Calgary and Edmonton Court Reporting Offices Open

Calgary and Edmonton Court Reporting Offices Open

Well, we haven’t really been closed as our services were essential to the legal community, but since things are reopening, we want to let you know about the standards and protocols we will have in place at our Calgary and Edmonton offices. Independent Reporters will continue to provide remote court reporting services to our legal clients anywhere they may be working from in the province. Our services include providing court reporters for remote questioning, remote realtime court reporting services for trials, arbitrations and tribunals and also hosting mediations.

Independent Reporters is following the Alberta Biz Connect Workplace Guidance in our offices. Please note the following guidelines our team is adhering to during the prescribed requirements as required by the government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services.

  • IR Team Members are required to wear face masks unless the employee is working alone in an enclosed or personal area without others in the same location.
  • Visitors to our building are to follow the entrance and exit markings when entering our main floor lobby. There will also be postings on where to wait for elevators and the number of people in elevators. Please follow these guidelines.
    Our building is also taking extra cleaning measures with increased disinfecting on frequent contact points and using a solution that meets the standards of ASH (EP50).
  • Upon entering our building please use the hand sanitizer located in all elevator banks before entering the elevators.
  • Visitors are highly encouraged to wear face masks unless the visitor is working alone in an enclosed area within our office. (Face masks are NOT provided by IR)
  • Social Distancing within our office space is to be practiced by maintaining a two-metre or six-foot distance from others while in IR offices. Extra chairs in boardrooms will be removed to allow for defining acceptable social distancing while conducting discoveries.
  • Frequent cleaning and sanitizing of all high touch areas in our office will be performed by our staff.
  • Court reporters and staff are to wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer that is provided throughout the office.
  • All court reporters and staff will avoid sharing office equipment such as pens, phones, and keyboards.
  • All commonly used spaces & conference rooms will be stocked with disinfectant cleaner and hand sanitizer, which should be used frequently.
  • Avoid any handshaking or touching during introductions.
  • Witnesses will primarily be affirmed, however, if taking an oath on the Bible is preferred, this will be covered in plastic.

Please remember if you are not feeling well, you should stay home. If you are sick or appear to be sick, we may ask you to return home. We all must do our part in protecting ourselves and minimizing the risk of infection.

CMOH Order 05-2020 legally obligates individuals who have a cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat (that is not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition) to be in isolation for 10 days from the start of symptoms, or until symptoms resolve, whichever takes longer.

Local Edmonton Court Reporting Company Supporting Local Businesses

Local Edmonton Court Reporting Company Supporting Local Businesses

Our Court Reporters Support Other Local Businesses!

Edmonton Independent Reporters is an Alberta-owned court reporting company. We’re not owned by a corporation from the United States, nor are we managed by people who are not from Alberta. We are local and, by being Albertans, we know our strength comes from working with other Alberta companies

Like other businesses in this province we believe that it is important to support businesses in Edmonton and area so that we can continue to prosper once things start to return to the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic passes. This will only help to ensure we continue to provide the necessary services in our community to keep our local economy moving and strong.

Why Support Local Business?

When any of us buys or uses services from a company in Alberta, we all benefit. Yes, it is sometimes hard because the larger corporations make it more convenient or advertise they have a wider selection, we tend to believe many items cannot be found from a local business. However, in many instances and with a little research, you can likely what you need from a local company. The people that run these businesses are our neighbours, friends, coaches or family members. Why would we not support these people instead of sending your money to an unknown corporate behemoth?

Services That Excel

Since this pandemic has hit, court reporters started to offer services remotely. But did you know that Independent Reporters has been providing lawyers with the capability to take the testimony of witnesses by video connection for over 15 years?

In fact, Independent Reporters may well be the most experienced company in Canada that offers remote questioning. We know how to do this and we’ve been doing it longer than many of the corporate companies have been in business. That experience over the years has helped us to smoothly transition lawyers to quickly allow our clients to move to a remote option of questioning witnesses by video without any issues. Our staff and team have provided video connections to every continent on the planet, except Antarctica. Doing this is nothing new for us. We well understand how these services work and provide support.

Let’s All Support Other Local Edmonton Companies

We asked our court reporters for other local companies that they are buying from at this time and who they will continue to support in the future. IR would like you to consider the same and when you are looking for any products or services, please do think about spending your money with these local businesses.

Local Business Name Type of Business Address Website
Eldor-Wal Court Runners 1200, 10123 99 ST NW
Contemporary Office Interiors Office Furnishings 10406 124 Street NW https://coi.bz/
Milk & Cookies Bake Shop Bakery 5532 Calgary Trail NW
The Colombian Coffee Shop #1, 10340-134 Street NW
Italian Centre Shop Groceries/Food Products 3 locations in Edmonton
Polish Food Centre Groceries/Food Products 10131 Princess Elizabeth Ave NW No website
Polonia Sausage & Deli Groceries/Food Products 10135 Princess Elizabeth Ave NW No website
H & W Produce Groceries/Food Products 5 locations in Edmonton
The Growlery Local Craft Bbeer 40 Airport Road
Sowing Seeds Naturally Natural Facial Products and All-Purpose Spray Cleaner Facebook Only
Rig Hand Distillery Nisku-Based Distillery 2104 8 St, Bay B, Nisku
Evoolution Olive Oil, Vinegar and Salts 10130 104 Street NW

And of course, when you are looking to schedule any upcoming services where you need a court reporter, we ask that you also support Independent Reporters and book a court reporter with us online or by calling us to book court reporting services in Edmonton.

