News From Planet Depos

If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you know there is a lot going on around the world these days. But that doesn’t need to inhibit your travel plans! With just a bit of additional savvy you’ll be able to make informed travel decisions and navigate your international itinerary with ease.

Before You Go

• Consult government advisories. Before booking your flights and accommodation, check for the latest government advisories for your destination. Sources like the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories provide official information on security risks, health conditions, and entry requirements.
• Enroll with your embassy. Register your trip through programs like the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). In an emergency, this will help your embassy or consulate locate and assist you.
• Research local politics. Read up on recent geopolitical developments and history, focusing on local news from reputable, diverse sources. Understanding the area’s political landscape, including any recent protests or civil unrest, will help you make timely decisions and avoid dangerous areas.
• Secure comprehensive travel insurance. Look for a policy that explicitly covers unexpected disruptions related to geopolitical events, medical emergencies, or trip cancellations.
• Plan securely. Create a detailed itinerary and share it with trusted contacts. Consider private transport in politically sensitive areas rather than relying on public transportation.

While You Are There

• Stay updated on local events. Continue to monitor local news, as conditions can change quickly. Pay attention to any advisories from your embassy or consulate.
• Maintain a low profile. Dress modestly and avoid displaying expensive items that could make you a target. Blending in with the local population is an important security practice.
• Practice situational awareness. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or near government buildings. Avoid public demonstrations and other areas of civil unrest.
• Engage with locals respectfully. Be aware and considerate of local customs and try to learn a few phrases in the local language.

If you have plans for international litigation, Planet Depos is here to help! Reach out to our international scheduling experts any time at international@planetdepos.com or by calling 888.433.3767. In January, be on the lookout for the annual release of our International Deposition Guide!

When taking the deposition of a witness who doesn’t speak English, the right interpreter will keep the proceedings moving at a reasonable pace.  Additionally, a qualified interpreter ensures that your questions are understood, as well as your witness’ answers are correctly relayed to you.  The right interpreter is one who speaks the witness’ language as fluently as they speak English, with experience in interpreting depositions and, ideally, knowledge of the subject matter in the case.  Finding the right interpreter can be time-consuming if you don’t have the right court reporting agency doing the legwork for you.

The qualified agency is able to determine availability of first-rate interpreters and send resumes for your consideration.  You don’t want to find yourself in a situation like former President Jimmy Carter, inadvertently propositioning (and insulting) Poland due to a less-than-qualified interpreter.  This is easily avoided through a thorough vetting process.  Details such as education, experience, and fields of expertise must be ascertained.  The agency also has the advantage of prior feedback from its realtime court reporters.  Ease of understanding the interpretation on the part of the reporter is very important in ensuring the accuracy of the record. It is the reporter who has first-hand knowledge of the interpreter’s capabilities.

Another aspect to consider is whether or not the interpreter is local to the city where the deposition is being taken or if travel is required.  A local interpreter is ideal, so working with a firm with a vast network of interpreters worldwide is the best option to minimize travel costs.  A court reporting agency with resources living throughout Europe will be more likely to have a Swedish-to-English interpreter living in Malmö than an agency with no resources on the ground in Europe.  Likewise, an agency with teams throughout Asia will be more reliable in finding a local Japanese interpreter for your deposition or meeting in Tokyo. Understanding the difference between translator vs. interpreter explained is crucial for ensuring effective communication in legal settings. While translators work with written documents, interpreters facilitate real-time spoken communication, making their roles distinct yet equally important. When selecting a service, consider not just the qualifications but also the linguistic and cultural expertise of the interpreter to enhance the accuracy of the proceedings.

Highly qualified interpreters tend to become booked months in advance — another reason to work with an agency which has its own established relationships, ensuring that an interpreter will be secured even with short notice.  Without experienced help, trying to find a quality interpreter on short notice can be a bit like looking for that proverbial “needle in a haystack.” In the event that there are documents that need to be interpreted for the depositions, the court reporting firm can arrange for the interpreter to meet with counsel at a time convenient to the team.

