As litigators turn to more cost effective ways to conduct out of town depositions, web-based video conferencing is becoming increasingly popular. As an alternative to traditional video conferencing, web-based video conferencing allows more flexibility requiring only a high speed internet connection and a computer equipped with a webcam and microphone. This eliminates the somewhat difficult task of locating two locations that are equipped with traditional video conferencing systems. So if all you need is a computer, internet, webcam and microphone, everything should be set to go, right? Think again…
While having all those items are paramount in order to proceed with your deposition, there are some preliminary steps to consider and take. Here are my top tips for conducting a smoother web-based video conference:
1.) Verify that both locations have high speed internet, not just internet. A hardwired connection is usually the best source for the fastest bandwidth. Since this is an increasingly popular way to conduct depositions, some law firms have dedicated WIFI networks designed specifically for this type of service. This is a luxury and not common, especially at hotels. Make sure your scheduling coordinator asks for a high speed, hardwired internet connection.
2.) Make sure your computer monitor is big enough or at least has multiple outputs. You probably wouldn’t want both the deponent and opposing counsel to have to huddle around a tiny laptop screen. Make sure the monitor is big enough to allow both parties to comfortably participate or use one of your outputs to connect to a larger monitor or TV.
3.) Be prepared by having an audio backup through the phone. As we all know, the internet has a mind of its own. Even with traditional video conferencing systems, freezing and audio dropouts can AND DO occur. Nothing is more frustrating to all parties, especially the court reporter, to be in mid-answer and lose the rest due to poor connectivity. If you are unsure of the internet connection, try setting up an audio backup that integrates the phone with the video. This allows you to see the witness and hear them through the phone while the audio and video sync up with virtually no latency.
4.) Test, test and test again. There is no such thing as over testing when it comes to technology. Have both parties sit at different angles and talk to see where it might be best to place the deponent to ensure they are both seen and heard. Also, try to test using the equipment you will actually be using for the deposition. One computer might work great and the other might require a little tweaking. DO NOT put yourself in the position of having to troubleshoot on the day of the deposition, especially when it could have been avoided.
5.) Make sure the deponent is a good candidate for conducting a deposition this way. While this can be a great and cost effective way to conduct a deposition, it might not be the best way. If the deponent is hard of hearing or soft spoken, it could make for a potentially long day. Constantly asking a deponent to repeat his answer and having them constantly ask counsel to repeat his question can become extremely tedious. It also might sacrifice the quality of the record because more than likely if you are having trouble hearing the witness, the court reporter is also having trouble.
About the Author: Mike Tisa is the Director of Litigation Technology for Aptus Court Reporting. He is a Certified Legal Video Specialist and a Trial Presentation Professional through the National Court Reporters Association. Mike has been in the legal field since 2007 and is continuously researching advancements in the legal technology industry. For more on Mike’s background, visit his LinkedIn profile. http://www.linkedin.com/in/miketisa/
Jenna Schamber is our Administrative Guru handling reception duties, marketing, calendar coordination, while also supporting the ever-important role of lobby music DJ. Her previous work experience includes seven years as a legal assistant with Hughes & Nunn, receptionist at Kempen & Company in Modesto, CA, and an Events & Entertainment Contributor to Maui Time Weekly. She enjoys cooking, craft beer tasting (especially sours and saisons!), traveling, and collecting vinyl. During the week you might catch her attending live music shows and DJ sets or Netflix binge watching.
Jaclyn Swe hails from L.A. where she was born and raised, and heads back to see her family as much as she can. She joins Aptus as a Business Development Executive. Her recent experience involves working at Robert Half Legal, starting as an Account Executive and then, being promoted to Division Director. Prior to that, she practiced as an attorney in Los Angeles and San Diego. After work hours you might find her playing sports, reading, knitting or hanging out at happy hour.
Romina Hussein joins our newly-expanded San Francisco office as our Business Development Executive helping the Aptus name grow in the San Francisco and Northern California market. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Romina is a UC Berkeley graduate and has previously worked as a paralegal post-college for four years. She comes from a big family, the third of four children, and embraces having her immediate family close by. Growing up in Oakland, she is a lover of Oakland As baseball and you can find her with her family and friends during baseball season tailgating and enjoying the games.
For our Southern California offices, UCLA alumni Jason C. Ferber has joined the team traveling between our San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles offices as the Director of Business Development. For 10 years, he worked as Managing Partner at Whitmont Legal Technologies and also previously worked as Regional Sales Manager at Veritext Deposition Services. He has been in friendly competition and has known Derek for 15 years and now the stars have aligned for him to join the Aptus team. He and his wife Laura brought in 10 years of friendship to their now 14 years of marriage and together they have three sons: Ethan, Jackson and Owen. His hobbies include spending time with his family whether it is camping in their vintage VW bus or going on a family fishing trip.
Mike Tisa is the most recent to join the San Diego office. He is the Director of Litigation Technology and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of video operations including video production, in addition to helping Aptus stay at the forefront of digital technology. He is heavily involved in the firm’s website and social media campaigns to gain better exposure online and to release relevant information to clients. And as a CLVS (Certified Legal Video Specialist) he will continue to be in the field covering video depositions for our clients. Mike’s previous positions have been Litigation Technology Manager for Shelburne Sherr Court Reporters in San Diego and four years at one of the largest independently owned court reporting firms in the country, PohlmanUSA Court Reporting in St. Louis, MO. He is the oldest of five brothers, one of whom works as a videographer in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. He is a die hard Cardinals baseball fan, enjoys movies, and all things Beach Boys-related.
