Aptus Court Reporting San Francisco Celebrates Anniversary in New Office

Business person at a conference table

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been one year since our San Francisco team moved to our new location in Embarcadero Center. We’ve welcomed many new clients in the Bay Area and continued to provide excellent service to our valued long-standing clients.

Here are a few highlights from the last year.

May 2016

Aptus Court Reporting San Francisco moved into our new, high-tech office in the famous Embarcadero area of the city. The new office offers multiple boardrooms and conference rooms that can seat up to 12 people comfortably. Other amenities within the office include video conferencing capabilities, conference phone lines, high-speed wi-fi, and access to digital projects for presentations.

Along with a new office, we also welcomed two new team members, Brook Braunschweig and Danielle Belonio. Both women have been integral in expanding the Aptus footprint in the Bay Area along with long-time team member Danette Rugg.

June 2016

Ronald Harrison joined the team as the Managing Director of the Northern California Division of Aptus. Harrison is a court reporting industry veteran with over three decades of experience in delivering quality service to clients.

The team also hosted a successful presentation event at Vanity Nail Salon in the city.

The girls

July 2016

Aptus co-hosted a happy hour and pre-screening of Jason Bourne at the iconic Kabuki Theater for over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and secretaries. We were able to raise over $1,200 for Legal Services for Children.

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September 2016

Aptus hosted corporate boot camp in San Francisco where team members had fun with team-building exercises.

SF office anniversary bootcamp

October 2016

Aptus attended ABTL Annual Conference in Kapalua, Hawaii.

November 2016

We hosted a client appreciation breakfast for over 120 attendees for current and future clients.

February 2017

Aptus hosted a “We love our Court Reporters” Happy Hour at several of our California offices including the San Francisco office.

Director of Litigation Technology and CLVS, Mike Tisa, presents Legal Videos in Today’s Tech World at Deposition Reports Association of California Annual Convention in Napa. The presentation addressed current technology applications in legal videography.

SF office anniversary mike tisa legal videos

May 2017

Director of Litigation Technology, Mike Tisa, presents CLE on Video Quality Expectations from Jurors in Bay Area. The presentation addresses how society has influenced what jurors expect to see in trial presentation and ways that attorneys can better prepare at the time of trial.

We are looking forward to another successful year providing top-quality court reporting services, deposition conference rooms, litigation technology, trial support services, and videography services to clients here in the Bay area and across the world.

We are also celebrating the expansion of our local offices into the Pacific Northwest with the opening of our Seattle office last month!

If you haven’t partnered with Aptus for your trial and deposition needs, please give us a call to start a dialogue about how we can help. We have assisted with depositions around the globe.

5 Ways Aptus Court Reporting Goes Green

As part of our ongoing commitment to greener operations and a reduced carbon footprint, the entire Aptus Court Reporting team makes contributions in a variety of ways. From using public transportation to embracing digital media and even running paperless whenever possible, we make Earth Day a year-round proposition. Here are five ways Aptus Court Reporting goes green every day:

Hybrid Transportation Saves Gas and Cuts Emissions

Our company Prius is used to commute and relay items between offices, reducing the impact our operations have on the environment. Many members of our team are particularly eco-conscious and opt for public transportation such as the Coaster or BART to travel to and from work.

Cloud Files Reduce Paper Use

Our innovative cloud based storage holds the exhibits, files and more for every case we handle, without expiration. Our system includes the full transcript and hyperlinked exhibits, making it easier than ever to find what you need. Best of all, this system allows our team and clients to reduce the amount of paper documents required for depositions and trial prep while allowing for easy access wherever there is a secure internet connection.

Electronic Submission of Video Packets

The video packets completed by videographers are optimized into PDF format, allowing for electronic submissions. By working electronically, we have streamlined our work flow and drastically cut down on the amount of resources we use. Since files are transferred electronically, mail trucks and couriers are not needed to transfer physical papers or DVD, thus reducing carbon emissions.

Embracing Digital Media

At Aptus, we have fully embraced digital media technology. By using digital video uploads we can fully serve our clients’ needs while also reducing the amount of paper packaging and DVDs we use.

Individual Local Office Efforts

Each of our offices and individual departments have embraced our green initiatives as well. Each department is provided with recycling bins and our offices are equipped with motion detected light sensors to reduce unnecessary energy expenditure. Fun fact: did you know that the energy saved from recycling one aluminum can will power a computer for three hours? Just think of how many hours of saved power are in those recycling bins!

