Today’s technology is changing video conferencing opportunities in Phoenix, AZ, which means court reporting is faster, easier and more accurate than ever. Gone are the days where a trial in another county or state requires travel. With video conferencing software, it’s easier to connect to other parties for depositions and other procedures.

Technology has also helped the legal profession continue to work through the COVID-19 pandemic—although there were slowdowns initially, courts and law firms were able to adapt, largely thanks to video conferencing.

How video conferencing helps court reporters

Here’s how the use of video conferencing for court reporting is changing court reporting services in Phoenix, AZ:

• Remote proceedings: Video conferencing allows parties with computers, cameras and an internet connection to meet in real time, even if they’re across the country. This allows various legal proceedings to go forward when it’s not possible to be physically present, whether due to the pandemic, travel restrictions or scheduling conflicts.
• Digital records: Digital records offer significant advantages to both lawyers and court reporters. Not only are they searchable, making it easy for attorneys to evaluate testimony, but they are quickly duplicated and distributed to all parties. This is a long way from the days when attorneys were limited to paper transcripts. It’s no longer necessary to comb through entire reams of testimony to find one important detail. In addition to transcripts, digital records include video and audio, exhibits and more.
• Transcript repository: Keeping your transcripts handy is the key to staying on top of your case’s evidence and discovery. A digital court record makes it easy to store, back up and locate all of your transcriptions and recordings. As long as you back up your files in multiple locations, you can rely on your records staying safe.
• Video evidence: Finally, any lawyer can tell you that video evidence matters. Holding depositions over video conferencing software gives attorneys the opportunity to evaluate facial expressions and body language—two factors that can give a lot of insight into the witness’s state of mind. It’s also easily recalled, edited and presented at trial for impeachment evidence.

Disadvantages of video conferencing

Many of us have discovered that video conferencing isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. Here are some of the problems you might run into:

• Technological difficulties: As we all know from months of Zoom calls, even the most advanced technology is no substitute for being together with clients and witnesses. Technological difficulties can happen, especially if the court reporter isn’t familiar with the software. Ensuring that your court reporter is experienced and tech savvy can save you a lot of time and grief during proceedings.
• More devices to consider: Finally, when you’re working with video conferencing technology, there are more devices involved. Phones, tablets, microphones, cameras and laptops are all commonly used in addition to traditional court reporting devices. This can be a strain on the court reporter if they’re new to video conferencing.

Despite the minor disadvantages, using video conferencing software for court reporting in Phoenix, AZ is a great way to connect witnesses, attorneys and court reporters. If you need skilled court reporters for your next case, be sure to call Bartelt | Nix Reporting, LLC.