The evolution and adoption of litigation technology has touched all corners of the legal landscape, and the court reporting industry is no exception. From basic tools to sophisticated systems, advancements in litigation technology have streamlined proceedings for legal professionals, making it easier to collaborate, stay organized, and prepare for their cases without sacrificing accuracy or security.
The Early Days of Litigation Technology in Court Reporting
The journey of litigation technology in the court reporting industry has been marked by significant milestones. In the 1970s, the first computer-aided transcription system was invented, making it less time-consuming for court reporters to produce their transcripts. Over the next three decades, the court reporting profession would continue to transform thanks to technology. This led to closed captioning capabilities and Computer-Aided Realtime Translation (CART), now known as Communication Access Realtime Translation.
Modern Litigation Technology and Court Reporting
As digital tools become more user-friendly and easily accessible, the adoption of legal technology has increased. Today, technology is prevalent in all aspects of court reporting, from scheduling a proceeding to case management, to capturing the record and producing a verbatim transcript. Legal videography, remote proceedings, digital exhibits, and online document repositories are all great examples of how useful modern litigation technology can be.
Adoption of AI in Litigation Technology
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automated speech recognition (ASR) technologies are paving the way for faster, more efficient processes when it comes to court reporting. Innovative solutions, like the Planet Pro™ Litigation Technology Suite, are changing the game for legal professionals across the board. Whether it’s live streaming a deposition feed in real time, generating rough drafts in less than 24 hours, or summarizing lengthy transcripts, our litigation technology serves as a time-saving tool designed to enhance and optimize proceedings from beginning to end.
As new technologies emerge, the legal landscape will continue to evolve and adapt. Planet Depos remains at the forefront of innovation, committed to delivering technology-driven solutions to support and empower proceedings across the U.S. and around the world.
To learn more about the benefits of Planet Depos’ litigation technology offerings or to request a demo, contact us today.
The evolution and adoption of litigation technology has touched all corners of the legal landscape, and the court reporting industry is no exception. From basic tools to sophisticated systems, advancements in litigation technology have streamlined proceedings for legal professionals, making it easier to collaborate, stay organized, and prepare for their cases without sacrificing accuracy or … Read more
Big cases demand big talent. Multi-party, MDL, IP, big pharma, construction defect, you name it, these are the high-stake cases demanding top talent and experience. These litigation giants require coordinating multiple calendars, managing a massive number of exhibits, and sometimes traveling thousands of miles for international depositions. Lengthy litigation matters such as these require case management from start to finish. In the hands of an experienced court reporting case manager, no matter how many moving parts need to be juggled, the coordination is seamless. The goal of the expert case manager is to manage every detail for you, keep it moving forward, and meet those deadlines, without any reminders, so you have what you need when you need it.
Case managers ask the right questions to understand your needs, ensuring consistency throughout the life of your case. They ensure professionals with subject-matter expertise are assigned and provide clean and usable rough drafts and accurate finals with no disappointment. They make sure Protective Orders are signed and followed, exhibit-marking protocols are adhered to, standing orders are established and delivered, and deadlines are met. Our custom form establishes your expectations and eliminates the need to repeat your order for every deposition. It includes identifying the types of transcript and video files you need, when you need them, and who should receive them. It also is where you request same-day rough drafts, the number of realtime connections, and whether any loaner devices will be needed.
You should expect your dedicated case management team to be online and available to you 24/7, whether that means delivering your same-day rush for your multi-track depos in Japan, getting an exhibit or video to you at 4:00 a.m., or confirming how source code exhibits should be handled. The case manager ensures clear communication with you and your team and will use all the latest tools to streamline the process and make you as productive as possible.
Your experienced case manager understands that standing orders sometimes change for a variety of reasons. When that happens, alert the case manager so that appropriate adjustments can be made. Remember, the case manager is here to handle all the heavy lifting, leaving you to free to devote your attention to the demands of your case.
Planet Depos has been providing concierge case management for more than 10 years. By relying on the case management team at Planet Depos, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve got you covered from start to finish. To schedule your upcoming depositions, contact Planet Depos at 888.433.3767 or schedule online.
Big cases demand big talent. Multi-party, MDL, IP, big pharma, construction defect, you name it, these are the high-stake cases demanding top talent and experience. These litigation giants require coordinating multiple calendars, managing a massive number of exhibits, and sometimes traveling thousands of miles for international depositions. Lengthy litigation matters such as these require case … Read more
Large cases involve many moving parts – tight deadlines, fast-paced and ever-evolving schedules, seas of exhibits, rosters of witnesses, etc., etc. Paralegals don’t wear capes, but every good attorney knows they have superhero-worthy organization, time management and delegating skills, to name a few. Every good paralegal knows partnering with the right court reporting agency makes managing the moving parts in an intricate case a much more streamlined process. So, what does that court reporting agency look like? You’re about to see.
