During the coronavirus pandemic, many legal professionals were introduced to remote depositions for the first time. In the months that followed, most quickly gained critical technical skills and began to display confidence in the new format. Whether you’re new to the scene or a remote deposition veteran, you can improve your performance with a refresher on proper conduct. In this article, we’re sharing a few important reminders to consider before you open your next Zoom room.
Staging & Setup
Producing high-quality audio and video requires investing in quality equipment. Headsets are particularly useful because the dedicated microphone can help filter unwanted sounds and background noises. You can also overcome many of the limitations of low-quality webcams through creativity and advance planning. Take time to ‘set the stage’ for yourself. Aim to film in a well-lit area but avoid sitting directly in front of windows (which will create backlighting).
Pre-Proceeding Checks
It’s nearly impossible to overstate the importance of double-checking your state and federal rules. Make sure you are completely clear on your stipulation requirements, as some states may require stipulation regarding the administration of the oath when the reporter is not in the presence of the witness.
After you’ve ensured that you’ll be able to administer the oath remotely, it’s time to check your hardware, internet speed, and audio. If you’ve been working from home consistently, it’s likely that you have some idea of your internet speed and quality. If you cannot reliably reach speeds of 1.5Mbps or more, consider relocating for the duration of the procedure or connecting an ethernet cable.
Touch Base With Your Team
Your team should be kept in the loop at all times. At a minimum, you should conduct a test call with your client to ensure they have a strong internet connection and suitable space for filming. Next, reach out to your technician to confirm that they possess accurate email addresses from all parties and will be able to distribute the remote session link as planned. You should also confirm that the technician has all the information they need to correctly identify and display your exhibits.
Finally, remember to speak with your court reporting agency. Depending on the services you’re interested in, you may need to get your requests in early. Realtime reporters are in high demand and should be booked in advance to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading! We hope we’ve been able to provide you with some useful reminders before you begin your next remote deposition. If you enjoyed this article, let us know in the comments, and feel free to share it on social media.
When you plan your next deposition, don’t forget to take advantage of our plentiful deposition tools, including remote court reporting, concierge remote exhibit management, remote videography, and full-time tech support for your remote depositions, arbitrations, court hearings, trials, and other proceedings.
