Technology has significantly altered nearly every aspect of the modern world. One of the most notable ways is through the automation of more and more processes and daily tasks. In addition to automation, technology has also made global communication and collaboration much more effortless.
These advancements show no sign of slowing, and users are benefiting from updates and improved security measures.
The legal industry is one of many fields that is experiencing the positive impact of technological innovation. Technology is allowing new levels of flexibility and accessibility. The pandemic and lockdowns across the world pushed the legal industry to become comfortable with remote processes. Even following the outbreak of COVID-19, firms will likely use the tech skills they learned out of necessity to save time and money. Trends indicate that court proceedings and depositions are frequently occurring remotely and that there is an increasing need for digital transcription.
Court reporting and transcription services can now offer high-quality work-product in a fraction of the time required just a few years ago. With growing demands for these services and a shortage of personnel, efficient technological solutions are now necessary rather than convenient.
Court reporting and technology: what has changed?
The court reporting industry is evolving to become more digital. While some businesses, such as court reporting agencies and law firms are turning fully to digital, others are at least incorporating some of these elements to accommodate their workloads.
Digital solutions offer court reporters significant benefits. Digital-friendly court-reporters can take on more clients and meet the increasing demand for their services. The shortage of stenographers is an ongoing and worsening issue for the legal community. Technology is presenting a pathway for professionals to fill the growing gap and prevent delayed legal proceedings.
Rather than delaying legal proceedings, courts and legal professionals are turning to technology to fill the gap. It’s important to note that the human element is still ever-present. Digital transcription technology does not replace humans, as stenographers remain integral to the legal industry.
Firms can turn to technologies and those trained in court reporting rather than needing to rely entirely on stenographers when they are not available to cover proceedings. A court reporter still must oversee the processes and ensure accuracy. However, firms can use court reporters trained on digital technology when stenographers lack availability.
Court reporting often requires significant time and effort. Individuals, agencies, and lawyers often had to wait for significant periods of time before CRAs delivered admissible transcriptions and documents.
Now, thanks to digital court reporting tools like Verbit’s dual artificial intelligence and human intelligence solution, it is possible to cover proceedings and receive transcripts at a much faster rate. Speed and efficiency are vital in the legal industry. If a reporter isn’t quick to deliver on each project, the delay can have lasting effects, including loss of clients and the need to turn away new clients. Improved turnaround times make for happier existing clients and openings to build new professional relationships with prospective clients.
In addition to the expectations for quick turnaround times, there’s also a demand for exceptional levels of accuracy. While there might be preconceived notions that digital transcription technology can’t perform at the same level as stenographers, that isn’t the reality. AAERT standards require 98% accuracy for digital transcriptions, and the hybrid human and digital approach meets or exceeds those high expectations.
What is the future of court reporting?
Legal technology has transformed the industry. AI technology, software, and tools will continue to influence the industry as a whole. While technology is simplifying and expediting processes, it is not replacing humans. Court reporting will change, as will many industries worldwide, but by taking the time to adapt to these new products, court reporters can embrace the innovations rather than fear them.
Technology is already a significant part of the court reporting industry. It’s unlikely that its influence will stall in the immediate future. More and more firms will continue to implement digital tools and incorporate them into their workflows and processes as time goes on.
Transcribers shouldn’t fear the direction that the industry has taken and should embrace the changes brought on by technology. Stenographers are still the gold standard and will continue to be given as much work as they can handle. However, traditional firms must prepare to accommodate additional work as it comes in. AI should complement the human element and account for any gaps in the legal field. Stenographers, traditional agencies, and digitally-focused firms alike can benefit by using transcription technology.
AI transcription tools allow legal professionals and court reporters to take on more work and improve the service and turnaround times. With the ability to complete work faster and more accurately, digital tools open the door for them to take on additional projects and confidently deliver quality services to their clients.
Technology today
Transcription tools are both the present and future of the legal industry. Firms that haven’t yet embraced digital programs should consider doing so now. Businesses that take the lead in learning the technology will gain a competitive edge in their field. Verbit has helped to onboard several of these traditional firms and showcase how technology supports the human factor.
Verbit offers user-friendly features. For more information on how our AI technology and transcriber teams work together, contact us today at info@verbit.ai.