aaert...uploaded to the server and transcriptionists download the recordings, transcribe, and send...

A N e w s l e t t e r F o r P r o f e s s i o n a l s I n T h e E l e c t r o n i c R e p o r t i n g I n d u s t r y

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AAERT President Message ........... 1

AAERT Officers & Directors .......... 2

Convention Agenda .................... 3

NCRA Horror Stories .................... 5

Executive Director Resignation .... 6

Revocable Proxy Ballot ................ 7

Board Candidate Bios .................. 8

Electronic Court Reporting in FL .. 9

Meet-A-Member .......................... 9

Things To Do In Vegas ................ 11

New Method in Michigan ........... 13

Flashbacks ................................. 15

Membership Application ............ 16

Volume 8, Issue 2

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3

AAERTPRESIDENTMESSAGE

Janet B. HarrisAAERT President

(see PRESIDENT’s MESSAGE next page)

In Wisconsin the snow is finally falling — in March! We’veweathered a dry, cold winter, so the usual thrill and excitement ofa Winter snowfall, now just on the verge of Spring, is bothunexpected and unwelcome to many in my Midwesternhomeland. But we’re survivors!

It reminds me that AAERT, too, received a chilly reception whenwe began. But we’ve also persevered through that barren, coldtime and survived. Electronic reporting has rarely been welcomein the long, sunny season of Stenographic reporting. The birth ofAAERT in 1994 was met with the same resentment, even anger,as a Winter snowfall on the verge of Spring.

Ten years of building and defining AAERT will be celebrated atour convention in Las Vegas beginning June 19, 2003 at theTropicana. We can measure our tenacity, commitment, and successthrough the struggles we haveencountered in our first decade.

The next phase of our growth includes inviting decision-makerswithin court systems to share their experiences as they overcomethe obstacles of maintaining the integrity of the record amidstcourt reporter shortages, budget concerns, and emerging new

2 – The Court Reporter AAERT

AAERTAAERT Officers

PresidentJanet B. Harris

TreasurerWilliam Wagner

SecretaryKaren Samcoe

AAERT DirectorsJanet B. HarrisKaren SamcoeNeal GrossSue MillerLuis Gomez

AAERT Committee ChairsCertification

Jim BowenConvention Planning

Karen SamcoeDigital Liaison

Jim BowenFinance Audit

Mary Ann LutzGovernment Relations

Neal GrossHistorian

Mary Ann LutzMembership

Karen SamcoeNewsletter

Connie S. RillNominating

Jim BowenPublic Relations

Sue MillerWebsite

Sue MillerExecutive Director

Connie S. Rill

(PRESIDENT’s MESSAGE from previous page)

markets. AAERT members can expect acceptance and implementation ofelectronic and digital recording technology by court administration, and ouralliance with those decision-makers is crucial to our livelihood as businessowners, CERs, and CETs.

Digital recording systems are being installed throughout the country in avariety of jurisdictions. Although in some states electronic reporting isrestricted or subject to stipulation in the freelance market, I firmly believethat as digital technology is embraced by the courts, ultimately the depositionand freelance markets will follow, and rules will be modernized to allowelectronic reporting without these current restrictions.

Any business owner lives with the adage, “The customer is always right.” Weare a service industry, and understanding the needs and constraints of ourcustomers is imperative to our success. I often say that, as a court reporter, itis my job to listen. As an association, we must listen to our customers andmeet their needs. It can be a difficult task when our customers insist on thesame quality product, no matter if a proceeding is monitored by a qualifiedprofessional or is unmonitored — and we are all familiar with the difference;nevertheless, we have all produced verbatim transcripts from both types ofproceedings.

The opportunity we have in Las Vegas at our 10th Annual Convention is tolisten to our customers, to their frustrations, their obstacles, and their needs.We also have an opportunity to share our invaluable experience, and togetherwe can achieve a common goal: to produce a quality recording and an accuraterecord. We may not always succeed in sharing a common understandingwith our clients, but we will, one step at a time, one client at a time, one courtat a time achieve our mutual goal to produce a quality product.

In the words of Helen Keller, “You have set yourselves a difficult task, but youwill succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcomingobstacles.”AAERT’s convention promises to open the door to our next decade,and I hope you will all be a part of it. We have created a rare opportunity, toinclude everyone involved in the process of record-making, and we areentering a new chapter of our history. Don’t miss it; you’ll regret it if you do.

Janet B. HarrisPresidentAAERT, Inc.

AAERT

Janet B. HarrisAAERT President

PRESIDENTMESSAGE

JUNE 21, 2003MORNING SESSIONS:

9am-10:15am FTR Technology Update

A Product Update, featuring improvements and changesin FTR digital recording products.

10:30am-12pm Steve TownsendPresidentFTR, Ltd.Phoenix, AZ

A presentation on industry issues affecting theimplementation of digital technology in the courtroom, avendor’s viewpoint.

AAERT The Court Reporter – 3

10th Annual Convention

JUNE 19, 2003

3pm Registration Desk Open

5pm Welcome Reception

JUNE 20, 2003

9am-12pm Annual Meetingof Members

1pm-4pm National Judicial CollegeFacilitated Discussion:Development of EducationalMaterial for ER

Joseph SawyerDistance Learning & Technology Specialist

National Judicial College Reno, Nevada

Joseph Sawyer is currently the distance learning andtechnology specialist for The National Judicial College. Hehas been in this position since 1998. In this role, he providesinstruction to the College faculty on the use of teachingand classroom technologies. He also educates the facultyon the best methods of educating judges in a distance-learning environment in both synchronous andasynchronous formats. He led the development of thefollowing distance learning courses: Handling SmallClaims Cases Effectively; Selected Criminal EvidenceIssues; and Judicial Education on Substance Abuse:Promoting and Expanding Awareness and Leadership. Mr.Sawyer instructs participants on courtroom technology,evidence presentation systems, litigation support software,and technology infrastructure in courtroom design. Hehas been a member of The National Judicial College’s staffsince 1986 and joined its faculty in 2000.