Planet Depos has strong relationships with some of the best interpreters throughout the U.S. and the world.  For more information on interpreters for your deposition or business meeting, etc., contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or international@planetdepos.com.

So, what’s so great about realtime court reporting? A beneficial tool for attorneys, realtime allows counsel to view the proceedings in realtime. Realtime reporting is the instant conversion of the reporter’s stenotype (shorthand) into plain English. As quickly as the court reporter can enter stenotype strokes, the jargon is translated to English and transmitted to counsel and their litigation teams – and the parties need not even be present!  Realtime can be streamed to remote participants as well.

Realtime is really a neat feature. Pretty much, poof! there it is! The written record of the proceedings in realtime means that testimony can easily be noted for follow-up, and inconsistencies flagged immediately for clarification during the proceedings. All of this can be done without disrupting the flow, such as when the reporter is asked to read back the record, etc. Realtime keeps the deposition running on time!

For additional convenience, some realtime software includes a sly little instant messaging feature. Did an answer to a question inspire a new strategy or line of questioning? Immediately pose that strategy to your team, in complete confidentiality, via this messaging feature. This discreet capability means fewer or shorter breaks, again keeping the deposition moving along at a good pace. If you want to use this messaging feature and aren’t sure if the program you’re using offers it, check with the court reporting agency.

Behind the Realtime Screen

Quality realtime is an exceptional skill. Reporters able to provide usable realtime have worked diligently on this craft, honing their ability to speedily process information, as well as mastering the technology involved. Not only that, an expert realtime reporter has built a full “dictionary,” or steno-matching system, composed of common words, names and subject-matter terminology. This diligence, focus, and technical know-how enable the reporter to deliver an instant, verbatim record at near-perfect accuracy.

The more terminology relevant to the case that is crammed into this powerful word log, the better! This is one of the (many) reasons court reporting agencies ask for case-related materials in advance of the depositions. The more technical the case, the greater the value of these “prep materials” and the more you should send! Send copies of notices, any previous transcripts in the case, copies of patents, complaints and corresponding answers, etc. It’s all about packing that dictionary chock-full of the terms that will provide the best realtime for your depositions.

Quality Realtime = Seamless Interpretation

Not only are these prep materials of immense benefit to the court reporter, but they also help to better prepare the interpreter, as the interpreter oftentimes is following along with the realtime to do their job. With the record scrolling in front of them, the interpreter doesn’t need to ask counsel to repeat a question quite so often. If there is a check interpreter present and they too are provided realtime access, it can reduce the number of re-interpretations. This access results in still fewer interruptions to the deposition, a smoother overall proceeding, and a cleaner transcript.

As mentioned in the dictionary discussion above, prep materials are beneficial to the court reporter and to the interpreter. Whether or not realtime is to be provided, any materials that will be useful to the interpreter in preparing for the depositions should be sent as early as possible. The effects are enormous when an interpreter is adequately prepared for depositions, particularly depositions in highly technical matters. Sadly, the reverse is also true – an under-prepared interpreter can dramatically affect the flow and speed of the deposition. Make sure prep materials for your interpreter are plentiful and prompt!

Anyone Authorized can follow Realtime – Anywhere!  Almost.

Is your deposition taking place in New York, and you want your colleague in Vienna to follow along? Are you in Taipei deposing a witness and want your paralegal back home in Denver to have realtime access? No problem! Realtime can be streamed to remote participants anywhere. Given the possible time differences involved, the remote parties can even follow along with the realtime feed from the comfort of their homes, or while sitting in a café in picturesque Prague!

Planet Depos has been providing realtime court reporting for more than 10 years. With offices and reporting teams worldwide, Planet Depos is uniquely positioned to make realtime happen wherever you need it. For more information on realtime reporting, or to schedule your deposition email us at scheduling@planetdepos.com or call 888.433.3767.