Our deep commitment to running an eco-friendly business extends to everything we do, from the way we handle information to the way we deal with disposable items. Ultimately the financial savings realized through saving energy and resources is cost savings that can be passed onto you, the client.

How do you go green in your firm?

Aptus Court Reporting Announces Expansion into Pacific Northwest

April 12, 2017, Seattle, WA – Aptus Court Reporting, the west coast’s premier deposition and court reporting service, announced today that it is expanding into the Pacific Northwest market. Aptus’ Seattle office is conveniently located in Downtown Seattle at 801 Second Avenue, Suite 800.

Joining the Aptus team and spearheading the company’s new market launch is Joel Schneider, Director of Business Development. With over 20 years of experience in the legal industry Schneider is a seasoned professional who is ideally suited to oversee Aptus’ business development activities within this new market. Before joining Aptus, Schneider served as Regional Litigation Consultant for Esquire Deposition Solutions in Washington State and Portland, Oregon. Prior to that, he served as a Business Development Manager at American Reprographic Corporation and Prolumina Trial Technologies, and as an Account Executive at Whitmont Legal Technologies.

“I am excited to join the Aptus family and work in an environment where clients always come first. I am impressed with how Aptus obtains and keeps top talent, which speaks volumes about the company culture. I believe my many years of legal vendor experience and the Aptus culture will make for a winning combination,” says Schneider.

Aptus Court Reporting Co-Founder, Stefan Wikstrom commented, “After 23 years in the legal industry and starting legal support company, TERIS, I am so very pleased to bring Aptus Court Reporting to Seattle/Bellevue. I’ve been in business with Aptus for 6 years in California and am thrilled to expand into the Pacific Northwest, beginning here in my hometown. I am also very excited to work with Joel Schneider, who has years of experience in the Seattle market, as well as working again with many of my clients.”

aptus-seattle-office-space

“Aptus Seattle is met with great enthusiasm! We are confident Joel brings a tremendous amount of talent, strong relationships, and experience to the role having spent over 20 years in the local legal community,” says Aptus President Derek Berg. “It is exciting to add a market like Seattle to our Aptus footprint. This truly will enhance our abilities to service the entire West Coast.”

Since launching in San Diego in 2011, Aptus has expanded its market reach throughout California and beyond, with additional offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Irvine and Riverside. Combined with enhanced client features on the new website that debuted in August 2015 and a number of key hires, the company has demonstrated a trajectory of continued growth and achievement.

About Aptus Court Reporting:

Aptus Court Reporting is a full-service court reporting firm with headquarters in San Diego, CA. We are a leading provider of court reporting services, connecting testimony and technology for clients internationally with local offices along the west coast. Aptus provides a one-stop solution for deposition and trial needs with services including court reporting, transcription, videography, video streaming, world-wide conference rooms, and more. For more information about Aptus Court Reporting, please visit https://aptuscr.com.

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4 Specialized Skills Court Reporters Bring to the Case

A court reporter possesses an essential set of unique skills and plays an important role in the legal system. The following are four specialized skills a court reporter brings to the case.

1. Mastery of Grammar and Language

Court reporters have an extensive mastery of language, grammar, and vocabulary. They transcribe what was said accurately to eliminate any possible future misunderstandings. A court reporter will also be able to instantly process difficult terms while simultaneously keeping up with the ongoing dialogue. Since court reporters use shorthand almost as a second language, many can take dictation at the amazing speed of 200 or more words per minute.

2. Detailed Technical Knowledge

Last year, Aptus wrote about whether court reporters are now technology experts. Since that post, all items mentioned like digital exhibits and web-based video conferencing are now common place and reporters actively embrace them.

3. Real-Time Reporting

Real-time reporting is a skill that brings the translation from the reporter’s machine immediately onto a computer screen or tablet. This provides a variety of benefits. Primarily, the attorney can immediately review what’s been said. He or she can make sure any important details are clear and that the final transcript is accurate. An audio recorder can’t instantly provide a transcript and usually has an accuracy rating of less than 90%, whereas a highly skilled court reporter eliminates those issues. Court Reporters using real-time prove invaluable for an attorney during a variety of depositions and cases.

