since you can copy and paste realtime transcripts into an email as well as have partners participate remotely, you can quietly communicate with partners, investigators, and others during the proceeding. Imagine emailing a portion of the testimony as it occurs to your investigator to research and then receiving new information within a few minutes. In the past, this process could have required a follow-up deposition. Realtime court reporting makes it easier to communicate and gather information in real time, reducing the need for follow-up depositions and related travel and energy costs.
  
  
• These environmentally friendly benefits are just a few of the many advantages that realtime court reporting delivers. If your firm wants to take its green initiatives to the next level, choosing a realtime court reporting service over a traditional one is a positive step in the right direction.

Will realtime court reporting be a part of your firm's green initiatives? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.