Experience Matters
You do not want a novice on this case. If your large matter is intellectual property, you want names of IP cases the agency has covered so you know they’ve played in the league before. Look at agencies with rich case history, for example, ITC matters, IP, Big Pharma, PTAB, multidistrict, and multiparty. You’re looking for evidence that this firm is well-versed in large cases, and you want to see that firms go back to them again and again for their work. Check out what other law firms have to say regarding professionalism, flexibility, and expertise.
Competitive Pricing
Complex matters are expensive, and there is no way around that fact. But that doesn’t mean your client wants to go carte blanche on court reporting costs. You should be able to speak with a dedicated account executive about your and your client’s needs and expectations. They should then be able to provide you with pricing that is reasonable to you and your client because it is easy to understand.
Exhibit Management
Exhibits are a powerful component in a large case matter, but they can be a headache when they are many and voluminous! Your court reporting agency should be able to provide solutions to the exhibit storage and organization issue. Ideally you want to see a comprehensive tool for limitless secure storage of all case exhibits throughout the duration of the case. It should allow for easy and efficient collaboration, while maintaining tight security with AES 256-bit encryption. You should be able to maintain control of your exhibits in the repository, controlling who can upload, access, and view them, as well as who can send documents via secure links.
Realtime Reporting
Realtime court reporting is cool technology paired with awe-inducing skill. In a complex matter, with all those shifting schedules and rigid deadlines, realtime is a required service for the time it saves. Not all court reporters provide realtime, so make sure the agency you partner with has court reporters who are seasoned realtime professionals. You want highly accurate realtime translation in the deposition room and the flawless finals these realtime reporters can provide.
International Presence
Complex matters can see your team travel the world, so you need a team that knows all the rules and regulations wherever your case will take you. Look for an agency with international presence, i.e., experience, offices, and court reporters, videographers, and interpreters all over the globe. This is the firm with travel tips, as well as time and money-saving tips. They can guide you on everything from language to include in your court order to visa requirements to getting through security at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. In addition to invaluable advice on international depositions, this firm has enough teams everywhere to seriously slash travel costs. It is no coincidence that these are teams with a wealth of experience in large, complex matters.
Dedicated Case Management
Complex matters require efficient coordination between your reporting agency and your team. From the moment you partner with the reporting agency, a whole crew of case management experts should be lined up to take care of every detail. This team needs to be available literally around the clock, so no scheduling detail is overlooked, no standing order item (or change!) is missed, and the response time and live support is there when you need it. Your dedicated case manager works closely with your firm and your account executive to guarantee your expectations are exceeded at every opportunity.
Planet Depos has developed large casework expertise through years of experience, with best-in-class court reporting, cutting-edge technology, and an ability to adapt on the fly with the thrill-a-minute schedules complex litigation entails. With a global network of court reporting professionals, Planet Depos is poised to provide first-rate coverage, wherever your matter takes you, either in person, or via secure remote technology. For more information or to schedule, contact Planet Depos at scheduling@planetdepos.com, or schedule online.
Large cases involve many moving parts – tight deadlines, fast-paced and ever-evolving schedules, seas of exhibits, rosters of witnesses, etc., etc. Paralegals don’t wear capes, but every good attorney knows they have superhero-worthy organization, time management and delegating skills, to name a few. Every good paralegal knows partnering with the right court reporting agency makes … Read more
The additional layers involved in coordinating international depositions can act as stress triggers. Anything out of the ordinary can bring out one’s apprehensive side, and even paralegals and attorneys with international deposition experience can become a bit anxious when they determine that a deposition in India or France is necessary. However, just one key step can annihilate that sense of dread and ensure smooth sailing as you move through the process of scheduling and taking international depositions.
Partnering with a court reporting firm with years of experience coordinating depositions all over the world will go a long way toward eliminating stress. Allow them to direct you to local print and shred vendors or work with those vendors on your behalf! With their experience abroad, they also know the best locations to take depositions in Hong Kong, for example. Simply provide your specifications for a location, and let them reserve the conference room for you. Your local reporter and videographer can coordinate any last-minute on-the-ground logistics as soon as you communicate them.
If you are uncertain as to visa requirements for your destination, ask the court reporting firm. You don’t want to find out the day before the deposition that someone on your team doesn’t have the necessary visa to enter the country! They will be happy to not only let you know visa and passport requirements, but they may have tips for you on how to speed up the process. They can recommend hotels throughout Europe, Asia, and other far regions of the globe as well. They can even pass on packing tips!