Joseph says, “I grew in my role as the technology ‘grewup’. I started with NJC in 1986, while still in school. Therewere very few computers at NJC and there was a greatneed for improved technology and training.” He has heldseveral computer and technological positions, which hasled to his current role. Several times a year Joseph facilitatesdiscussions between judges in the General Jurisdiction

courses discussing the issues of “producing and preservinga fine record.” His goal is to present to the judges all thenecessary information to fully discuss the different methodsof court reporting and record preservation, and thenfacilitating discussion about the pros and cons of each ofthese methods in different situations.

The digital audio record offers a variety of opportunities,and we would like to develop an educational programcustomized for all parties interested in the court record:attorneys, members of the public, judges, courtadministrators, et cetera. The success of this technologyproving efficiencies in time and cost are dependent on eachparty’s familiarity with the management of the digitalrecording method.

• What is required and by whom to ensure the quality of the recording?

• How can the judge use the digital recording for accessing information, annotations, et cetera?

A poor quality recording results in greater costs to allparties. The production costs of labor are increased.Additional legal fees may be incurred if a hearing transcriptcannot be produced to the standard for certification, whichis then of course passed onto the client. Court time andpersonnel costs are incurred for any proceedings heldchallenging issues of a compromised transcript. Most ofthe time, this is completely unnecessary because theindividual responsible for the recordings is not familiarwith the system.

William DahlManagement AnalystNew York StateOffice of Court Administration

Mr. Dahl holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in HumanResources Management from the State University of NewYork’s Empire State College. He has been employed bythe New York State Unified Court System for fifteen yearsand is currently a Management Analyst.

Support matters in New York’s Family Courts have beenrecorded since 1985. Legislation expanded the use ofelectronic recording in certain New York State Courts in1992 and Mr. Dahl’s involvement with the recordingprogram coincided with the 1992 expansion. Legislationpertaining to electronic recording in New York State Courtssunset in 1999.

Presently, New York Courts use Sony analog 4-track taperecorders, the FTR ReporterDeck digital recording unit and,to a limited degree, CourtSmart and Voice IQ digitalequipment. During the last eighteen months, FTR’sReporterDeck digital unit has been replacing many Sonymachines and receiving some new installations. The NewYork State Unified Court System presently has 137electronic recording transcribers on its approved list.

Doug BowieIllinois Administrative Office of the CourtsChicago, Illinois

Doug Bowie has been Assistant Director, Court Services,of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts since1998. In that capacity, he has responsibility for trial courtprograms, including court reporting services. He is agraduate of the University of Illinois, Champaign andreceived a Masters Degree in Public Administration fromSangamon State University, Springfield, IL. Doug beganhis service to the judiciary in 1966 as a juvenile probationofficer in Cook County (Chicago). He relocated toSprinfield in 1976 to serve as Executive Director of theIllinois Probation and Court Services Association. He wenton to serve 10 years as Legislative Liaison for the StateSupreme Court before assuming his current position.

7pm Dinner and Keynote Address

SPEAKER:Doug BowieIllinois Administrative Office of the CourtsChicago, Illinois

To register for the conference or for more information onsponsorship levels, see your newsletter or visitwww.aaert.org


10:30am - 4pm

Connie RillPresidentRill Reporting, Inc.Stockton, CA

Digital Court ReportingProcedures Using FTR GOLD

This is a one-day course that provides digital courtreporting training utilizing the FTR Gold product.Participants will learn basic digital court reporting skillsand become familiar with FTR Gold Reporter and Playersoftware. This seminar will assist in preparation for theAAERT Digital Reporter Certification Practical Exam.

AFTERNOON SESSION:

1pm - 4pm Panel DiscussionInstallation of DigitalRecording Systems:Managing the Transitionfrom Stenographic orAnalog Equipment

Andrzej Nowacki Director, Corporate Services Alberta Justice Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Andrzej (An-jay) Nowacki started his computer career inhis native Poland at the Polish National Bank. He has beenin the computer industry over 20 years and has been withAlberta Justice for 12 years. For the past seven years hehas been in court services in both finance and informationservices. Alberta Justice uses digital recording for courtreporting. Nowacki says that it was because of “complexreasons” that they started using digital recording. First,the Lanier analog machines were on their last leg and since300 machines needed to be replaced they made the decisionto convert to digital recording. Second, Alberta was oneof the last provinces to have court reporter employees inthe courtroom. Budget issues caused Alberta to join withthe other provinces and rely on digital recording and sendout transcription to contractors. The recordings areuploaded to the server and transcriptionists download therecordings, transcribe, and send back the transcripts.Alberta is approximately the size of Texas and Nowackisays that installation of digital recording was a challengebecause of the lack of geographical proximity of the variouscourtrooms. Nowacki loves his job and goes as far as tosay that, “My hobbies ARE big projects.” With a provincethe size of Texas, it’s a good thing.

(AGENDA from previous page)

The frenzy is upon us, and I do not intend to spend a greatdeal of time trying to respond to or amass match-for-matchhorror stories against stenographers. Frankly, it’s a wasteof time battling. The future is bright for us, and the marketsare opening. NCRA’s efforts will not prevail favorably inthe end.