 

How To Still Depose A Witness During COVID-19 Outbreak

How To Still Depose A Witness During COVID-19 Outbreak

 During this unprecedented time of dealing with COVID-19, we are receiving questions from clients about what they can do to question a witness. Many people do not want to meet and remain in the safety of their trusted office space or remaining at home.

The solution is something that Independent Reporters can assist you with – Remote Questioning. For the time during the COVID-19 outbreak, Independent Reporters will waive our normal video connection fees for these services.

What do you need to do?
First, discuss with the parties that you will arrange a remote questioning using the IR Connect service. Then call us, let us know the dates you need and the parties that will need to be in attendance. This will include other counsel and the witness(es) if they will also be remote.

What equipment do you need?
If you have videoconferencing services at your office, we will work with your IT department to ensure connectivity is not a problem.

If you don’t have any systems in place at your office, no problem. We can provide an encrypted link that will allow you to use your computer, laptop or tablet. You will just need to make sure you have a webcam and speakers. Other parties will need the same.

What platforms will this work with?
We can work with operating systems that include Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebooks and Android. Our systems also allow for connecting other parties and witnesses with their own devices. This includes desktop PCs, laptops, tablets or smartphones.

What are the costs of these additional services?
There will be no fees billed during the time of the outbreak. We will also waive any fees related to bridging services to connect older proprietary systems.

Why use IR Connect over something I have on my personal computer? 
IR Connect uses broadcast-grade services and encryption. These systems are designed for business and are typically point-to-point versus sharing resources on consumer platforms.

Where will the court reporter be?
Our court reporters can still attend at one of the locations if that is preferred. However, we understand the desire for everyone to minimize contact and, if preferred, the court reporting services will also be provided remotely. Your court reporter will also be on video and take down the testimony as they normally would.

Contact us to learn more or book online to arrange court reporting services for your upcoming discoveries.

 

Schedule Court Reporting Services in Edmonton or Calgary in 4 Easy Steps

Schedule Court Reporting Services in Edmonton or Calgary in 4 Easy Steps

Setting Up Court Reporting Services in Calgary and Edmonton Just Got Easier!

You’re busy. You’ve just finished setting up all the parties and agreed upon dates, times and everything else that goes along with scheduling the deposition of a witness.

Now, the next step, scheduling the court reporter in Calgary or Edmonton. Do you call Independent Reporters or go online and use their traditional scheduling page? Doing the latter will mean you now need to re-type all the details you already laid out in the appointment form.

What if there was an easier way? What if you could book court reporting services for this questioning in 4 easy steps and be finished that task in about 30 seconds? Not possible, right?

Is It Possible To Speed Up The Time It Takes To Schedule A Court Reporter?

Well, yes, now it is possible! How? Simply use our new Quick Book by IR form and you will be on to all the rest of the things you have to deal with in your day. Using this form could not be easier. Enter your name, email, phone number, then click the icon to attach the appoint form or deposition notice, then submit. Just like that, it is on the way to us. Once we receive your scheduling request we will use that information, input the details and provide you with confirmation back by email, usually within an hour.

And remember, all online bookings received by Independent Reporters means that we will send $1 to the Humane Society in either Calgary of Edmonton. We’re always looking to donate more than we did in the previous year so help us to help the animals. Schedule your upcoming court reporting services online and help us to add to the amount of donation at the end of the year.

Of course, you can still schedule services by phone – Contact Us – or by using our traditional Online Booking Form. But to save more time, why not try Quick Book by IR? Click here to try it today. We think you will like it!

Let Our Edmonton Office Host Your Next Discovery

Discoveries With A View

Discoveries With A View

Need a boardroom in Edmonton to depose a witness? We know it can be distracting to depose a witness with this view! But when you need to use our boardrooms in Edmonton, they are available complimentary when you schedule a court reporter for your upcoming discovery,...

Thank You For A Wonderful 2019

Thank You For A Wonderful 2019

Court Reporting Services in Calgary and EdmontonWe want to thank our clients as we near the end of 2019. It is also a great time to reflect on this past year, and decade, and think of the wonderful experiences we have enjoyed in providing court reporting services to our clients in Calgary and Edmonton. The growth we enjoyed, the legal services delivered to clients and the challenges we accepted are all part doing what we have done this past year.

Entering 2020 will bring new and exciting challenges. Additions of technology will further enhance our court reporters to be tasked with new challenges they will face in the legal field. Technology is something that has always been embraced here at Calgary and Edmonton Independent Reporters.

