How to Choose the Right Technology for Your Depositions
If you are in the midst of preparing for a legal deposition in San Jose, your priorities almost certainly include reviewing the case material, preparing your witness, and developing questions. But it’s important not to overlook the importance of technology in legal depositions. Talk to a court reporting agency about the technology-based deposition services that best fit your needs.
Pre- and Post-Deposition Technology
Premier deposition services should ideally include technology that lawyers can use before and after the actual deposition. Prior to the deposition, this technology is useful for deposition preparations. Afterward, lawyers can make good use of technological platforms to prepare for the trial. Seasoned lawyers are all too familiar with the veritable mountains of paperwork associated with each deposition. Thankfully, it’s no longer necessary to waste hours organizing documents and annotating them. A document depository and reproduction center at a court reporting agency can offer document scanning and duplication, including CD and DVD duplication. Virtual case management portals take this a step further by providing secure, 24/7 access to your online case file repository, complete with your neatly organized exhibits and transcripts. With this technology at your fingertips, you can spend your time where it really matters.
Remote Deposition Technology
The days of flying around the country and staying in uncomfortable hotel rooms are over. Remote deposition technology is available, such as teleconferencing or even video conferencing. With state-of-the-art video conferencing equipment, you can conduct your depositions in a comfortable conference room regardless of where your witness lives. These days, most jurisdictions do allow for remote depositions; check your local rules for guidance.
Video Technology
Just as videoconferences for remote depositions have gained traction in the legal field, so too have recorded depositions. Consider contracting with a court reporting agency to preserve a visual record of your deposition. You can organize the footage in such a way that allows you to play pivotal segments during the trial. Just be sure to check your local court’s rules regarding legal videography. Even if you do not plan to show the legal video in court, recording the deposition is still immensely helpful for preparing your witness to testify in the courtroom. You can have your witness watch him- or herself being deposed and offer recommendations for improvement.