Michael Hamilton 2006/07

Transcripts?

Objectives

Evaluate how transcripts can be managed using technology

Recognize the difference between real-time tools, database tools, and case management tools

Review best practices for using these different tools

Handling Transcripts

Even for small cases, transcript databases are something that can be done for every case.

Software has made the deposition process much easier:—Real-time software to get the feed during deposition—Database software for search and retrieval—Case Management software for organization—Video Synching and Playback for trial presentation

Real-time Software

LiveNote is the leader in this marketplace

Real-time software is used by both court reporters and attorneys during deposition

Summation now has a real-time component

Key to successful implementation of real-time software for attorneys is PRACTICE!

The first time they go to a deposition should not be the first time they try it.

Database Software

Database software is used for search, retrieval, and deposition digesting functions

Concordance, Summation, LiveNote, JFS Litigator’s Notebook all have transcript database components

LiveNote also integrates with Introspect, iCONECT, and other web repository tools.

LiveNote also integrates with Sanction, Trial Director and other trial support tools.

Case Management Software

Case management software is designed to help you organize all of the relevant case information.

CaseMap is case management software that integrates with Summation, Concordance, and LiveNote transcripts

Each application integrates by utilizing the “Send to CaseMap” feature.

Summation has case management built into the software under the Case Tools/Case Organizer section (version 2.5.2 and greater).

Trial Support Software

Videotaped deposition clips are effective tools to play during arbitration or trial

Ensure that you know the format you need in order to use them in:—Sanction—TrialDirector—Visionary

Plan for storage (both short term and archival storage) of these files as they are large

Strategies For Transcripts

Real-timeDatabasesCase ManagementTrial Presentation

Working with Real-Time

Decisions need to be made up front:—Why do they need real-time—Who will annotate—What will they look for

Ensure that you have enough licenses for participants

Setting up for success – practice!

Test connections BEFORE you get to the deposition!

Know what software applications offer what tools

Remember that it is a draft and an update will be sent

Works for depositions, hearing, and trial transcripts

Real-time Demo

LiveNote

Summation

Database Programs

Concordance—Load ASCII transcripts—Ensure that pages match hard copy—No left margin time stamps allowed—Best not to have headers/footers—Can annotate, make notes, and links to passages in Concordance—Can search and “send to CaseMap” integration—Not the best manuscript reporting or word indexing

Database Programs

Summation—Transcripts loaded from a variety of formats—Linked to exhibits—Create transcript groups for larger cases—Create notes and annotations on testimony—Portions of testimony can be linked to documents and to case outline—Portions of testimony can be linked to CaseMap database

Database Programs

LiveNote—100% focused on transcript management In addition to real-time

feeds, it is also a database—Has basic and complex search strategies—Integrates with a number of web repository tools as well—Ability to have on-line transcript repository (and video) for large cases—Create transcript groups for ease of searching

Database Programs

RealLegal— e-Transcript Viewer

Free viewer to open files from court reporters Best if you have no software

— Binder Transcript & document management software Can integrate w/ CaseMap and Sanction Web version – iBinder (doesn’t integrate w/ other repository solutions) Allows users to access transcripts, exhibits (docs) & video from one place Allows basic searching, issue coding and annotations

— FYI – RealLegal was recently purchased by LiveNote but will remain on the market as a product option

Database Program Demo

Concordance

Summation

LiveNote

RealLegal

Case Management Programs

CaseMap—Designed to organize all relevant case information (people, events,

and issues)—Transcript excerpts become new entries on the fact table (via “Send

to CaseMap” link)—Full transcripts remain in their respective databases but relevant

passages transfer to case management tool

Case Management Programs

Summation—Drag and drop relevant portions of testimony to your case chronology—Link back to the “native” file and to the page/line reference for your

relevant passage—Can also use “Send to CaseMap” feature from Summation

Trial Presentation Programs

TrialDirector

Sanction

Visionary

Conclusion

Create transcript databases for all of your cases – even the small ones— Helps you maximize your technology investment— Helps paralegals search and annotate relevant passages— Helps build your case management database

Have a policy about who can create the databases and who can load depositions

Use good naming conventions for databases and deponent names Create a checklist for paralegals and attorneys as to the formats they

should be requesting from the court reporter for the transcripts and/or video depositions