Not only can the international team relieve your worries about travel, they can also ensure that the process of scheduling and taking your international deposition is as smooth as scheduling in the U.S. You can still receive realtime on your own laptop (or a loaner from the reporter; one less thing to pack and haul through customs!), as well as roughs at the end of each day’s proceedings. Realtime can also be streamed to any participants back in the U.S. Should you choose videoconferencing to accommodate those colleagues unable to travel for the deposition, a test call will be conducted with the overseas site beforehand to confirm a strong, stable connection. Mobile videoconferencing is also an option, with the videographer acting as a technician as well, to monitor the connection and keep things running smoothly.
When working with an experienced global firm with a professional team covering all the details of your depositions abroad, you will receive the guidance you need to guarantee no detail is missed. Any anxiety that you had about the process will evaporate when you put yourself in their capable hands, and you can even get tips on how to best enjoy your free time when you reach your destination!
For more information on international depositions, or to schedule, contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or international@planetdepos.com.
By Suzanne Quinson The additional layers involved in coordinating international depositions can act as stress triggers. Anything out of the ordinary can bring out one’s apprehensive side, and even paralegals and attorneys with international deposition experience can become a bit anxious when they determine that a deposition in India or France is necessary. However, just … Read more
The process of scheduling an international deposition can have several moving pieces, from counsel’s and the witness’ schedule to arranging for a court reporter, videographer, and/or interpreter. And then there’s finding an appropriate location, coordinating travel, organizing exhibits, setting up special services, as well as planning for the necessary technology needed to make the deposition run smoothly. If you are using a court reporting firm to assist in coordinating the logistics of a deposition, below are some tips and key points to remember when scheduling.
Tip 1: Remote or In-Person Depositions?
Determining the proper location for your international deposition is vitally important. Will the deposition take place at a specific venue or will it be held remotely? For the past year the rise in remote depos has significantly increased and firms have found they can successfully complete depositions this way. Some important factors to consider when making this decision:
Consider travel regulations for the target country
Does the country in question allow for remote depositions?
Traveling to depositions is not always convenient or deemed “safe” because of external forces such as a worldwide pandemic. But fortunately, technology easily permits for taking your international depositions remote through either traditional videoconferencing or mobile videoconferencing.
Traditional videoconferencing uses dedicated VC units that connect through a static IP address. Another option for remote attendance is via mobile videoconference. Mobile videoconferencing allows remote participants to connect via most any device, including laptops, iPads, or smartphones via Zoom or other video conferencing platforms. Your court reporting firm can set you up with a mobile videoconference meeting that is both secure and stable.
It is important to consider security needs for the remote deposition. At Planet Depos we have the enterprise version of Zoom with fantastic security, but also have versions that are both HIPAA-compliant and Zoom for Government that will provide you a secure remote deposition while following all necessary guidelines. Our blog post on Zoom security provides additional details on why Zoom meets our security needs. Will you need a Zoom Technician, and if so do you have a specific tech you want? Here at PD our Technicians have become like celebrities—our clients love them!
If seeing the witness is not a priority, often the cheapest method to attend a deposition remotely is to have a conference call number provided, which will allow you to simply connect via phone.
Tip 3: If In-Person, Determine the Proper Venue
If the deposition needs to take place in person, assuming you don’t have an office in the city where the depositions are taking place you’ll need to reserve a room for the deposition to take place. Some physical aspects of a deposition location, that one needs to consider include:
the size of the space,
seating availability,
breakout room accessibility, and
the proximity to parking or public transportation.
It is also important to consider the facility’s technology services, such as photocopiers, fax machines, scanners, and wireless or hardline internet connections. It would also be prudent to inquire about any additional cost for heating and A/C control for after-hours access. Be mindful of the time zone in which you are reserving a conference room, particularly if any participants are attending remotely.
Once the location is selected, you will need to include the specific information in the Notice, along with the requirement of court reporters, videographers, interpreters, and of course proper social distancing guidelines. Make sure to check the location of the deposition to see if there are any health and safety guidelines in place. While we can’t speak on behalf of any shared spaces, Planet Depos offices have reduced capacities and provide pre-checks, cleaning, disinfecting, and proper supplies as well as common area guidelines such as the use of face coverings. Additionally, we have our guide to A Safe Return to In-Person Litigation to provide all necessary information.
Tip 4: Is an Interpreter Needed?
Check to see if the witness needs an interpreter. If so, make sure proper planning takes place for the interpreter, whether the international deposition takes place remote or in person.
Tip 5: Transcript and Video Delivery Options
The transcript turnaround time varies amongst court reporting agencies. If you know that you’ll need the transcript on an expedited basis, inform the court reporter or the agency as soon as possible. Doing so allows the reporter and the production team to adjust schedules accordingly to ensure that the transcript is delivered to you on time.