But since they’ve brought horror stories to my attention, Ido have one to share. If you too are so inclined, please feelfree to share yours with us at [email protected] for postingon the NCRA Forum. In fact, let’s go one step further, andwith that share an ER success story of your own just forgood balance.

Earlier in my career as a freelance deposition reporter, Iappeared with my Wisconsin client at a deposition inIllinois. It was a medical malpractice case wherein theplaintiff had died. The expert witness was a board certifiedphysician from India. My job was to videotape the witnessand produce the official certified transcript using theelectronic reporting method. The attorney from Illinoisvehemently objected, upon realizing that I was not acertified stenographic reporter. “Where’s your machine?”Suffice it to say, he did not like my answer when I pointedto my equipment. Statutes were referenced, argumentsensued, and ultimately we waited half an hour for anIllinois stenographer to appear.

Eventually, a very attractive, well-dressed woman enteredthe room, set up her steno machine next to me, and the

HorrorStories

By Janet B. Harris

It is no real surprise the NCRA has recently launched a smear campaign to amass ER horror stories from its membership on the NCRA website. Currently, a two inch packet including information as outdated

as 1994 is available to NCRA members, shedding the worst possible light on electronic and digitalrecording. And they are sharing this with court administration and legislators throughout the

country as electronic and digital recording alternatives are explored.

deposition finally began. There were times I had tointerrupt to ask the doctor to repeat himself due to hisheavy Indian accent. However, I noticed the steno reportercalmly stroked her keys in rhythmn with completeconfidence, and I was really quite impressed.

Following a long question and objection, my clientinstructed me to play back the last question. While Ichecked the counter number recorded in my notes, defensecounsel chided on the record to my client, “Do you wantmy reporter to read it back, or your reporter?” My clientretorted demeaningly, “My reporter, of course. Yours isjust window dressing.”

Oh my, here we go, I remember thinking during a pregnantpause as the tape continued recording. I looked up to seeall eyes looking impatiently in my direction. I quicklyrewound to the question and struck the play key inseconds. The attorney from Illinois sat back, crossed hisarms and spent more time than I was comfortable withlooking in my direction. Thankfully, after a short time, weadjourned for a break.

The steno reporter and I met again in the restroom, andwhile washing up she asked me, “What is going on? Ifyou’re here and can make a transcript, why did they callme?” She knew nothing more than there was a phone callfrom a frantic secretary, “We need a reporter now.” I wasfamiliar with that type of call myself.


(See HORROR STORIES next page)


I explained the events of the morning to her and added, “Your clientapparently doesn’t think I’m good enough. So that’s why you’re here.”She nervously exclaimed, “Well, I’m glad you’re here. I’ve been home onpregnancy leave for the last six weeks. I haven’t touched my machine,and I got a call from my office asking if I could just leave immediately tocome here, there was some emergency.” She leaned towards me with adesperate look on her face, “I’m going to need your tapes.”

Now this was not one of the more pleasurable experiences of my career, Iassure you. I said, “You’re here because they want to play the “my reportervs. your reporter” game. My client would be very upset if I gave you mytapes. They’re assuming one of us is going to have an inaccuratetranscript.” Even the painted color in her face drained as dread rolledover her body, “There’s no way,” she said, “There’s no way I can do that.When I can’t understand his answers, I just stroke ‘TAPE’ through thewhole thing.” I was empathetic towards her situation, we rarely knowwhat we’re walking into as deposition reporters, which is precisely whyI’ve chosen the electronic reporting method. Anyway, I cautioned her, “Ifyou can’t understand him, then you are just as free to ask him to repeathimself as I am. And I would advise you to do that.”

The next several hours were painful — for her. It ended. Transcripts wereproduced. Mine was returned by the witness without correction. Myoffice, through our client, purchased a copy of her transcript, and as youcan imagine where “TAPE/TAPE/TAPE” appeared in her steno notes,there would have been significant differences in our transcripts renderinghers unusable. The most interesting exchange that day, however, wasbetween the attorneys when the steno reporter was called “windowdressing.” This exchange was noticeably absent in her transcript, butpresent in mine. Verbatim is verbatim. “If it’s on the tape, it’s in thetranscript,” is our company motto. Verbatim is why they hire us. It’s notmy call to clean things up as we often hear with steno reporters, and inthis case, apparently even when they’re being insulted.

Her transcript, however, did include lengthy and difficult answers wherenothing but “TAPE/TAPE/TAPE” appeared in her steno notes. Now howdid that happen? Of course, her attorney could have bothered to purchasea copy of the videotape from me and provide it to her, as was his right.But that’s not what happened. I provided a copy of the tapes to the reporter.I never told anybody. I wasn’t supposed to do it, but it made me feel goodabout myself, and she was very grateful. There were still inconsistenciesin her record, and it wasn’t used. In my mind, the point had been made,and the stress she had been subjected to was unnecessary. Years later, theIllinois attorney scheduled depositions with my firm on his cases inWisconsin, and I added another client to my growing list.

I do not wish to battle with NCRA on horror stories. Both sides havehorror stories. Our focus is on success, ensuring ER successes. The onlyway to achieve success with electronic recording is through education onthe necessary requirements to ensure a quality recording. That is our focusnow and the mission of AAERT. I encourage you to make it yours as well.

(HORROR STORIES from previous page)

Executive DirectorResigns To OpenConsulting BusinessConnie Rill, Executive Director of AAERT,submitted a letter of resignation to beeffective March 31, 2003. The Boardwishes Connie well in her futureendeavors. AAERT and Connie Rill havelong been synonymous, rarely would youhear one without the other. Connie’scommitment and tenacity to the successof the organization has been unfalteringin our first decade. AAERT is grateful forall of Connie’s contributions which areinnumberable. She served as presidentfrom our inception and fulfilled the dutiesof nearly every other capacity within theorganization. As “The Court Reporter”newsletter editor, Connie providedmembers with news of electronicreporting across the country and keptclose to the pulse of industry changes.Connie, thank you, from all of us.