4. Court Reporters Can Reach Several Certification Levels

A court reporter can obtain extensive expertise and receive several certification levels. According to the National Court Reports Association (NCRA), reporters with a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification will be able to dictate jury charge at 200 wpm and testimony at 225 wpm. A Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) certification indicates an advanced level court reporter with increased dictation speed and accuracy. The highest level of certification, a Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR), is for leaders and consultants in the profession. There are also specialized certifications for real-time reporting and real-time captioning that a court reporter can obtain.

If you are looking to hire a court reporter with these skill sets and more, contact Aptus today for details on how we can assist you.

Aptus Court Reporting Acquires Barristers’ Reporting Service

San Diego (via PR Web) – Aptus Court Reporting continues its rapid expansion trajectory with the acquisition of Barristers’ Reporting Service. A well-known pillar of the community, the addition of Barristers solidifies the commitment to providing quality court reporting and innovative solutions on a global scale.

Founded in 1987 by Beth C. Drain, CSR and Forrest L. Drain, Barristers’ Reporting Service has provided quality court reporting services to clients across Southern California and beyond for over 30 years.

Aptus Court Reporting is recognized as a major resource utilizing advanced technology to deliver superior customer service and new concepts to the industry. This merger adds another respected organization to their portfolio, reinforcing a brand synonymous with court reporting excellence.

“Barristers’ Reporting Service has always embraced change in technology and alternative means for preserving the record to meet the need of our clients,” says Forrest Drain.

“Our motto at Barristers’ has been to never take our clients for granted. If they say can you or will you, we always respond with an enthusiastic ‘yes,’” says Shelly Mathews, Barristers’ General Manager for over 27 years.

Derek Berg, President of Aptus Court Reporting expresses the team’s excitement about the merger. “The Barristers’ group saw an opportunity to offer expanded technologies while continuing to provide superb client focused service through Aptus, and we are thrilled to be working with Shelly and their outstanding group of clients and reporters.”

ABOUT APTUS COURT REPORTING:

Aptus Court Reporting is a full-service court reporting firm headquartered in San Diego, CA. The company provides decades of experience in the court reporting industry and offers videography, transcription, and trial support among its list of services. The company focus is “connecting testimony and technology” for clients globally. Aptus has recently acquired other notable industry veterans such as Brunson Court Reporting and Fivecoat & With.

ABOUT BARRISTERS’ REPORTING SERVICE

Barristers’ Reporting was founded in 1987 and has enjoyed a consistent and prominent status in the Southern California legal community providing quality court reporting services.

Aptus Court Reporting San Diego Adds Veteran Business Development Manager

Johanna TorresSan Diego, CA (via PR Web)– Aptus Court Reporting, California’s premier deposition and court reporting service, announced today that they have hired a key representative for their expanding San Diego office. Aptus’ San Diego office is conveniently located in Downtown San Diego at 600 W. Broadway, Suite 300 San Diego, CA 92101.

Johanna Torres is joining the San Diego Aptus team as a Business Development Manager. With nearly two decades of experience in the legal industry, Torres is a seasoned professional who is ideally suited for the role. Johanna will drive new business as well as assist the sales team in delivering exceptional service to clients and reporters. Before joining Aptus, Johanna served as a Branch Manager for Michael Sullivan Court Reporting’s new San Diego office. Prior to that, she served as Calendar Coordinator for Veritext.

“I am thrilled to be joining a company that values their people and reporters as well as puts an emphasis on giving clients the best possible customer service,” says Torres.

Working out of the San Diego office, Johanna’s main objective will be to strengthen Aptus’ already positive reputation throughout California and to cultivate new opportunities for Aptus to partner with top reporters and clients.

“We are so excited to have Johanna join the Aptus family. Her experience, relationships and skill set are a perfect fit for our team. She is going to excel in her new role and will be an incredible asset to Aptus.” says Partner Ashley Walton.

Since launching in San Diego in 2011, Aptus has expanded its market reach throughout California and beyond, with additional offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Irvine and Riverside. Combined with a new website launch debuted in August 2015 and a number of key hires, the company has demonstrated a trajectory of continued growth and achievement.

ABOUT APTUS COURT REPORTING:

Aptus Court Reporting is a full-service court reporting firm headquartered in San Diego, CA. The company provides decades of experience in the court reporting industry and offers videography, transcription, and trial support among its list of services. Its company focus is “connecting testimony and technology” for clients internationally in depositions and trial.