Of course, if you think you might need a rough draft of the transcript, make every attempt to let the court reporting agency know in advance so that a qualified court reporter may be assigned. If a videographer will be present at the depositions, it is important to be specific about any rush request for the video.
Digital video files are the easiest way to receive video depositions quickly. Many videographers also create DVDs during the deposition, and if you request in advance, they may be able to provide you with a DVD to take home with you.
Tip 6: Request a Realtime Feed
If you would like to receive a realtime feed during the deposition, it is best to provide the request to the court reporting agency at the time of scheduling so that a qualified reporter may be assigned. The reporter will be prepared to transmit local realtime (within the deposition suite), as well as to stream the realtime to a remote location.
Tip 7: Proper Equipment
Your court reporting firm should also be able to provide you with loaner pieces such as iPads, projection units and document cameras, if requested in advance.
And if you are scheduling an international remote depo, there is some important “equipment” that you will want to take care of ahead of time:
Test your internet for a strong Wi-Fi connection or utilize a hardwired connection.
If you will be on video be sure there is good lighting, eliminate distracting backgrounds, and dress professionally.
It’s always helpful to send exhibits in advance of the deposition. Sending exhibits digitally can be the most convenient and efficient way to ensure the exhibits make it to the deposition. If you want to pre-mark exhibits, you can always include that information for the court reporter. But if you need to send original exhibits through a mail service, be sure to always retain a tracking number and confirm the proper receiving address for the exhibits.
Having a Zoom tech on your remote depo makes the exhibit process seamless. You will upload the exhibits beforehand and our Zoom tech will take it from there during the deposition to share the exhibits.
Tip 9: Changes in Time, Venue, or Services
Deposition details change all the time. Court reporting firms are generally very flexible, but it is vital to communicate any changes in the deposition time, venue, or services as soon as you know them. This ensures that every deposition starts on time, and it also helps to avoid any unnecessary charges.
Tip 10: Triple Check Time Zone Conversions
Be sure to triple check the time zone conversions if you have people joining the deposition from multiple locations. This is especially important if any aspect of your international deposition is remote. As a general rule of thumb, when planning for depositions in Asia, note that the witness may be more than 12 hours ahead. That means Thursday evening in New York is Friday morning in Seoul.
Planet Depos has been covering depositions around the globe for over a decade, using remote deposition technology when necessary. More than experts on international depositions, they are experts on remote depositions as well. For more information on international depositions and where you can schedule remote international depositions, contact international@planetdepos.com.
The process of scheduling an international deposition can have several moving pieces, from counsel’s and the witness’ schedule to arranging for a court reporter, videographer, and/or interpreter. And then there’s finding an appropriate location, coordinating travel, organizing exhibits, setting up special services, as well as planning for the necessary technology needed to make the deposition … Read more
International depositions involve so many details. You could (we have, in fact) make a list, or a few lists, of those details to keep on track. The length of a list or two may intimidate some, while a detail here and there may make another person cringe. A list of travel requirements is an obvious example of a list with tedious, annoying tasks no one really wants to bother about. Travel requirements are not only tedious and sometimes unnecessarily complicated, they can also be pricey. Cost-conscious clients do not want to glimpse a list like that, nor do they want to listen to explanations for the price tag. Happily, there is a solution!
Videoconferencing makes an attractive alternative to flying far, far away to take a brief deposition or two. Aside from missing out on the food and culture of flying far, far away, at least. You will save your client potentially thousands of dollars on travel expenses alone. You save yourself a considerable amount of time, and the wear and tear on the human body that such travel takes. No annoying customs to suffer through, and no jet lag? Videoconference looks better and better, right? So, how do you know videoconference really is the right way to go for your upcoming international deposition?
How to Know When Your International Deposition Should Use a Videoconference
How long will the deposition last? If the answer is likely fewer than four hours, you’re on the right track for videoconference. Does the witness speak English well enough no interpreter will be needed? Still on track here! No exhibits, or just a couple? It’s looking good! There are no worries about witness coaching! Videoconference looks more and more suitable! Does every participant have high-speed internet available? You are videoconference-ready.
Don’t despair if the witness does require an interpreter. You can still take the deposition by videoconference. It is recommended in those instances the witness, reporter (and videographer, if the deposition is being video-recorded) all be in the same location together. It makes for more accurate interpretation, a cleaner transcript, and better-quality video. Also keep in mind interpreted depositions take twice as long as non-interpreted, so double check on the expected duration of the deposition before deciding about videoconferencing.
In the event videoconferencing is not an option, ask your court reporting agency about mobile videoconferencing. This is less expensive than traditional videoconferencing, and the requirements are minimal. Everyone participating needs high-speed internet with a stable connection, a laptop (or some similar device) and someone tech-savvy to monitor the connection present with them. For either traditional or mobile videoconferencing, a test call is vital. The test call is the opportunity to verify the stability of the connection and sort out any issues before the actual deposition.