A FOND FAREWELL...

I have enjoyed all my roles with AAERT sinceit’s 1993 beginning. The hard work hascertainly been rewarding and its payoff is thecamaraderie at our annual conventions. I haveresigned as executive director because ourorganization shows the growth and strengthneeded to carry out its goals with dedicatedvolunteers. I have every confidence that withthe leadership of our president, and theexperience of our board, AAERT comes intothe digital age a strong, viable organizationready to accomplish much for our industry. Ilook forward to seeing you all at our 10thAnnual Convention in Las Vegas.

Connie Rill

AAERT Board & Members


I am a member in good standing of AAERT, Inc. and I have received notice of the Annual Meeting ofMembers to be held at 9:00 a.m. Friday, June 20, 2003, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As a member who is unable to attend the Annual Meeting, I would like to elect the following option toexercise my right to vote on Association business and/or the election of directors (select either 1, 2 or 3then follow the instructions next to “Proxy” and/or “Ballot”):

1. I choose to appoint the named member below to cast my proxy vote for both the election ofdirectors and on any Association business to come before the Membership at the Annual Meeting.

2. I choose to appoint the named member below to cast my proxy vote only for any Associationbusiness to come before the Membership at the Annual Meeting. I further choose to exercise my right tovote directly for directors by making selections in the Ballot section below.

3. I choose to exercise my right to vote directly for directors by making selections in the Ballot sectionbelow. I do not wish to appoint a member to cast my proxy vote on any Association business that maycome before the Membership at the Annual Meeting.

Proxy: If I have chosen Option 1 or 2 above, my proxy vote will be cast by thefollowing AAERT member in good standing at the Annual Meeting:

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Ballot: If I have chosen Option 2 or 3 above, my vote for up to two (2) directors isas follows: (Bios of the candidates are on the reverse side of this proxy/ballot)

Neal Gross Gillian Lawrence Deb Swanson

I may revoke this proxy at any time before the 2003 Annual Meeting by written instruction to the Secretaryof the Association or by appearing in person at the Annual Meeting.

Dated and signed this ________ day of ___________________, 2003.

_________________________________ _________________________________ My signature My name (printed)

Complete and return by June 10, 2003 to AAERT, Inc., at365 E. Coronado Road, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85004 or FAX to (602) 263-9699

REVOCABLE PROXY BALLOT

❑ ❑ ❑


Neal Gross

Neal attended St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland, University di Firenze (Italy),University of Maryland and Arizona State University. In 1975, Neal started in CSA reportingand freelanced through 1976. He incorporated Neal R. Gross and Co., Inc. in 1977. Currently,he performs reporting for private law firms, state and local courts and agencies, Congress,Federal agencies, boards and commissions in Washington, D.C., all 50 states, and throughoutthe world. Neal is chair of the Government Relations Committee and has been an AAERTboard member for many years. Neal has been instrumental in orchestrating recent lobbyingefforts in Washington, D.C.

Gillian Lawrence

Gillian’s background as a legal secretary for Shell Oil Company prepared her to start trainingas an independent court transcriptionist for Eleanor Hall Transcribing in Bakersfield,California (1991-1998). She credits Eleanor for all her training, noting that “Eleanor has anincredible legal vocabulary and exhaustive English skills.” She did most of the transcriptionfrom her home office, but occasionally did “dailies” in a Los Angeles courthouse with Eleanor.During this period Gillian was familiarized with AAERT, particularly their organized effortto protect electronic recording in California. At Eleanor’s encouragement, Gillian wrote lettersand solicited ballot signatures in an attempt to educate the Legislature and the voters aboutthe cost savings of electronic court recording compared to stenography. After moving toFlorida, Gillian was hired as an automated court reporter by Steve Simon at the Ninth JudicialCircuit in Orlando. She has enjoyed being a court employee and learning how a court systemoperates. She has also appreciated the innovative digital recording technology being used inOrlando. In June of 2001 she had the privilege of attending and working at AAERT’sConvention and has since had the opportunity to contribute to The Court Reporter. Shesays, “It is a privilege to learn from this diverse group of people who join together to beAAERT.”

Deb Swanson

Deb Swanson began as a secretary in the Warrant Office of the Kent County Friends of theCourt in 1978. From there, she was promoted to program secretary for the Kent CountyCrisis Intervention Center. In 1985, she was promoted and hired as a court reporter andjudicial secretary with the Kent County Juvenile Court. In 1989, she advanced to the KentCounty Circuit Court, where she remains as a court reporter. She has served as past recording-secretary and past education chair for the Michigan Electronic Court Reporters Association.She currently serves as 2nd Vice President of that same organization. Deb is also a facultymember of the Michigan Judicial Institute of the Michigan Supreme Court. She is the proudmother of two grown children and five grandchildren.

CANDIDATE BIOS


by Gillian Lawrence

Not far from the balmy breezes of South Beach in Miami, is cosmopolitandowntown where Absolute Video, Inc. calls home. Luis Gomez is amember of AAERT’s 2002-2003 Board of Directors and is the owner andpresident of Absolute Video, Inc. From a videography background, Luiswas approached by the Eleventh Circuit regarding electronic audiorecording.

Luis says, “Sound is the most important part of video and this well-prepares us to handle audio media.” The Eleventh Circuit had a shortageof stenographers and was investigating cost-effective ways to handle courtreporting, and in 2000 they implemented digital court reporting usingFTR. The Eleventh Circuit provides equipment and FTR software; AbsoluteVideo staffs the courtrooms with trained personnel and uses subcontracttranscriptionists.