With all depositions currently being taken by remote methods, there is virtually no limit to where you can take your depositions. You can depose a witness states away – in fact, you can depose a witness countries away. Yes, remote technology will allow you to depose a witness that far away. The criteria are the same as any other remote deposition. Cases are moving forward, and with them, depositions are scheduling. As attorneys become more and more comfortable with the remote deposition platforms and technology, they are scheduling more depositions. For more than two months now, law firms have been delaying their international depositions, employing the “wait and see” approach. But why not see how many international depositions can be scheduled by remote means as well?

Remote international depositions – The Old Normal

Remote international depositions are nothing new. They are convenient (except for the time difference) and with all the improvements to remote technology in recent times, they are worthy of hefty consideration now and into the future. If you need to depose a witness in the Netherlands, or in Hong Kong, go ahead! No need to wait until you can book a flight, hotel, and conference room. Provided remote depositions are legal in the country where your witness resides, you can schedule that deposition with all parties in their respective homes or appropriate space. Your global court reporting agency can let you know immediately if there are restrictions barring remote depositions in the witness’ home country, and you can proceed accordingly. The good news is, in many countries, you can!

In fact, even though international depositions have slowed drastically in the past few months, they are still happening. For example, homebound attorneys have deposed homebound witnesses as far away as Guam, Korea, and Taiwan. Where was the reporter? Staying at home in Japan, of course. Remote depositions can connect participants from all over the globe, even its more remote corners. This is serious technology! You can expect all the normal deliverables, with realtime, rough drafts, video, etc., and even an expedited final.

Preparing for your remote deposition

Preparing for a remote international deposition is not so different from preparing for remote depositions in general. Each participant needs reliable internet, and hard-wired internet is optimal. You will need to perform all the checks recommended for any other remote deposition. Make sure each connecting party, including the witness and interpreter, completes the test call. With time differences and constraints involved, every precaution must be taken to eliminate lags and interruptions to the deposition. Interpreted depositions take twice as long as non-interpreted depositions, so all steps to optimize audio clarity must be taken. Most international depositions are interpreted. Put in the time before the deposition to avoid the deposition needlessly taking too much time.

Clear communication is key for successful international depositions, remote or otherwise, with time zones between attorneys and their offices, or witnesses. The truly global court reporting agency has 24/7/365 availability, reporters all around the world, and expertise in all things remote and international depositions. This agency can anticipate and effectively communicate what you need to successfully conduct your depositions abroad from home.

Planet Depos has been covering depositions around the globe for over a decade, using remote deposition technology when necessary. More than experts on international depositions, they are experts on remote depositions as well. For more information on international depositions and where you can schedule remote international depositions, contact international@planetdepos.com.

Presenter:

Jennifer L. Wielage, CRR, CCR, RPR, Freelance Court Reporter and Certified Life Coach at RainbowBalance.org

Eligible for 0.10 CEUs

Eligible for 0.10 CEUs

Eligible for 0.10 CEUs

Eligible for 0.10 CEUs

Significant Points

• Job prospects remain strong, especially for those with advanced certifications and realtime skills.
• Demand for broadcast captioning, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), and digital court reporting continue to grow due to accessibility needs and technology adoption.
• Training length and licensure requirements vary by technology and state.

Nature of the Work

Court reporters create accurate, verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings, meetings, and other events where a precise written record is required. They play a vital role in preserving the official record for courts, attorneys, government bodies, and private organizations. As advancements in automation and artificial intelligence continue to emerge, future technologies in court reporting hold the promise of enhancing the speed and accuracy of transcript production. Innovations such as real-time speech recognition and advanced software tools may revolutionize the way court reporters work, allowing them to focus more on the substantive aspects of legal proceedings. Adopting these technologies will not only improve efficiency but also ensure a more accessible judicial process for everyone involved.