Just as with any other international deposition, it is best to work with a global reporting agency for a videoconference deposition abroad. They are likely to have reporters and videographers living worldwide, providing further reductions to travel costs associated with the deposition. Additionally, they have the experience in these types of depositions, which will ensure a smoother deposition for all involved. They can help you determine if videoconference (or mobile videoconference) is the best way to go with your international deposition as well. Their videographer can double as a technician to trouble-shoot any issues as well.
Planet Depos has been covering depositions worldwide for over a decade. With offices and reporting professionals positioned throughout the world, Planet Depos is committed to making it happen for attorneys taking depositions wherever their case takes them.
For more information on international depositions, or to schedule, contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or international@planetdepos.com.
International depositions involve so many details. You could (we have, in fact) make a list, or a few lists, of those details to keep on track. The length of a list or two may intimidate some, while a detail here and there may make another person cringe. A list of travel requirements is an obvious … Read more
Due to their flexibility and convenience, remote proceedings are here to stay. However, even those with experience in videoconferencing may want someone on hand to help smooth over any technical glitches. The remote reporter will be occupied with taking down the record, rendering them very limited in how much they can assist with their technical prowess. Enter the skilled technician! It is good practice to reserve a professional to focus on literally keeping the proceeding going, while you can do your job and the reporter does theirs.
What exactly is the technician’s role in a remote deposition? The beauty of the technician is that they have many roles. They are the glue keeping everyone connected. They are the technological wizard who can quickly and unobtrusively resolve technical issues experienced by any participant. They are the safeguard monitoring the proceeding’s confidentiality. They are the handler of the exhibits, whether those exhibits are sent before the deposition or during the deposition.
Staying connected during any virtual meeting is important, and by now, probably all of us have experienced the frustration of losing a connection out of the blue. You can log back in. Normally. Hopefully. But in an important meeting, you don’t want to lose the time, forcing others to repeat what was said while you were lost in virtual land. The technician will monitor everyone’s connection and can troubleshoot audio and video issues should they occur. The technician will also conduct the test calls with everyone prior to the deposition, starting each participant off on the best foot.
Security is a top concern for depositions, and this is another area where a technician gives you an edge. The technician assigns passwords to each meeting and sends the unique meeting link only to the email addresses you supply. The technician also closely monitors who is present at the deposition and ensures no unauthorized party is in attendance. Not only that, the technician will create private breakout rooms and assign parties to them, making sure only authorized parties go into each room.
The technician takes the role of marking and sharing exhibits and can highlight text and make annotations. Each party can scroll the documents at his or her own pace, however, as the technician will give them that control. If you prefer to mark the exhibits yourself, you can pre-mark exhibits before sending to the technician, either by emailing them before the deposition or by uploading them to the technician using the chat box.
The PD technician is the consummate professional. Reserving a technician guarantees an expert at the helm, making for a smooth virtual proceeding. They will provide best-in-class service throughout the proceeding, so you can focus on your role and the progress of your case.
Without the technician present, should technical difficulties arise which are unrelated to power or internet service/strength, you can, of course, reach out to Planet Depos and ask for tech support. However, immediate tech support may not be available, as most of our technicians are on jobs every day. We highly recommend booking a technician in advance of your remote proceeding.
Planet Depos has been covering remote depositions for over a decade. Our technicians are highly trained and have encountered and resolved every snafu that could possibly come up in any virtual proceeding. To schedule your next virtual proceeding and reserve your master technician, contact Planet Depos at 888.433.3767 or schedule online.
Due to their flexibility and convenience, remote proceedings are here to stay. However, even those with experience in videoconferencing may want someone on hand to help smooth over any technical glitches. The remote reporter will be occupied with taking down the record, rendering them very limited in how much they can assist with their technical … Read more
So, you’re going remote with your depositions, and you want to make sure they are the next best thing to in-person? With proper preparation, there’s no reason to worry that your remote deposition will be any less effective than the typical deposition with everyone in the same room. Here are some tips to set you up for remote deposition success.
Know the notary rules!Remote depositions are a common occurrence in these days when technology reigns king. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many states updated notary rules and handbooks to match a more technology-forward economy. States such as Virginia for example, allow e-notaries to administer oaths virtually, no matter the location of the witness. Other states such as Texas and Florida have approved emergency orders that allow for the remote administration of oaths.
To ensure a smooth deposition and make sure that the oath’s validity is not objected to later, you should understand oath requirements on a state-by-state basis. Additionally, for states that do not allow the remote administration of oaths, we have seen attorneys make stipulations that protect the integrity of the oath that ensures everyone is on the same page.