The court reporters employed by Luis are technologically-savvy, arelearning quickly the nuances and legalese of the field, and have becomerespected members of the courtroom team.

Raul Ospina works in the corporate office in graphic design andadministration. He is ultimately responsible to manage all the CDs forthe 21 courtrooms. Marcos Vazquez is a supervising court reporter forthe criminal courtrooms. Jesus Fernandez, a high school graduate fromthe Class of 2002, is what Luis calls a “computer whiz” and is a courtreporter in Domestic Violence. James Lewis, “The Rapper,” is a courtreporter in the Juvenile Justice Center. Travis Rutland, Media Specialist,works as videographer as well as a supervising court reporter. Meetingthe court reporters and learning about the different aspects of their jobswas a great experience when several of us from the Orlando courthousewent to visit.

Several of the reporters were able to attend the June convention in Orlando.It is exciting to see young people working in the field. Dynamism willhappen in our organization when we combine their enthusiasm andtechnologically-ready mindsets with the experience of seasoned reportersand transcribers. We have a lot to learn from each other; we will learn alot together.

The potential for growth in AAERT is at an all-time high under the currentconditions — we need to seek to understand the similarities and differencesin our different courthouses, states, and job functions, and then togetherembrace the vision of what electronic court reporting will be ten yearsfrom now.

ELECTRONIC COURTREPORTING IN

SOUTH FLORIDA

MeetMemberAJim Bowen

Jim Bowen is a graduate of PrincetonUniversity and brings to the electronicreporting and transcribing profession anattitude fostered by Robert F. Goheen(President of Princeton University, 1957-1972) when he developed Princeton’sundergraduate program of study to respondto “an exploding, booming, shifting worldof knowledge and ideas.” i[i] Though multi-talented and multi-tasking, Jim’s historic andcontinuing contributions to AAERT havebeen through education and administration.Jim graduated from Princeton in 1982 witha B.S. in Engineering and from RutgersUniversity, Graduate School of Managementin 1993 with a MBA. He worked as apurchasing manager for McMaster-CarrSupply Company in Dayton, New Jerseybefore joining J&J Court Transcribers full-time in 1990.

Some men tell mother-in-law jokes; Jim andhis mother-in-law are business partners. Jimwas unknowingly introduced to theprofession in 1976 when he met his then-future-mother-in-law, Johanna Limato. Hisinvolvement was strictly observational until1985 when his wife had their first daughterand they moved the business into thebasement of their home. His wife handledbusiness management and Jim started doingthe accounting part-time. The company

by Gillian Lawrence

(see MEET A MEMBER next page)


purchased their own building in 1988 and moved out of theBowen’s residence. In 1990 the business was taking a differentdirection and Jim agreed to join the company. Another changeoccurred in 1991 when Johanna bought out her businesspartner. The company has since moved again into largeroffices, and J&J’s office staff now includes over 25 transcribers,an office manager, and one full-time trainer.

New Jersey has been at the forefront of courtroom audiorecording in the United States since the ‘70’s. Of the over 600county and municipal courtrooms in New Jersey,approximately 100 are staffed by state-employedstenographers and the rest by courtroom monitors. Thetranscription is contracted out to various private agencies. Inthe 80’s a group of transcription companies in New Jerseyformed the Certified Transcribers Association of New Jersey(CTANJ) for organized professional interaction and group-lobbying efforts. After joining J&J full-time in 1990, Jim soonjoined CTANJ and served as the President from 1992 to 1996.During his term a large focus was battling for a page rateincrease for transcribers, which came to fruition in 2000. Thiswas the first time Jim became involved with the political aspectof the transcribing profession, regularly dealing with thenegative propaganda of the local stenographic industry. As aresult of budget issues the New Jersey court administrativeoffices were continuing to push for audio recording in thecourtrooms, and again this created a great need forprofessional transcribers to “step up to the plate” and educatethe legal community and the public regarding the benefits ofelectronic court reporting. Writing letters to the editor becamean ongoing vocation.

In ’93 electronic court reporters and transcribers across thecountry were beginning to form a national organization forthe profession. Connie Meadows (now Connie Rill), SteveTownsend, and Jan Harris were the original incorporators.During the search for potential leaders for this new associationNew Jersey was investigated because of its large populationof transcription firms. J&J was involved with work for thefederal courts and in the early 80’s had been involved in afederal study for electronic court reporting and transcription.Since his name was linked with the federal work, he receiveda call from Connie Meadows in ’93 explaining the new ventureand soliciting his involvement. She explained to him thatlike-minded people were joining together to form a nationalassociation of electronic reporters and transcribers, that theby-laws for this organization were already being written, thefirst convention was being planned, and that they wereseeking board members from various areas of the country sothis new national organization would have good geographicalrepresentation. The organization was officially formed inApril of 1994 at the first convention in Las Vegas, and Jimwas one of the original seven board members.

Having already been involved with the certification processfor New Jersey, Jim was a natural to become Chair of theCertification Committee. As a national association AAERT

decided that since there are many variations betweentranscript formats state-to-state that the test would followFederal Court formats. Jim says, “This allowed us to peg to astandard and at the same time everyone would be exposed tothe Federal format and have an opportunity to learn it.”AAERT hired a consultant to get the test up and running. Jimsaid, “Connie worked with the consultant to help roll out thefirst test. It was a good test and people who took it felt like itwas a fair representation of the industry. In an effort to betterfocus the transcriber and reporter test, I massaged the testafter receiving input from those who had taken the October1996 test, and in June of 1997 the current test format was usedfor the first time.”

