Fundamentals of Deposition Transcription: Unlock 4 Expert Tips

January 2024

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4 min read

Fundamentals of Deposition Transcription: Unlock 4 Expert Tips

We enjoy watching crime and legal dramas such as Better Call Saul and Suits, where the witty protagonist leverages even the tiniest details of a case to their advantage. Though most of the plots are largely fictional, it imparts a genuine lesson - in the realm of law, no detail is too small to overlook.

This is especially true for depositions, where every single word must be carefully noted and recorded. Every. Single. Word.

Deposition is a legal process where witnesses give their testimony under oath, which can later be used as evidence in the court of law. While many take notes during depositions, it is not always full proof and you are bound to miss something. This is where deposition transcription comes in.

Deposition transcription not only provides a precise record of events but also helps formulate a future course of action, understand legal decisions made by judges or juries, and provide additional evidence for use. Without deposition transcription, processes such as appeals can be delayed or complicated.

Deposition transcription might sound like a godsend but there are a few things you need to go over before starting. However, don't worry; we have curated a list of things that you cannot afford to miss and will help you get your priorities straight. Sounds interesting? Let’s dive in.

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Being Accurate, and on Time

Needless to say, deposition transcripts MUST be accurate. There is no room for error and even a small mistake can have serious implications in legal proceedings.

Plan in advance– both from a technical and communication standpoint. Try to record the audio as clearly as possible. The clearer the audio, the more accurate the transcript. Consider the venue, number of speakers and inspect equipments beforehand. Do your part of the job by recording good audio, so the transcriptionists can make the most of it.

In case you are utilizing AI-powered tools such as automatic speech-to-text recognition (ASR) machines for recording and transcription purposes, provide relevant information beforehand to enhance their performance.

While chasing for accuracy, don't neglect the importance of time. The faster you can receive your transcripts, the better it is for your case.

If you’re outsourcing to a transcription service provider, choose one that can guarantee a clear turnaround time. Knowing the turnaround time for your transcripts can help you streamline your workflows, meet deadlines and plan ahead of time.

If you're looking for a dependable and precise legal transcription software, learn about Reduct's Legal Transcription.

Better Audio, Better Results

The Formula is simple folks– better quality audio leads to more accurate deposition transcripts (where accent and the ability of the transcriptionist may vary). While we can’t do anything about the accent, we can work on making sure the audio quality is clear.

Poor quality audio can lead to inaccuracies, missed words, and misinterpretations, which can have serious consequences in legal proceedings.

Inspect the quality of recording equipments like microphones and recording devices before beginning.

Also don’t forget to check out the acoustics of the recording space. The deposition should be recorded in a quiet room without any background noise or distractions. Position the microphone close to the speaker to capture clear audio and minimize ambient noise.

Additionally, inform the participants in the deposition to speak clearly and distinctly. Participants should avoid speaking too quickly or softly and should enunciate their words clearly.

Utilize Modern Technology to Your Advantage

AI has found its way to legal transcription much like it has in our daily life. AI legal transcription involves the use of Automatic Speech-to-Text Recognition (ASR) technology to transcribe audio recordings. The ASR technology has been improving tenfolds and can transcribe large amounts of audio data quickly and accurately.

However, AI transcription is not perfect. It still requires human editing to ensure a high level of accuracy. Look for a transcription service provider that uses a combination of AI technology and human editing to produce high-quality transcripts.

Learn Why human transcription won't go away for a while.

Outsource to Legal Transcription Service Providers

Here’s the deal, transcription takes a lot of time and effort. If you’re not used to transcribing, you might have a long day ahead of you. The good news is, you will find legal transcription services all over the internet. They can help save time and money by eliminating the need for manual transcription.

Most Legal Transcription Services like Reduct provide speaker identification and timestamps, which are important for legal proceedings. Speaker identification ensures that every speaker in the audio recording is accurately identified while timestamps help to identify the exact time when a particular statement was made.

If you are at all concerned about the security of your data, you can rest easy knowing that legal deposition transcription service providers adhere to strict security compliance measures. Look for services that are compliant with industry standards such as SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR.

Besides security compliance, consider choosing a transcription service provider that offers customization. The format and requirements for deposition can vary significantly, so don't hold back in adhering to them.

For instance, take a look at this detailed Reduct’s FAQ regarding compliance. Go for service providers who can assure you with their privacy policy.

Know more about how Reduct supports data privacy.

You can also check out our article on 5 best legal transcription software in 2024 to compare and choose a legal transcription best suited for your needs.

Conclusion

As attorneys and lawyers, your time is valuable, and the demands of your profession can often be overwhelming. While you can’t work out your way out of a deposition, you can for sure maximize efficiency by outsourcing your deposition transcription services.

The choice is yours– Will you continue to spend hours transcribing depositions yourself, or will you reap the benefits of outsourcing and take your legal practice to the next level? Our expert tip- Leave the transcription to the professionals and focus on what you do best!

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