Shertalk dictates the future for busy lawyers
A new digital dictation service has been developed for time-strapped lawyers, harnessing the power of the web to enhance productivity.
Shertalk, developed by business solutions specialists Shergroup, enables clients to upload their dictation to a dedicated website and retrieve them once they have been transcribed. Files could include legal letters, court transcripts, reports or client correspondence.
Shergroup Chief Executive Claire Sandbrook, a qualified solicitor, explained: “Most people can dictate at least seven times faster than they can type, so it makes economic sense to use a transcription service which will help them concentrate on their core tasks with greater competency.
“Clients can even send us their own templates and tell our team exactly how they like things done – it’s just like having their own secretary in the office. Even those who prefer the old days of shorthand, golfball typewriters and mini-cassettes will easily adapt to this new system.”
Shertalk clients, including lawyers, paralegals and attorneys, can use a digital Dictaphone linked up to a PC with an Internet connection. After creating an account at www.shertalk.net, they upload their files and await a message advising them to log in and download their documents when they have been transcribed, which happens within 12 hours.
Mrs Sandbrook said: “Transcription operatives at Shertalk are professionals with excellent knowledge of legal terminology and methodology, with three levels of quality assurance. By using our service, our clients can benefit from a reduced file backlog, enhanced productivity and secure data storage – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Clients can also manage their documents online for up to 90 days – checking on their progress, prioritising urgent work and revisiting completed files. The Shertalk website is fully secured and managed to the quality standards of ISO 27001.
Mrs Sandbrook added: “Those who don’t have a digital Dictaphone can download an app for their smartphone which does the same job. Alternatively, they can read their script over the phone and it will be recorded for transcription. If that’s not an option, they can contact us to see if we have a solution for them.”
A free trial is on offer to prospective Shertalk clients, where they upload 10 minutes worth of dictation to be transcribed. If they are happy with the service, they will be able to set up their account to pay at the end of each month, or on a pay-as-you-go system at £1 per minute.
Mrs Sandbrook said: “Shertalk is simple, effective and affordable – it’s the ideal tool for busy people in today’s fast-paced world, whether people don’t have secretarial support or whether their assistant is absent or simply snowed under.”
Based in Essex, Shergroup’s outsourced services include High Court enforcement to recover money, land and property, security services, administrative support, legal services and data transcription.