During these unprecedented times and self-distancing we are experiencing today, I thought I’d reach out to my valued clients with another update on how Omega Reporting and myself especially can help attorneys continue the important work of taking depositions.
We have been assisting mostly out-of-state clients with their remote videoconference depositions for over a decade. Omega prides itself on keeping up with evolving technology to meet our client’s needs. I have been Chair of the National Court Reporters Association’s Technology Committee for the past three years and a member prior to that. Technology is my passion!
For litigators, there is still important work that needs to be done for your very important clients. So let me help you with that! I have the knowledge, the tools, and skill to help you navigate this new normal in the legal setting. While it is an adjustment to integrate and implement remote depositions into your workflow, the benefits are many.
- Eliminates costly airline travel and hotel charges
- Cost-effective when your client is budget conscious
- Viable option when you cannot meet in person because of other commitments
- Allows more time on deposition preparation
- Gives a face-to-face experience with potential witnesses
So, let’s dive into the tips to get you started on the path to remote videoconferencing.
- Equipment. You will need a laptop with a webcam and a telephone connection. An iPad and smartphone may be utilized as well. Audio transmission problems may be a concern when using your laptop. If testing reveals problems with the audio, an easy solution is to use the telephone number provided. When connecting to the conference with your telephone for the audio, remember to mute the speakers on the laptop. You don’t want to get annoying feedback.
- Internet Connections. More often in today’s modern offices, you may not have the opportunity to plug in directly to the internet with hardwire. You will need to connect to the internet via WiFi. You can test the speed of your connection by going to speedtest.net. You will need a fairly robust connection. Testing with me will reveal whether your system will be adequate.
- Book a test call. Be sure to schedule a test call with me. I am happy to walk through the process with the witness as well. Most witnesses are fairly savvy with tools like FaceTime, but it’s always good to get them up to speed and feel comfortable as well. The test call will provide the time necessary to address any potential problems that may arise.
- Location. Find a quiet location within your home to attend the remote deposition. Position the laptop directly in front of you and be sure to face a window if you have one in your room. If your back is toward the window, the backlighting prevents a good image for the other participants.
- Exhibits. There are several ways to handle the viewing of exhibits. Some options include: emailing the exhibits to all participants, using a screen share, or other built-in features of the application. We will consult with you prior to your deposition and decide on the best method for your needs.
- Deposition Etiquette. Of course, my clients are always mindful of making a great record. I would be remiss, however, if I didn’t mention that etiquette during remote proceedings is of utmost importance. You and I both want to ensure that every word is captured by the court reporter. Things to consider are: speak clearly and at a moderate pace; when reading from a document, enunciate your words; speak objections out loud where all participants can hear them; and let the witness or opposing counsel finish speaking before you respond.
- Arrive early. Our remote deposition meetings are launched at least 15 minutes prior to the start time. It is a good practice to arrive early to take care of any difficulties that may happen the day of the proceeding. I am very mindful of your time and want to ensure we can have an on-time start!
BONUS TIP!
No one will judge you if you wear your bunny slippers.
So there you have it — the top seven tips for remote depositions for attorneys. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