Some of the things Independent Reporters (IR) will continue to do is to give back to or communities and those that are not as fortunate as we are. Being a locally-owned company and making our home here in Alberta, we see the struggles Albertans continue to face each day. While we are still providing some thank-you’s to our client for their patronage, IR feels even stronger about making sure other groups in our province also have extra for them to continue providing services to those that need it more.

Our donations this year are made to the groups below. We encourage you to learn more about these groups that we support. You can click on the names below and you will be forwarded to their websites.

Again, thank you to all of our clients here in Alberta and those from other parts of Canada, the United States and abroad.

Discoveries With A View

Discoveries With A View

Need a boardroom in Edmonton to depose a witness?

Edmonton Boardrooms for DiscoveriesWe know it can be distracting to depose a witness with this view! But when you need to use our boardrooms in Edmonton, they are available complimentary when you schedule a court reporter for your upcoming discovery, deposition, video conference or legal video requirements.

Spacious, modern, technologically equipped and WiFi available, our caring staff will make sure to make sure you have everything you need when hosting your next discovery.

Add-in a professional team of court reporters in Edmonton for 30 years, Independent Reporters is your best choice when scheduling court reporting services.

Great facilities, excellent court reporters, and amazing views are all part of the services provided in our Edmonton office.  Click to Book Now or use our Contact Page to call us for more information.

Court Reporter Word Fun – Palindromes

Court Reporter Word Fun – Palindromes

Court Reporter Word Fun – Palindromes

Transcripts by Court ReportersAs court reporters, transcripts and words are the core of what we provide for clients. Knowledge of words, and their meaning, is a significant part of ensuring accurate creation of transcripts for discoveries, depositions, trials and hearings. The better we understand the meanings of words, the easier it makes our jobs.

That’s why we are always fascinated with words, or word games. Take for example, palindromes. Palindromes are character-units that read the same backward as forward.

Palindromes is derived from the Greek words, “palin,” meaning again, and “drom” – from “dramien,” meaning, to run.

Now here are some examples. Many of these you will say, Geez, I should have been able to guess a bunch of these without seeing them. But just for fun, here they are.

  • Racecar – bet you didn’t guess that as one of your words to start!
  • Civic – relating to a city or town, especially its administration.
  • Deified – to treat or worship.
  • Level – pretty self explanatory.
  • Lemel – a small shaving of metal, such as gold or silver. Usually used relating to jewellery.
  • Madam – used to address or refer to a woman in a polite, formal, or respective way.
  • Minim – measurement used to describe one drop of liquid.
  • Murdrum – is the act of killing someone unknown. The act is very secretive.
  • Mom – OK, too easy! We should all know this one!
  • Noon – this one is pretty easy as well.
  • Radar – system that sends out pulses to detect distance, speed and direction of objects.
  • Refer – to mention or allude to something. A few other meanings also include to pass a matter along to someone else or a source of information.
  • Repaper – apply new wallpaper to a room/wall.
  • Rotator – a thing which rotates or causes something to rotate.
  • Rotavator – farmers and gardeners will know this, it’s an alternate name for a rotary tiller.
  • Sagas – a fancy name for a long story.
  • Solos – depending on the sentence it could relate to musical passages by a performer or an unaccompanied journey by someone travelling on their own.
  • Tenet – a belief, principle, or opinion.
  • Wow – as in, Wow, I should have known a bunch of these words on this list!

Independent Reporters provides court reporting services in Calgary and Edmonton for litigators. Our sole objective is to ensure legal clients receive reliable transcript services for questionings, discoveries, hearings, depositions or arbitrations.

Learn more about the services our court reporters provide or click here to schedule court reporting and legal services.

iHuman Kick It Up 2018

The iHuman Youth Society is a wonderful group that works with traumatized youth who live in high-risk lifestyles. The team at iHuman works with these young people to help them find their creativity and a sense of belonging in society.

This year the Edmonton office of Independent Reporters is partnering with this great organization and sponsoring the Candy Bar at the Kick It Up 2018 event being help on May 9, 2018, at the ATB Arts Barn. Click here to learn more about this fantastic event and get your tickets to this years festivities. And when you’re there, make sure to stop by, meet some of our team, and fill up on the assortment of candy we will have available!

Learn more about iHuman and all the work they do by visiting their website – http://ihuman.org/about/

Edmonton Independent Reporters is Moving!

Effective August 1, 2017, Edmonton Independent Reporters (IR) will move to our new premises located at:

730, 9707 110 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5K 2L9
Phone numbers remain the same

The new facilities will provide clients with modern amenities and enhanced services in a very comfortable environment.

Getting to our new office is easier as well. Located in the Government District, this will provide easier access to clients coming from the downtown core. Underground paid parking as well as street and surface parking are easily accessible. And to make it even easier, clients can take the LRT and have a short walk from the Grandin LRT Station to our new building.

Updated access for clients with enhanced video and realtime court reporting services will be just some of the added improvements that will benefit litigators when they host services in our new Edmonton office. The team of experienced and professional court reporters we continue to provide to litigation counsel in Edmonton will continue to provide top-notch services as we always have.

You can continue to call or schedule court reporting services online. Here is a map of our new location: