Real-Time Revolution: How AI Is Changing the Deposition Game with Dean Whalen & John Skelton

Key Takeaways

• Readback’s AI provides real‑time transcription during depositions
• Real‑time AI cuts deposition costs to roughly $2,000 per session
• Adoption remains low, with only 2‑5% of firms using it
• ABA may soon require AI competence as malpractice risk rises
• Court reporters still needed to certify transcripts under Rule 28

Pulse Analysis

The legal industry has long wrestled with the logistical nightmare of managing massive document sets and manual transcription during depositions. As AI models mature, firms are turning to real‑time speech‑to‑text solutions that transform a traditionally labor‑intensive process into an instant, searchable record. This shift not only accelerates the discovery phase but also aligns with client demands for faster, more transparent case updates, positioning AI as a strategic differentiator for forward‑looking practices.

Readback’s platform, now part of InforWare, leverages a patented engine trained on legal terminology and operates within a closed, SOC‑2‑compliant environment. By delivering a live transcript that editors can polish on the fly, attorneys gain immediate insight into witness answers, allowing them to pivot questioning in real time. The cost structure remains competitive—approximately $2,000 per deposition—with the AI layer adding a marginal premium that is quickly offset by reduced staffing hours and fewer post‑deposition revisions. Despite these advantages, only a small fraction of firms have adopted the technology, reflecting both inertia and the need for education on its practical benefits.

Regulatory bodies are catching up; the ABA’s emerging competence standards suggest that failure to adopt AI‑enabled tools could be construed as negligence. As courts increasingly accept electronic evidence and clients expect data‑driven insights, firms that integrate real‑time AI will likely see lower malpractice exposure and higher client satisfaction. The next wave of legal tech will probably focus on deeper integration—linking deposition transcripts directly to case‑management systems and predictive analytics—making AI not just an efficiency tool but a core component of litigation strategy.