Beyond the courtroom, court reporters:

• Provide CART services to students and professionals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Caption live television, webinars, and streamed content for accessibility.
• Create verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings such as depositions, meetings, hearings, and other events.
• Support virtual legal proceedings in an increasingly remote-friendly judicial system.

Methods of Court Reporting

• Stenographic: Reporters use stenotype machines, with backup digital audio recording devices, to transcribe at speeds exceeding 225 wpm, either for later transcription or for immediate display in person on monitors or streaming to remote locations using specialized realtime software that integrates automatic speech recognition and other technologies to improve accuracy.
• Digital: Reporters use state-of-the-art audio recording equipment with redundancies to capture proceedings, either for later transcription or for immediate display in person on monitors or streaming to remote locations using speech recognition software.
• Voice: Reporters repeat testimony into a voice silencer mask, with backup digital audio recording devices, either for later transcription or for immediate display in person on monitors or streaming to remote locations using speech recognition software and other technologies to improve accuracy.

Additional Duties

• Provide accurate and on-time transcripts of proceedings. Most experienced court reporters of all methods engage the services of scopists (editors) and proofreaders to ensure the accuracy, efficiency and quality of final transcripts.
• Maintain hardware and software to current industry standards.
• Manage secure digital storage and retrieval of transcripts.
• Provide realtime feeds and immediate post-event transcripts for legal, broadcast, or educational use.

Work Environment

• Many court reporters now work in hybrid settings: courts, corporate offices, or home-based offices.
• Remote work is increasingly common for freelancers, CART providers, captioners, and even some official courtroom reporters.
• The job can involve long periods of sitting and concentration, posing risks of repetitive stress injuries.
• Deadlines and accuracy requirements can add stress, especially in high-profile legal cases or live captioning of emergencies.

Training, Licensure, and Certification

Training

• Stenographic reporters: Typically require 2–4 years of training to achieve speeds of 225+ wpm with accuracy. There is a high dropout rate associated with stenographic training.
• Digital reporters: Complete training programs lasting several months, including extensive hands-on experience.
• Voice reporters: Can achieve entry-level proficiency within a year; realtime proficiency takes longer.

There are 18 schools nationwide that offer National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)-approved stenographic programs, both in-person and online. These programs prepare students for various career paths, including court reporting job opportunities in California. With the increasing demand for certified court reporters, graduates can find diverse roles in legal settings, ensuring their skills are put to practical use. The flexibility of these programs also allows students to pursue job openings in different regions as they complete their training. new court reporters often seek advice on their first court reporting assignment tips to help them navigate the demands of the job. Building strong relationships with attorneys and other legal professionals can also enhance their experience and provide valuable networking opportunities. By honing their skills and adapting to different courtroom environments, they can set themselves up for a successful career.

Licensure and Certification

• Requirements vary by state. Many states require Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) or notary public status.
• Key certifications:
  • NCRA: Registered Professional Reporter (RPR), Registered Merit Reporter (RMR), Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR), Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR), Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC)
  • NVRA: Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR), Realtime Verbatim Reporter (RVR).
  • AAERT: Certified Electronic Reporter (CER), Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET), Certified Deposition Reporter (CDR)

Certification is highly valued and often required by employers.

Employment and Outlook

• 2024 employment: ~17.500 jobs in 2023 in the U.S. – court reporters and captioners (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• Projected growth: ~2% from 2023-2033, yielding around 300 new positions annually, primarily to replace retirees (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• Outlook: U.S. court reporters and captioners enjoy relatively stable employment with modest growth and solid pay. Growing shortages and regulatory demand ensure ongoing opportunities – particularly for those with specialized skills – while AI tools increasingly augment, but do not replace, human stenographers.

Earnings

• Median annual salary (2024): $68,000 (U.S. BLS)
• Range: $40,000 (entry-level reporters) to $300,000+ (experienced realtime court reporters in large markets).
• Freelance reporters earn per-page, per-job, or hourly rates, with wide variability based on location and specialization. Freelance reporters typically enjoy greater flexibility than their employee counterparts.
• Official court reporters, captioners, and digital reporters are typically employees who receive full benefits, along with paid equipment. Captioners and digital reporters may also receive full or partial training. In contrast, freelance reporters and CART providers are usually independent contractors who must cover their own expenses.