Along with being a founding board member and developingthe certification test, Jim worked at creating a broaderdistribution of the newsletter; developed the practice ofnaming the year, his first being “Year of Membership”;worked continuously with the federal court AdministrativeOffice in the process of adopting AAERT’s transcriber test fortheir purposes; and expanded the duration of the conventionto include a couple of days for director meetings. Jim joinedJan Harris, Sunny Peer, and Mary Ann Lutz in representingAAERT at the CTC5 in Detroit, Michigan in September of 1997.In June of 1998 Jim, president at the time, represented AAERTin Washington, DC at the first Assembly of Court Associationsformed by the National Center for State Courts. In Decemberof 2000, in response to a federal study on digital audiorecording technology, Jim authored a white paper on behalfof AAERT titled, “Digital Audio Recording Technology in theCourtroom - The Issue of Compatibility.” Also, in August of2001 Jim Bowen, Bill Wagner, and Steve Simon representedAAERT in Baltimore at CTC7, a court technology conferencehosted by the National Center for State Courts. Jim said, “Iam very committed to AAERT and I never stop thinking aboutways to grow the organization.” Jim also believes there is“room for everybody and a need for everybody,” which hesays includes analog recording, digital recording, andstenography.

Surprisingly Jim even has time to play soccer and golf, watchhis daughters play sports, help his senior through the college-selection process, and be President of the Hamilton TownshipPublic Library Board of Trustees. Hamilton Township, incentral New Jersey has been home all his life, except for abrief stint after college in a town a few miles away. He lovesthe suburban lifestyle, the 45-minute drive to the beach, theone-hour drive to the mountains or Philadelphia, and the“humongous congestion” one hour north — the Big Apple.Jim said it has been a cold winter with a tremendous amountof snow this year and in New York City technology hasallowed them to use snow-melting machines to melt it. Thelarge machines turn the snow into water that pours into citystorm drains. Technology, or implementing progressivethought, is something we can definitely learn from Jim andhis part of this great country.

(MEET A MEMBER from previous page)


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Grand Canal Shoppes - A shopping experiencelike no other. Talented performers serenadeshoppers as they stroll along The Grand Canal.

Shoppertainment - An exquisite cast of carnivalecharacters and street performers, Italian operasingers and costumed entertainers perform dailyat the Grand Canal Shoppes. Check out theArtists del Arte, The Venetian Living Statues andthe Gondolier March.

DO IN LAS VEGAS


Are ANTIQUES your passion?http://www.thecityoflasvegas.org/antiques.htmlhttp://www.vegasliving.com/05business/interiors/antiques.html

Perhaps you’ll finally have time for a little shopping at theOUTLET MALLS? Belz Factory Outlet, 7400 S. Las VegasBlvd., Las Vegas; (702) 896-5599 and Factory Stores ofAmerica, 9155 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas - 702-897-9090http://www.kaimonoamerika.com/LV/outletshop.html

Call in advance and make GOLFING reservations at PrimmValley Resorts Golf Course, listed in Golf Magazine as oneof the “Top 100 Resort Courses You Can Play.”http://www.primmvalleyresorts.com

A quiet conversation with a fellow member over a gourmetcup of COFFEE or a civilized cup of TEA?

...and for YOUR Not-So-Free Timeand Gambling Winnings?

http://www.channelchina.com/coffee.htm

A particular RESTAURANT you would like to look up inadvance?www.scenicc i t i es . com/lasvegas/res taurants/RestaurantsT.htm

How about four hours from hotel pick-up to drop-off totake a bus tour of the HOOVER DAM, where you can reallysee a great vision put into action?

$26 regular price - $21.99 if make reservationshttp://www.1-hoover-dam.com.

*Note: You will save money if you book ahead on theInternet.

And if you ever want to get a little perspective on“obstacles” and “valleys,” come view the GRANDCANYON. The bus tour is approximately 11.5 hours fromhotel pick-up to drop-off and the flight tour isapproximately 6 hours from hotel pick-up to drop-off.http://www.looktours.com/bus2.html - $94.99 if bookedon Internet: http://www.looktours.com/heliboatair.html- $244.99 if booked on Internet.

The FAMILY was able to come? How about the LionHabitat at the MGM Grand for an awesome educationalexperience or to beat the hot heat of the desert, a trip toWet ‘N Wild? Be sure to go to The Mirage and see the20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium stocked with angelfish,pufferfish, and the like. And while at The Mirage don’tforget the 2.5-million-gallon Dolphin Habitat.http://www.mgmgrand.com/lv/pages/ent_lionhab.asphttp://www.wetnwildlv.com/index.jsp?path=home&page=home

Federal TranscriptionContract Rates

Per the March 14, 2003 memo from theAdministrative Office of the U.S. Courts:

“Each court may adopt a schedule of transcript fees subject tothe maximum rates..., and may do so immediately. Transcriptsordered prior to the date of a court’s adoption of the new ratesshould be billed at the rates in effect at the time the order wasplaced.”

To read the full AO Memorandum...www.aaert.org


Visit AAERT on theWORLD WIDE WEB!

www.aaert.org

Our website, www.aaert.org, nowprovides for Convention registrations,Memberships [new or renewal], andpurchase of the Study Guide by Visa orMastercard. Previously, payments couldonly be made through utilizing PayPal.Now, secure transactions are handled viathe AAERT website through a fullysecure connection, and follow thestandard “enter info and click here” stepsmost of us are already familiar withonline. Thanks to Karl Fuss (Seattle), whomade these technical arrangementsfor AAERT.

Visa/Mastercard NowAccepted On Website

DEBRA SWANSON AND SYLVIA STRATTON explore new methodologyin a Kent County, Michigan courtroom. They provide FTR Lognotes andrecordings as work product copy for attorneys in lieu of daily rough-copytranscripts that stenographers provide. For this service, the digital courtreporters charge half of the current page rate charged by the stenographersfor their daily rough-copy transcript. The digital court reporters explain,“Now, instead of having to READ a daily rough copy of a transcript, youcan actually HEAR what was said in the courtroom.

The actual courtroom recordings can be used in place of daily copy for along trial and, with the copious courtroom notes provided with therecorded proceedings, you can go directly to any part of that day’stestimony and replay it at your convenience. Of course, the CD is not an“official” filed transcript and cannot be used in place of transcripts forappellate purposes. However, the instant accessibility of a previous day’sproceedings makes this new technology very helpful in preparing for yournext day of trial. The audio and notes can even be e-mailed to your officeand be waiting for you on your PC when you return from court.” Theirclients have marveled at the easy access to the courtroom recordings, theimmeasurable impact of a witness’s actual voice and intonation playedback to the jury, and the cost savings for expert witness fees due to thespeed at which they can review the proceedings digitally as opposed toreading a transcript.

Another innovate method Sylvia says she “stumbled upon one night whenI didn’t save my lognotes in the correct format,” is converting FTRLognotes to a word processing program. They delete unnecessary symbolsand time stamps and then use this “transcript” to tape proof from. TheseMichigan reporters believe if they take excellent notes in the courtroom,they will have up to 75 percent of the transcript typed. They are available(see e-mail below) if you would like to learn more.

Sylvia started in District Court in 1987 and has been in Circuit Court since1991 as a court clerk and a certified electronic court reporter. Debra hasworked for Kent County since 1978 in various positions and has beenworking as a court reporter since 1985. She has been working for theHon. Donald A. Johnston as a full-time official court reporter since 1993and has been involved with the Michigan Electronic Court ReporterAssociation since 1986.

Debra and Sylvia welcome your questions and are open to“brainstorming.” Feel free to e-mail them but be sure to reference AAERTin the subject line. Debra will be attending the Las Vegas convention, sobe sure to meet her. [email protected] [email protected]

NEW METHOD INMICHIGAN CAN BEAPPLIED ANYWHERE

P.O. Box 3680, Milford, CT 06460 (800) 548-9336 Fax (203) 878-1219Visit our Website: www.bbitech.com E-mail: [email protected]

SONY BM-147Standard Cassette

4-Channel, 4-Track Transcriber

FTR Digital Software – Foot Control $65Headsets also Available from $21

• Dual Speed Playback (2.4 & 1.2)

• 4 Digit LED Tape Counter• 3-Function Foot Control

(Play/Rewind/Fast forward)

• Adjustable Automatic Backspace• Built-In Speaker• Speed/Tone/Volume Control• Selectable Playback of individual or

all recorded channels.

• Variable Speech Compression (VSC)for fast playback at up to almost twivethe recorded speed.

• Includes Headset & Foot Control

SPECIAL AAERT PRICE

$695

SONY BM-246Standard Cassette

4-Channel, 4-Track Recorder

• Dual Cassette Operation• 2-Speed Recording – up to 6 hours

without interruption

• 4-Track, 4-Channel Recording• Independent Record Signal Indicators• Easy Search Function• Automatic Gain Control• Built-in Speaker• Variable Speed Playback• Speed/Tone/Volume Ctrls• Key-Lock Security

SPECIAL AAERT PRICE

$1857.00 (BM-246 Basic Unit)

$185.00 ea. (Mic/Cable/Stand Setup)



FLASHBACKS...

The First Convention in Las Vegas, 1994. (Left to right) Janet Harris, William Wagner,Beth Reid and Nancy Farley.

The Original Board attending the 1994 Convention in Las Vegas. (Left to right) SunnyPeer, Connie Rill, Steve Townsend, Gloria Kron, William Wagner, Bill Bowen and Janet Harris.


WHEATON, Ill. — Chief Justice Moses W. Harrison II of theSupreme Court of Illinois said Tuesday he was impressed withcourt facilities in DuPage County which utilize a digital taperecording system to preserve official records of testimony incivil cases.

Chief Justice Harrison toured the courtroom facilities inDuPage County on Monday with Supreme Court Justice-electBob Thomas; DuPage court officials, including AppellateJudge Michael Galasso, who was former chief judge of the18th Judicial Circuit, and current Chief Judge Thomas Callum;DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph Birkett, and his topassistant, John Kinsella; Steve Levy, a lawyer who practicesin DuPage County; and Joseph A. Schillaci, director of theAdministrative Office of Illinois Courts.

The Administrative Office instituted the pilot project inDuPage with the approval of the Court and is overseeing itsexpansion into other counties.

“I can see that this is a step in the right direction,” said ChiefJustice Harrison. “We must consider what technology has tooffer at this time. I was very impressed with the administrationof the system and how effective it seems to be. I was alsoimpressed with the judges and lawyers we talked to whopraised the system’s accuracy.”

Fifteen of the 38 courtrooms in the Wheaton courthouse areequipped with the system. It consists of several highlysensitive microphones strategically placed in each courtroomand a small video camera discretely suspended fromoverhead. A continuing feed of the audio and video istransmitted to a control room where one court reporter orelectronic recording operator is responsible for monitoringfour courtrooms.By computer, the court reporter or electronic recordingoperator (ERO) tags the audio recordings to identify speakersand the substance of testimony for later retrieval. The audiomaterial is stored on a digital compact disc, which isconsidered the official court record and can be transcribed bya court reporter when a request for an official transcript ismade. The video recording, used only as an aid to the courtreporters, is not saved.

The system was instituted in DuPage County in May 1999.The Supreme Court wanted to institute a pilot project to seehow new technology could better distribute resources tointroduce efficiencies in the court reporting system and savetaxpayers money.

CHIEF JUSTICE HARRISONIMPRESSED WITH DIGITAL

COURT RECORDING SYSTEMCurrently, the Supreme Court budget pays more than $41million for court reporters salaries, transcripts and otherrelated expenses. Chief Justice Harrison said that althoughthere has been a hiring freeze on new court reporters, no courtreporter will lose his or her job because of the digital system.

Chief Justice Harrison toured courtrooms equipped with thesystem and received briefings from Judge Callum; JudgeRobert K. Kilander, who tries large civil cases with the system;Robert Fiscella, DuPage County Court Administrator; andGeri Barnes, the county court reporter administrator whosupervises daily operation of the system and trains EROs. Hetoured the control room where the EROs were monitoringcourtroom proceedings by computer and live audio.

Chief Justice Harrison also sat it on a live hearing before JudgeRodney W. Equi, whose Domestic Relations courtroom utilizesthe system.

Judge Callum told Chief Justice Harrison of an internal surveyof judges and lawyers working with the digital recordingsystem, who gave it “an overwhelming positive response,”in terms of ease, speed of obtaining a transcript and accuracy.Of the 130 attorneys who answered the survey, 95 percentbelieved the transcripts were accurate and complete, 98percent believed obtaining a transcript under the digitalsystem was convenient and 87 percent felt it was timely.

After viewing the digital recording operation, Chief JusticeHarrison was very complimentary.

“I want to give high praise to Chief Judge Tom Callum andformer Chief Judge Mike Galasso and to Director Joe Schillaciin taking a strong stand in incorporating technology into oursystem in a way that will decrease the cost of trials for litigantsand still preserve and provide an accurate record,” ChiefJustice Harrison said. “The chief judges, the director and GeriBarnes, the court reporter supervisor, took an enlightenedview to accomplish these purposes.

“Not only is the Supreme Court indebted to these people butso are all the citizens of the State of Illinois who are the ultimatebeneficiaries of these efforts.” DuPage County officials saythey plan to expand the system to other courtrooms.

Based on the success of the pilot project in DuPage County, adigital recording system has also been initiated in the countiesof: Saline, Pope, Jersey, Jo Daviess, Lee, Randolph, Kankakeeand Piatt.


Announcing...Awards For:

AAERT Reporter of the Year andAAERT Transcriber of the Year

PURPOSE:

To recognize outstanding members of AAERT andhighlight achievements in electronic reporting andtranscribing.

RULES:

1. Nomination to be submitted by AAERT member ingood standing only.

2. Nominees should meet the following criteria

A) AAERT member in good standing

B) Hold a valid AAERT certification in field nominated

C) Nominee cannot be the currently sitting on the Board of Directors of AAERT.

3. Nomination application should include thefollowing:

A) Name, address, phone number, fax number and email address of both nominee and person nominating.

B) Designate either Reporter or Transcriber ` candidate

C) AAERT certification number

D) Number of years in industry

E) Primary work location

F) A letter indicating why the nominee is deserving of the award, highlighting the achievements in their field.

4) Nominations are open between February 1 andApril 1 of each year

5) Award is given at the AAERT Annual Conferencebanquet.

6) Awardee is given a free one year individual

membership in AAERT and an engraved plaquesignifying their achievement.

7) Awardee is given free convention attendance plusexpenses to attend the awards banquet.

JUDGING:

1) Nominees are screen by Executive Manager to ensurethey meet the qualifications noted above.

2) A three panel judging committee comprised of nonAAERT members will be chosen by the currentPresident of AAERT. The committee will reviewthe nominations and choose a winner in eachcategory.

OUTREACH:

Notification of nomination rules and dates in thefollowing locations:

1) AAERT Winter newsletter

2) AAERT website

3) Notification to be included with AAERT membershiprenewal invoices

To propose an AAERT member for this award, emailus at [email protected] for an application form. We encouragemembers to participate in this award program and lookforward to awarding outstanding reporter and transcriberof the year at our 10th Annual Convention in Las Vegas,Nevada.

IT’S TIME TO BECOME AN ACTIVE MEMBER!

How? Voice yourconcerns to boardmembers…write yourrepresentatives inCongress…attend theconvention…contributeto the newsletter…join acommittee…becomecertified…supportAAERT and its effortson behalf of ER.

23812 Rock CircleBothell, WI 98021-8573

MEMBERSHIP APPL IC AT IONName: ________________________________________________________________________________

Company Name: ________________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________________ State: __________________ Zip: ________________

Phone: ___________________________________ Fax: ________________________________________

E-Mail Address: ________________________________________________________________________

I principally work in: General Member $55 Dues Corporate member dues for companies with:[ ] Private Sector [ ] Reporter [ ] Transcriber [ ] 5 or fewer employees/subcontractors $125[ ] Federal Court [ ] Managing/Administration *Includes one free general membership[ ] State Court [ ] Proofreader [ ] 10 or fewer employees/subcontractors $225[ ] Other [ ] Reporter/Transcriber [ ] 25 or fewer employees/subcontractors $325

[ ] Video Operator [ ] VENDOR MEMBER Dues $325

I hereby apply for membership in AAERT and agree to support its mission.

Signature __________________________________________________

Make Check Payable to AAERT, Inc.Mail to: AAERT, Inc. • 23812 Rock Circle • Bothell, WI 98021-8573

aaert...uploaded to the server and transcriptionists download the recordings, transcribe, and send...

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