Aptus Court Reporting Adds General Counsel to Growing Team

San Diego Business Development Executive, Jaclyn SweSan Diego, CA (PR Web) – California’s premier deposition services company, Aptus Court Reporting, has expanded Director of Business Development Jaclyn Swe’s role to include duties of General Counsel for the company.

Swe joined Aptus in 2013 as a business development executive in the San Diego market. Prior to that, Swe served as an Account Executive and Division Director with Robert Half Legal, preceded by five years practicing law (2006 through 2011).

“It has been a wonderful experience being part of Aptus’ success and growth over the past three years. I am thrilled to work with our amazing executive group, and I look forward to the new challenges that lie ahead as we continue to expand,” says Swe.

As General Counsel and Director of Business Development, Swe will continue to work closely with regional and national law firms in a business development role. Swe holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and will draw on her legal practice experience to assist the company in legal and/or regulatory matters.

“Jaclyn’s contributions to the company over the past three years have had a significant impact on our growth. We are excited to see her continued success in this expanded role,” says Aptus’ Managing Partner Ashley Walton.

“The talent and dedication Jaclyn brings to Aptus and our clients is exceptional. Her unwavering commitment to quality, professionalism, and integrity will continue to solidify our presence in the market. I am thrilled to be working closely with Jaclyn in her new position,” says Aptus’ COO Sandy Waite.

In addition to her dynamic career, Swe has volunteered in multiple roles throughout the San Diego community including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Legal Aid Society of San Diego, and the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program.

About Aptus Court Reporting:

Aptus Court Reporting is a full-service court reporting firm headquartered in San Diego, CA. The company provides decades of combined experience in the court reporting industry and offers videography, transcription, and trial support among its list of services. Its company focus is “connecting testimony and technology.” Aptus provides a one stop solution for deposition and trial needs. For more information about Aptus Court Reporting, please visit our About Us or Services pages.

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Aptus Court Reporting Furthers Northern California Division Expansion with New Managing Director

Northern California Managing Director, Ron HarrisonSan Francisco, CA – (PR Web) California’s premier deposition services company, Aptus Court Reporting, is pleased to announce that Ronald Harrison has joined the team as Managing Director for the Northern California division, based out of the company’s San Francisco office.

Harrison has unparalleled experience in the court reporting industry, having served in a variety of capacities starting in 1978 with Combs & Greenley, a family owned and operated court reporting business in San Francisco. More recently, Harrison served as the Vice President of Operations for Merrill Corporation (now DTI) in San Francisco between 1998 and 2007, and in
2007 joined Esquire Deposition Services as General Manager for the San Francisco market where he spent nearly nine years cultivating new business, providing existing clients with exceptional support, and growing the company’s market share in the Bay Area.

“The Aptus team recognizes the importance of superior client service. Their enthusiasm and professionalism are infectious, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to join this great team,” says Harrison.

Sandy Waite, Aptus’ COO, states, “Harrison’s responsibilities will include expanding the Aptus presence in both the Bay area and Sacramento. He will be key to securing our continued growth while also enhancing client and reporter relationships in these critically important markets.”

“I am absolutely thrilled to be reunited with Ron to head up our Northern California business operations. His outlook on business and relationships along with his business acumen are unsurpassed in our industry. In addition, Ron completely embodies the Aptus spirit and will fit our culture and philosophies perfectly,” says Aptus’ President Derek Berg.

About Aptus Court Reporting:

Aptus Court Reporting is a full service court reporting firm headquartered in San Diego, CA. The company provides decades of combined experience in the court reporting industry and offers videography, transcription, and trial support among its list of services. Its company focus is “connecting testimony and technology” for clients internationally. With over 50 years of
combined experience in the litigation support business, Aptus provides a one-stop solution for deposition and trial needs.

3rd Annual “Food from the Bar” Event Increases Donations to Feed Families in Need

Aptus Court Reporting Team & SDGPress Release (PR Web) San Diego, June 2nd, 2016 – Aptus Court Reporting and law firm Simpson Delmore Greene joined together to host the 3rd annual “Food From the Bar” event on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 in San Diego. The event included a happy hour and silent auction. A variety of items were available for bidding with the end goal of raising funds for those suffering from hunger in the San Diego area. Items included a vacation package to Mexico, private chef dinner, sporting and concert tickets, and yoga sessions to name a few.