The Future of Court Reporting

Court reporting is evolving in response to:

• Technology: expanded use of AI-assisted transcription tools, though human reporters remain essential for accuracy and certification.
• Labor shortages: according to the NCRA, thousands of stenographers are expected to retire within the next 5-10 years; the pipeline of new talent isn’t replacing them fast enough.
• Legal demand: growing remote and hybrid proceedings in courts and arbitration.
• Accessibility needs: rising demand for accessibility services (CART, captioning) driven by legal mandates)

Key Trends Shaping the Future

1. Persistent Demand, Especially in Litigation

• Legal proceedings still require an accurate, realtime record. Despite technological changes, courts and law firms rely on human oversight for accuracy.
• Retirement of veteran stenographers (many trained in the 1980s and 1990s) is creating a supply shortage, particularly in high-volume litigation states like California, Texas, and New York.
• This shortage is driving up demand – and often pay – for qualified professionals.

2. Growth in Captioning and CART Services

• There’s a rising need for accessibility across education, live events, media, and business meetings.
• CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) providers are in growing demand, especially with ADA requirements and increased virtual engagement.
• Realtime captioning is now standard in many industries – not just a bonus.

3. Hybrid Roles and Expanded Opportunities

• The field is diversifying beyond just courtrooms:
  • Remote depositions
  • Educational accessibility
  • Broadcast captioning
  • Government and corporate transcription

Many reporters now work hybrid schedules or across specialties.

Technology’s Impact: AI and Court Reporting

Opportunities

• Stenographers and voice reporters who maximize the use of artificial intelligence can work more efficiently, take on more work, and increase their income by leveraging technology and smarter workflows.

AI software can instantly translate steno or voice input into text, allowing for quicker rough drafts.

In Summary

Court reporting has a strong future – but a different one:

• Hybrid roles, not just courtroom work
• Complementary technology, not full replacement
• More remote work and accessibility services
• High demand due to a shrinking supply of trained professionals

Those entering the field now – especially with certifications – are likely to find stable, well-paying, and diverse opportunities. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, there are numerous career opportunities in court reporting that offer both flexibility and growth. This profession not only allows individuals to work in various settings, from legal environments to freelance work, but also provides a chance to contribute to the judicial process. With technology advancing, there are exciting paths available, such as real-time reporting and transcription services, making it an ideal time to pursue this career.

The evolution and adoption of litigation technology has touched all corners of the legal landscape, and the court reporting industry is no exception. From basic tools to sophisticated systems, advancements in litigation technology have streamlined proceedings for legal professionals, making it easier to collaborate, stay organized, and prepare for their cases without sacrificing accuracy or security.   As legal disputes increasingly move away from traditional litigation, many professionals are turning to dispute resolution through arbitration as a viable alternative. This shift not only provides a more efficient means of resolving conflicts but also often results in reduced costs and faster outcomes for all parties involved. By embracing these modern approaches, practitioners can enhance their service offerings and better meet the needs of their clients.

The Early Days of Litigation Technology in Court Reporting 

The journey of litigation technology in the court reporting industry has been marked by significant milestones. In the 1970s, the first computer-aided transcription system was invented, making it less time-consuming for court reporters to produce their transcripts. Over the next three decades, the court reporting profession would continue to transform thanks to technology. This led to closed captioning capabilities and Computer-Aided Realtime Translation (CART), now known as Communication Access Realtime Translation. 