Get techy! Now is the time to unleash the mind-boggling powers of technology. High-quality videoconferences are non-negotiable, and these are readily available nowadays. Your court reporting agency can answer all your questions about the technology involved and set you up for a smooth connection to your witness, court reporter, and opposing counsel.
Remote deposition software provides a unified and secure virtual conferencing service – replacing the need for multiple platforms for voice, chat, and video. Your agency’s technician will run a test prior to the deposition, with each connecting party, to confirm compatibility between each party’s equipment (laptop, iPad, etc.) and the videoconference software. That same expert technician can monitor the connection throughout the proceeding to ensure everyone attending the virtual deposition does so without interruption.
Know the available extras. Know which ones you want. Do you want realtime streaming? This can be of immense benefit in any deposition, but especially a virtual deposition! Are you interested in electronic exhibits? You will be able to pull up exhibits on your connecting device to share with all parties. Don’t underestimate the capabilities of a remote deposition! Check with the reporting agency to make sure you get the most from your online deposition.
Planet Depos has been connecting attorneys to remote depositions for over a decade, and all over the world. To get more information on remote depos, or to schedule with the experts, contact scheduling@planetdepos.com or schedule online.
So, you’re going remote with your depositions, and you want to make sure they are the next best thing to in-person? With proper preparation, there’s no reason to worry that your remote deposition will be any less effective than the typical deposition with everyone in the same room. Here are some tips to set you … Read more
Litigation is expensive, and few clients are of the “money is no object” mentality, so finding ways to save them money is imperative. Below are six tips for reducing court reporting costs:
Go paperless! Hardbound transcripts incur additional expenses. Go green and save your client’s green with electronic delivery.
Need to schedule international depositions? Discounted pricing may be available when you book multiple days of depositions.
Another possibility to reduce costs for international depositions: schedule with an agency that has court reporters and videographers on the ground in multiple continents, reducing or even eliminating travel fees.
Consider a videoconference, or even a mobile videoconference! If you don’t need to attend in person, this can be an enormous money-saver, so give it some thought.
Need a conference room? It’s possible the agency will have a complimentary conference room you can use for the deposition, so don’t forget to ask!
Contact your court reporting agency for more money- and time-saving tips. They can appreciate the value of time and money to you and your clients and can provide more information on cost-effective solutions.
For more information, or to schedule with Planet Depos, call 888.433.3767 or email us at scheduling@planetdepos.com.
By Suzanne Quinson Litigation is expensive, and few clients are of the “money is no object” mentality, so finding ways to save them money is imperative. Below are six tips for reducing court reporting costs: Go paperless! Hardbound transcripts incur additional expenses. Go green and save your client’s green with electronic delivery. Need to schedule … Read more
The College of Court Reporting once tweeted a comedic photo of a man with a huge smile, standing in front of a whiteboard with a senseless algorithm of letters and numbers on it, and the caption was “Trying to explain court reporting to pretty much anyone.” Similarly, I was talking to a friend about my position here at Planet Depos, and he was trying to understand the concept of the court reporting industry. He asked about seven or eight questions in a row, and it became quite difficult to explain it all. Some of the questions included:
Why do you need court reporters at all?
You need a professionally trained court reporter to record legal proceedings so that the verbatim record is preserved accurately and impartially. If someone isn’t there to document the proceeding, each side will present their own take on what was said.
Do court reporters work only in the courtroom?
In addition to official court reporters who are employed by the courts and work inside the courtroom, there are freelance court reporters who provide services through the discovery phase of litigation for depositions.
Why would an attorney schedule a videographer?
While the court reporter prepares a written record, the videographer will capture body language, intonation, facial expressions, and gestures that cannot be conveyed through the written record.
Why do attorneys need to hire freelance court reporters?
Can’t they just keep a reporter on their payroll?No. The court reporter is bound by a Code of Professional Ethics to serve as an impartial officer of the court who has no bias, financial or otherwise, in the outcome of the proceedings.
To learn more about court reporting, or to schedule a Planet Depos reporter or videographer, call us at 888.433.3767, or email us at scheduling@planetdepos.com.
By Julia Alicandri The College of Court Reporting once tweeted a comedic photo of a man with a huge smile, standing in front of a whiteboard with a senseless algorithm of letters and numbers on it, and the caption was “Trying to explain court reporting to pretty much anyone.” Similarly, I was talking to a … Read more
A deposition is the act of taking sworn testimony whereby litigants obtain information from each other in preparation for trial.
Here are some instructions for your witness to follow during a deposition:
A court reporter is present and begins the proceedings by administering the same oath or affirmation that the deponent would take if the testimony were being given in court in front of a judge and jury.
