The deposition phase is critical to building cases. However, despite what TV shows might say, it’s not always a compelling back-and-forth between pro lawyers—especially behind the scenes. Lawyers often find themselves drowning in a sea of recorded statements, and getting them in order is a tedious, time-consuming process. That’s why specialized tools like deposition transcription are necessary to make the process more efficient. However, legal professionals need to consider how technology has transformed deposition transcription—and why not everything needs to be automated.
So, how does deposition transcription help, and how has current technology impacted its process?
In this article, you’ll learn how:
- Automatic speech-to-text recognition (ASR) is only 86% accurate for transcription.
- Modern stenography machines like Stenograph Luminex II can capture speech at speeds over 225 words per minute.
- Professional legal transcription streamlines intensive deposition work vs. in-house or automated methods.
What is a Deposition Transcription?
Let’s get down to the definition.
A deposition transcription is a written version of a witness’s sworn, out-of-court testimony during a legal process. Legal transcriptionists create these documents by transcribing the audio recordings from the depositions.
Deposition transcriptions are helpful in the discovery phase of a legal case, as they can help attorneys analyze witness statements more thoroughly. These transcripts can also serve as reference materials during trial preparation and can be used to impeach witnesses.
Potential Uses of Deposition Transcripts In Court
There are multiple ways to utilize a deposition transcript; the common ways are:
| Uses | Description |
| Impeachment | Highlight inconsistencies between trial testimony and deposition statements. |
| Refreshing Memory | Help witnesses recall details they struggled with during the trial. |
| Admitting Testimony | Allow admission of depositions as evidence for unavailable witnesses. |
| Summary Judgment | Support or oppose motions by showing the presence or absence of factual disputes. |
| Trial Preparation | Review testimony, identify areas for questioning, and develop strategies. |
| Jury Presentation | Present relevant transcript portions to provide context or emphasize points. |
| Expert Witness Testimony | Establish qualifications, opinions, and basis for expert conclusions. |
| Settlement Negotiations | Influence negotiations by revealing case strengths and weaknesses. |
| Appellate Review | Serve as part of the official court record for review in case of an appeal. |
Advanced Tools and How It Affects Deposition Transcriptions
Below are some modern tools that legal transcriptionists and lawyers use when transcribing short or extensive depositions.
High-Quality Audio Recorders
Modern digital recording devices have also become useful for deposition transcriptions. Take the Sony UX570 Digital Voice Recorder, for example. This portable, high-fidelity device can capture crystal-clear audio even in acoustic areas like conference rooms or offices with background noise.
The best part is that users can adjust the microphone sensitivity to ensure they’re picking up the right voices or minimizing unwanted sounds. Plus, with a built-in battery that won’t quit, users can record even marathon depositions without constantly hunting for a power outlet. Once done, transferring digital audio files to a computer is a walk in the park.
High-quality Headsets and Foot Pedals
Specialized gear has become mainstream in the transcription field in recent years. Some legal transcribers now utilize professional-grade headphones, like the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, good for audio clarity or tuning out pesky ambient distractions.
Also, USB foot pedals, like the Philips ACC2330, are helping professionals become more precise in their crafts. These comfortable foot controls make it much easier for transcribers to pause or fast-forward the audio recording hands-free, allowing them to zero in on typing up transcripts that reflect every spoken word.
Put purpose-built tools like these together, and transcription professionals can produce highly accurate deposition records faster than one can say, “Objection, your Honor!”
Transcript Editing and Proofreading Software
No matter how good someone is, having one more set of eyes to look at a finished transcript doesn’t hurt. Or, at least, that’s what I would say if this were the 1990s.
Today, transcribers can use editing and proofreading software that helps catch errors on the go. Software like this uses natural language processing to highlight spelling, punctuation, or speaker identification inconsistencies.
The built-in proofreading tools are also quite beneficial. They catch formatting errors to ensure the final transcript adheres to legal standards or client preferences and is polished to perfection.
Cloud-Based Collaboration Platforms
Cloud-based services are another innovative solution for legal teams looking to collaborate on transcripts. It’s a secure, centralized hub where all the members can work together in real-time, no matter where they are and as long as they have access.
The platform’s advanced search capabilities also help quickly find specific keywords within the transcripts. Team members can highlight important passages to make more effective internal communication. The cloud-based setup means everyone’s always working with the latest version of the transcript, so there’s no need for manual version controls.
File Security Tools
Encryption and other security tools work behind the scenes to keep sensitive information under lock and key. End-to-end encryption, secure file transfer protocols (SFTP), encrypted email services, Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools, two-factor authentication (2FA), secure cloud storage, password managers, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), document access controls within transcription platforms, and more, all join forces to create impenetrable protection around data.
AI Transcription For Deposition?
Everyone’s been talking about AI these days. Companies left and right are touting their products with buzzwords like “AI-integrated,” “Deep Learning,” and “Large-Language Models.”
I’m no Luddite, and I believe AI has some impressive applications for proper industries—and transcription is not one of them.
The very best automated transcription services can only reach 86% accuracy. That might sound like an impressive statistic, yet compared to a human’s typical 99% accuracy, it’s not that much.
Besides, depositions are sensitive legal processes that require precision, as stated in the last letter. Would you trust something that might churn out transcripts with a 14% error rate?
Why Choose Ditto as Your Legal Transcription Partner?
There is no sense in using AI transcription or inexperienced human transcribers. Ditto has you covered for all deposition needs. We are your best choice for manual transcription and are ready to state that under oath.
We offer the following:
Accuracy
We’re serious about maintaining our 99% accuracy rate in transcription. Rest assured that your depositions are transcribed accurately, and the witness statements are conveyed without distortion.
Experience
We’ve been around the block since 2010 and have worked with multiple law firms, so we are familiar with terminologies and references. We can guarantee that deposition recordings will be handled carefully.
Flexible Turnaround
We understand that time is gold, so we also value your time. You get to choose the turnaround times—whatever works for you. We also offer rush pricing for 24-to-48-hour turnaround times.
Personalized Transcripts
Clients decide which format they’d like their transcripts in. This format helps integrate transcripts into existing systems and processes without tinkering with the format.
Simply specify your preferred formatting, and we’ll handle the rest.
Data Security
We’re also very serious about privacy concerns, so we prioritized complying with HIPAA, CJIS, and FINRA regulations. Further, our transcribers sign confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements before starting work for us. Finally, they undergo extensive screening, testing, and criminal background checks before onboarding.
Competitive Rates for Transcription
Our legal transcription prices run between $1.50 and $5.00 per audio minute. Factors determining the actual price include the number of speakers, audio quality, and the turnaround times required.
If you need a deposition summary, these cost $2.50 a page. If you need both deposition transcription and summaries, we have a package starting at $2.25/page and $2.50 per audio minute.
Regardless, we’ll let you know exactly what you’re paying before we start the project, so there will be no ugly surprises when it comes to billing time.
Trusted Service
Various organizations rely on Ditto Transcripts for high-quality transcriptions. Our customer reviews speak for themselves!
24/7 Customer Service
We know customer service is the cornerstone of the most successful businesses and take it very seriously. Our customer service team consists of humans, not robots. You can contact our customer support team anytime with queries about our services.
Streamline Depositions With Ditto’s Technology
You’ve already found the most accurate and reliable legal transcription provider online. Call Ditto now and experience the benefits of a free trial.
Ditto Transcripts is a CJIS-compliant Denver, Colorado-based transcription services company that provides fast, accurate, and affordable transcripts for individuals and companies of all sizes. Call (720) 287-3710 today for a free quote, and ask about our free five-day trial.
