No one should ever miss the opportunity to experience Europe, in my opinion. If you have a week of depositions say in Brussels or Prague, with interpretation required, then check your passport, the weather, and pack your bags! Plan your trip wisely so you can spend ample time soaking up the culture, drinking in the architecture and savoring the cuisine. Hear Big Ben chime, scoot up the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a cappuccino in a sun-dappled piazza – well, you get the idea. But, if you have just a couple of depositions scheduled, the witness speaks English, and your client pinches pennies, save your points for another time. Consider videoconferencing for these depositions instead!
Setting up a clear videoconference connection is simple when you have the proper technicians and 24/7 support staff is available to assist throughout your videoconference’s entirety, should the need arise. To ensure a strong connection, it is strongly recommended that a test call be conducted between the U.S. and foreign facility prior to your deposition to make sure everything works properly. You will have the options of full, split or dual screens. An ELMO or other document viewer can be hooked into the equipment so that documents can be displayed to the witness and/or opposing counsel. If you require realtime, it can be easily streamed to your device even if you are not in the presence of the court reporter.
Your court reporting firm can reserve a dedicated videoconferencing suite for your deposition or a conference room with videoconferencing capabilities at a hotel instead. Both options are worth exploring to obtain the best available pricing for your client, as cost is often a driving factor in choosing the videoconference route.
It is important to remember the time difference. For example, if you are in Chicago starting the deposition at 9 a.m. your time and your witness is in Brussels, it is already 3 p.m. in Brussels, and after-hours charges may apply at the Brussels videoconference location. Make sure all parties involved know the time (their time) the deposition starts to prevent easily avoided delays.
It is best if both the reporter and videographer attend the deposition in person. The reporter is better able to accurately take down the record when physically present with the witness, particularly if the deposition is being interpreted. Having a legal videographer on site with the witness recording the proceedings ensures you have professional, clear audio and visual record of the deposition. Your legal videographer on site with the witness can also troubleshoot any issues which may arise with the videoconference on the day of the deposition.
Planet Depos has been covering depositions in Europe and all over the globe for over a decade. With reporters, videographers, and interpreters everywhere, they can videoconference attorneys to wherever they need to be to make it happen. For more information or to schedule, contact international@planetdepos.com or schedule online.