The chief value of a deposition, as with any discovery proceeding, is to give all litigant parties in a contested case a fair preview of the evidence so that a “level playing field” is achieved and surprise (traditionally regarded as an unfair tactic) is avoided at time of trial. Another benefit of deposition is to preserve a witness’s recollection while it is still fresh, though the trial may still be some time later. In the event a witness is unavailable for trial, his deposition testimony may be read before the jury and made part of the record in the case, with the same legal force as live testimony.
Tell the truth. Never vary from this rule. You can be truthful and tell the truth in a way that helps. You can be truthful and say it in a way that hurts. Think through your answers to the issues in the lawsuit thoroughly. Do it beforehand. As a witness you are sworn to tell the truth, and you must do so. No one, not your employer or your attorney, is telling you otherwise.
Resist the temptation to be helpful, to volunteer information or to become the teacher. Remember this is not the time or place for putting on your case. Just answer the question that is asked! Then stop and wait until the next question. The most frequent mistake made is volunteering information. Don’t! Just answer the question and then stop!
Remember your personal behavior and personality will be scrutinized by the opposing attorney. Speak clearly and slowly.
Dress appropriately and get adequate rest beforehand. A good night’s sleep is vital. Have your lawyer answer your questions about the deposition before it begins and when you have privacy.
Be confident, not cocky. Make sure your attorney has answered any important questions in your mind about the deposition procedure before it begins.
Be precise. If you cannot be reasonably precise, just admit you do not know the answer. Don’t guess. It is okay to say, “I don’t know the answer,” to the question.
Be polite but firm. Relax. Don’t feel compelled to speak just because there is a long silence.
Don’t attempt to persuade the opposing lawyer that we’re right and his client is wrong. He just wants to win his case. The more information you volunteer to him, the better informed he is.
Don’t anticipate the questions. Do not interrupt the question or improve the question so as to remove problems with the question.
Listen to the question, not the tone with which it is asked. The opposing attorney may attempt to provoke you deliberately as a tactic. He may hide a particularly nasty or tricky question in a soft voice and a soothing manner.
Listen to any objection by your lawyer but understand your lawyer cannot use objections to “coach” you how to answer the question.
Be sure you understand the question. Do not answer the question if it purports to summarize your opinions or your earlier testimony but is inaccurate, even if only slightly so. Don’t answer the question if you don’t understand it. Tell him you don’t understand the question. State that the summary of your testimony contained in the question is wrong. The attorney can ask you “loaded” inaccurate questions. You have to be alert to the misstatements in the questions. Pay particular attention to questions that begin with “don’t you agree” or “isn’t it true”.
Take time to think about the question and your answer. Don’t fix his question. If it is poorly worded, don’t say: “Are you asking me this?” and then proceed to fix his question. If the question is “broke,” don’t fix it.
If you are given a document, always read it entirely before answering. Continue to refer to it when answering any question about a document. You are entitled to a copy when answering. Do not answer a question about a document without the “complete” document in front of you.
Complete your answers, even if the attorney interrupts you.
Do not make promises or offer to make drawings, do calculations, collect documents, or conduct research, or pledge to do so. If requested, tell the opposing attorney to discuss that with your attorney after the deposition.
Correct any prior answers if you decide your previous statement was incorrect or inaccurate.
Never lose your temper even if provoked. This may well be a “test.” Don’t lash out.
Do not assume false facts. If it is not so, insist it is not so. Answer such a question only if your attorney tells you to answer.
Do not play lawyer.
Do not argue. Just stand on your position. If you are asked essentially the same question several times, give exactly the same answer each time. Often, this is a tactic to get you to change the answer you gave which the attorney does not like. Instead, if you are asked the very same question you just answered. Just say: “Same question, same answer.” When he asks the same question again, give him the same answer again.
Testify from your own knowledge only unless hearsay is specifically requested.
Accept responsibility for your and your employer’s actions, procedures, and decisions. Do not retreat just because you are under attack.
Never guess or estimate. If you don’t know the answer, the correct response is “I don’t know.” Don’t constantly use hedge words such as “it’s just my opinion,” or “I’m, not sure.” Overuse of hedge words gives the impression you don’t know what you are talking about.
There may be times when you cannot remember an answer. Do not be afraid to say that you do not remember the answer at this time.
Speak clearly and avoid non-verbal answers (such as head nods) so the court reporter can accurately record your response.
If one of the lawyers makes an objection, stop and wait until the lawyers are finished. Do not be distracted by their arguments with each other but listen to what they say. Be aware that your lawyer has very limited authority to instruct you not to answer a question, especially in federal court.
