1	Electronic Transcript Management Technology For Litigators
2	Introduction What is “Transcript Management”? Applying technology in an effective and efficient manner to collect, organize, and analyze records of testimony from and for use in depositions, hearings, trials, and other litigation contexts Litigation Testimony Persuasive power Technical challenges
3	Overview of Products Make it easier to load/incorporate data Enhance the ability to use the data received Expedite digesting, highlighting, and annotating Provide powerful searching functionality Show search term hits in proper surrounding context Allow hyperlinking to other resources Facilitate handling/synchronizing with video testimony Support enhanced printing such as compressed format
4	Examples TextMap Lexis/Nexis CaseSoft http://www.casesoft.com/textmap/index.asp LiveNote SR LiveNote Technologies http://www.livenote.com/service.asp?service=6
5	Questions to Ask Learning curve/intuitiveness Import and export Hyperlinking to other resources Issue coding/annotating Search functionality Volume issues Reporting capabilities Real-time testimony Video/audio testimony Portability Collaboration/replication/synchronization
6	How hard is the tool to learn and use? Is it intuitive? Does the user interface resemble standard applications that users are likely to be familiar and comfortable with already (such as Outlook)? Implications for acceptance/use and training costs Avoid offerings that appear bloated with features you will most likely never use.
7	How easy is it to import and export data from and to other applications? Avoid packages that store information in proprietary file formats that are problematic to export You want to maximize the ability to switch to another tool if necessary or desirable Need easy transfer of excerpts to Chronology software for creation of timelines Word processing software for preparation of briefing and cross-examination outlines Presentation software for use in designing courtroom demonstrative aids. Beware of programs that unduly limit the formats that can be imported Is there batch import/export functionality?
8	Can the transcript be easily hyperlinked to referenced exhibits and other documents? Such linking to material maintained in your existing databases can speed retrieval of mentioned source documents Minimizes disruption to your flow of thought and work Allows for easy comparison of testimony and the material testified about
9	Does it obviate digesting and expedite processing using issue codes? With increasing client scrutiny of litigation costs, the need to rely as much as possible on software and other technology to expedite time-consuming processes is critical Are previously-created issue codes prominently displayed and readily available through buttons on the screen, pull-downs, or the like? How easy is it to modify, add, and/or delete issues later on?
10	Can searches be run both across multiple transcripts and across exhibits? Can groups (less than all) of transcripts be selected for searching? How robust is the search engine? Are both Boolean and proximity searches supported? Will it report the number of hits identified? Can searches be stored for future reference and possible re-running?
11	Is there a limit on the number of records or volume of data that can be handled? This may be of significance if you are anticipating numerous similar or related cases Do the hardware requirements exceed the specifications of your current equipment, particularly your laptops?
12	What are the reporting capabilities? Can the software generate an annotation report, including pulling together hits in non-contiguous portions of the transcript? Can reports show search terms in their surrounding context? Are reports customizable? Can reports be generated directly to/saved as PDF, reducing printing costs and helping road warriors?
13	Can the package effectively handle real-time testimony? Real-time reporting is often a desired alternative to expensive and unwieldy daily transcripts Can allow immediate creation of critical follow-up questioning Can reduce travel and other expenses of those who need not be physically present at the testimony site Does the software allow a remote viewer to communicate privately/securely via instant messaging with counsel who is actually present at the testimony site on a real-time basis while the examination is unfolding?
14	Can the package effectively coordinate and integrate video and audio recordings? Being able to search, locate, and export audio/visual passages can dramatically increase the impact of the testimony you choose to marshal in cross-examination
15	Does the package offer a “briefcase” portability function? Can a user can download some or all of the database and associated files onto a laptop to carry along?
16	Does the software facilitate collaboration, replication, and synchronization? Does the software Facilitate collaboration Allow simultaneous remote use Provide easy replication/synchronization so all can work with the same data? These are critical features to make sure that everyone on the team stays on the same page.
17	Conclusions Beware of false economies Keep in mind training and retooling costs Do your homework Test drive Ask around Consider using these tools if you have not before Consider stepping up to the advanced offerings if your present choice is too limited