Modern Litigation Technology and Court Reporting 

As digital tools become more user-friendly and easily accessible, the adoption of legal technology has increased. Today, technology is prevalent in all aspects of court reporting, from scheduling a proceeding to case management, to capturing the record and producing a verbatim transcript. Legal videography, remote proceedings, digital exhibits, and online document repositories are all great examples of how useful modern litigation technology can be.   The wired courtroom technology advantages have revolutionized the way legal professionals interact with their clients and present cases. By streamlining processes and enhancing communication, these advancements not only improve efficiency but also foster greater transparency in legal proceedings. As courts continue to embrace innovative solutions, the potential for increased accessibility and understanding of the judicial system grows significantly.

Adoption of AI in Litigation Technology 

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automated speech recognition (ASR) technologies are paving the way for faster, more efficient processes when it comes to court reporting. Innovative solutions, like the Planet Pro™ Litigation Technology Suite, are changing the game for legal professionals across the board. Whether it’s live streaming a deposition feed in real time, generating rough drafts in less than 24 hours, or summarizing lengthy transcripts, our litigation technology serves as a time-saving tool designed to enhance and optimize proceedings from beginning to end.   the importance of realtime in court cannot be overstated, as it allows legal professionals to access critical information instantly, improving decision-making during proceedings. This immediacy fosters a more dynamic courtroom environment, where attorneys can respond promptly to developments as they unfold. By embracing these innovative technologies, the legal industry is positioning itself to better meet the demands of modern justice.

As new technologies emerge, the legal landscape will continue to evolve and adapt. Planet Depos remains at the forefront of innovation, committed to delivering technology-driven solutions to support and empower proceedings across the U.S. and around the world.  

To learn more about the benefits of Planet Depos’ litigation technology offerings or to request a demo, contact us today.  

Big cases demand big talent. Multi-party, MDL, IP, big pharma, construction defect, you name it, these are the high-stake cases demanding top talent and experience. These litigation giants require coordinating multiple calendars, managing a massive number of exhibits, and sometimes traveling thousands of miles for international depositions. Lengthy litigation matters such as these require case management from start to finish. In the hands of an experienced court reporting case manager, no matter how many moving parts need to be juggled, the coordination is seamless. The goal of the expert case manager is to manage every detail for you, keep it moving forward, and meet those deadlines, without any reminders, so you have what you need when you need it.

Case managers ask the right questions to understand your needs, ensuring consistency throughout the life of your case. They ensure professionals with subject-matter expertise are assigned and provide clean and usable rough drafts and accurate finals with no disappointment. They make sure Protective Orders are signed and followed, exhibit-marking protocols are adhered to, standing orders are established and delivered, and deadlines are met. Our custom form establishes your expectations and eliminates the need to repeat your order for every deposition. It includes identifying the types of transcript and video files you need, when you need them, and who should receive them. It also is where you request same-day rough drafts, the number of realtime connections, and whether any loaner devices will be needed.

You should expect your dedicated case management team to be online and available to you 24/7, whether that means delivering your same-day rush for your multi-track depos in Japan, getting an exhibit or video to you at 4:00 a.m., or confirming how source code exhibits should be handled. The case manager ensures clear communication with you and your team and will use all the latest tools to streamline the process and make you as productive as possible. In addition, our approach emphasizes talent acquisition for large casework, ensuring we have the right expertise on hand for your unique needs. This commitment allows us to quickly adapt to any changes in your case, providing flexible support that enhances overall efficiency. By investing in top-tier talent, we can maintain high-quality standards while still meeting tight deadlines.

Your experienced case manager understands that standing orders sometimes change for a variety of reasons. When that happens, alert the case manager so that appropriate adjustments can be made. Remember, the case manager is here to handle all the heavy lifting, leaving you to free to devote your attention to the demands of your case.

Planet Depos has been providing concierge case management for more than 10 years. By relying on the case management team at Planet Depos, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve got you covered from start to finish. To schedule your upcoming depositions, contact Planet Depos at 888.433.3767 or schedule online. As we continue to grow and adapt, we are excited to explore court reporting career opportunities in 2013 and beyond. Our dedication to providing top-notch services creates a supportive environment for new talent. Join us in shaping the future of legal support and take your career to new heights with Planet Depos.