Do not hesitate to ask for a break if you need one, or if you wish to seek legal advice from your counsel. Any comments you made during the break heard by the opposing attorney likely will result in you being questioned about the comment after the break. If he asks you after the break if your lawyer told you how to answer the question, tell him no! Don’t go too long without a break. Try to take a short walk during the break. Splash water in your face in the restroom.
Do not think that you can end or shorten the ordeal of cross-examination by making concessions to the attorney questioning you. That will prolong the deposition. He will see you are willing to agree to “anything” in the mistaken belief that this will end the questioning.
Do not bring any notes or other materials to the deposition without the knowledge and advice of your attorney. Show your attorney what you have brought while you are out of the presence of others. Do it before the deposition begins.
Do not answer any hypothetical questions unless the question incorporates sufficient facts, circumstances, and conditions to allow a full and fair response. If it does not, just tell the opposing counsel there are not sufficient facts for you to form an opinion and answer under oath.
Insist that your attorney spend the necessary time to prepare you. Don’t wait until the last minute. Otherwise, an emergency can cut short the time necessary to prepare. Discuss candidly any potential problems or significant issues you are aware of with your attorney when preparing for the deposition.
You may consult with your attorney to determine whether a privilege should be asserted (federal court) or to seek legal advice. Your attorney cannot and will not “coach” you how to answer the question at a recess or break.
You are entitled to a complete copy, not a partial copy, of any document. If presented with a surprise document, you can take all the time you need to study before you answer any questions.
You are entitled to all the time you need if asked to for example, interpret statements made in competitor’s or other’s correspondence.
You should not agree to waive your signature on deposition. Insist upon your right to read and sign the deposition transcript before it is filed with the court. Correct any mistakes in the deposition transcript promptly after the testimony has been typed and bound. Review the transcribed deposition yourself as soon as possible for any corrections. You can discuss them with your attorney but, again, he can’t tell you how to answer or what to say in an errata sheet. Make notes on a separate sheet as you review the transcribed deposition. Take the time to think through your correction before making it on the errata sheet. It’s wise to do a draft and then come back to it. Your errata sheet can “correct’ any mistakes or incomplete answers you made but the original answer is not deleted from the deposition transcript. That is one reason preparation is so important.
After the deposition, if you recognize new matter or problems that weren’t recognized beforehand, bring these to your attorney’s attention.
If you’re a legal professional with an upcoming deposition, Planet Depos can help. Contact us at scheduling@planetdepos.com or 888.433.3767 for assistance with your next proceeding.
What is a deposition? Deposition (law) A deposition is the act of taking sworn testimony whereby litigants obtain information from each other in preparation for trial. Here are some instructions for your witness to follow during a deposition: A court reporter is present and begins the proceedings by administering the same oath or affirmation that … Read more
Each morning, various legal professionals enter their respective law offices with a list of depositions, trials, and videoconferences to schedule. With their morning coffee by their side and a pending stack of scheduling to complete, they quickly place a call or send an email to Planet Depos.
What is not as well-known is what happens behind the scenes at Planet Depos once a case is scheduled. There are certain elements to ensure that the case is managed in a personal, efficient and seamless manner:
1. Each time a deposition is scheduled with Planet Depos, it is assigned to a case manager. A case manager ensures that there is a single point of contact to field questions, fill orders, or handle last-minute needs or changes.
2. The case manager will contact the parties for any standing orders to guarantee that requests are always up-to-date and orders are filled consistently and accurately. Standing orders include special services such as:
3. Each case on our calendar contains a list of past, present, and future depositions. The case manager will keep track of what is coming up, the due date of transcripts, and upcoming hearings and court dates. A confirmation email or phone call is always placed the day before each deposition to confirm the details. A case manager is also responsible for ensuring that court reporters, legal videographers, and interpreters are consistent throughout the course of a case.
4. Sometimes a deposition is required to be held out of state or even out of the country. Your case manager will gladly assist with finding a location for the deposition; whether it’s five minutes away or five countries away, Planet Depos will have a location and a court reporter there for you!
5. All files in a case are uploaded with case management software such as: LEF (Livenote), SBF (Summation), MDB (Sanction), CMS (Trial Director), VDF (Visionary), and XML (RealLegal). Planet Depos complimentary online repository houses transcripts, errata sheets, exhibits, invoices, and the online calendar.
6. Lastly, our case managers keep track of a distribution list pertaining to each case so that rough and final transcripts are sent to the appropriate parties in the case.
To schedule court reporting coverage for your next case, contact the experts at Planet Depos by emailing scheduling@planetdepos.com or calling 888.433.3767.
Each morning, various legal professionals enter their respective law offices with a list of depositions, trials, and videoconferences to schedule. With their morning coffee by their side and a pending stack of scheduling to complete, they quickly place a call or send an email to Planet Depos. What is not as well-known is what happens … Read more