All of the proceeds from the event benefited Feeding America, which offers relief to families in need through its nationwide network of food banks. This network spans 200 food banks and about 60,000 food pantries in the United States today. Last year, Feeding America served more than six billion meals to those in need.

This year’s “Food From the Bar” event raised a total of $6,740, an increase of 20% over last year’s donation from the same event. An anonymous donor also matched this donation 2:1, bringing the total donation amount to $20,220. The funds raised will provide more than 80,800 meals to those in need in the San Diego area.

Aptus Court Reporting founding partner, Ashley Walton, said “Every year this event keeps feeding more individuals and families in need. We’re grateful for our partnership with Simpson Delmore Greene and all of our team members who take the time to help with the event.”

About Aptus Court Reporting

Aptus is a full service court reporting firm. They handle deposition and trial support while leveraging the most efficient technology for law firms and corporations globally. For further information, please see the Aptus website at www.aptuscr.com.

About Simpson Delmore Greene

Simpson Delmore Greene is a business law firm that focuses on practical legal advice and efficient solutions in creative ways. The two companies worked to host Food from the Bar in partnership, and both look forward to hosting this event again in the future. For further information about the law firm, please see the Simpson Delmore Greene website at www.sdgllp.com.

Food From The Bar Event 2016

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Aptus Court Reporting Expands Team & Relocates San Francisco Office

May 6th, 2016, San Francisco, CA — Aptus Court Reporting, a leading provider of court reporting, videography and legal technology services, has added two new members to its San Francisco Bay Area team: Brook Braunschweig and Danielle Belonio.

Brook Braunschweig, who touts a decade of legal industry sales experience, will join Aptus’ San Francisco Bay Area team as a Director of Business Development. Prior to joining Aptus, Braunschweig worked at DTI as Director of Sales and Business Development for its Bay Area market. Before that, she focused on developing and maintaining long-standing client relationships as an Account Executive with Merrill Corporation.

“I’m looking forward to joining the Aptus family and working in an environment that I know will provide my clients with the best possible experience,” says Braunschweig. “My prior experience in the industry combined with a strong company like Aptus will provide clients with an unparalleled customer service experience. I view the opportunity to work with an innovative and forward-thinking company like Aptus as an excellent way to advance my expertise and growth within the legal industry.”

Also joining the company as Director of Business Development for the Bay Area market is Danielle Belonio. With 11 years of experience in sales and three of those years focused on legal services, Belonio brings a substantial skillset to the Aptus team. In her prior position, Belonio served as an Account Executive with legal processing outsourcing company DTI LLC. Prior to that, she served as an Account Executive with business solutions provider Merrill Corporation focusing on applying the company’s services to applications in the legal industry.

“The Aptus culture is transparent. What you see is what you get and what you will find is a team of enthusiastic, knowledgeable, detail-oriented, responsive, and service-minded individuals. I couldn’t ask for more. I am thrilled to be a part of the Aptus team and to expand our culture in the Bay Area,” says Belonio.

Braunschweig and Belonio will join Aptus’ current San Francisco Bay Area representatives Danette Rugg and Kaitlyn Shelly, who have over two decades of combined sales experience in the court reporting industry.

In addition to building out its sales team, Aptus Court Reporting has relocated its Bay Area office to One Embarcadero Center, Suite 1060 in San Francisco, CA. In March 2016, the company announced the launch of a new office serving the Greater Los Angeles market along with the addition of Lori Cheyne as the Director of Business Development for the region. Aptus CR serves numerous markets throughout California including San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento.

“We are thrilled to add the talent of Danielle and Brook to our growing Bay Area market. The addition of these two industry savvy individuals and the transition into our new office in San Francisco positions us extremely well to continue our business growth and expansion of the Aptus brand throughout California and beyond,” says Sandy Waite, Aptus’ Chief Operating Officer.

About Aptus Court Reporting:

Aptus Court Reporting is a full-service court reporting firm headquartered in San Diego, CA. The company provides decades of combined experience in the court reporting industry and offers videography, transcription, and trial support among its list of services. Its company focus is “connecting testimony and technology” for clients internationally. With over 35 years of combined experience in the litigation support business, Aptus provides a one-stop solution for your deposition and trial needs. For more information about Aptus Court reporting, please visit https://aptuscr.com.