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Aptus Court Reporting Welcomes Lucy Huete as a Director of Business Development in San Francisco Bay Area

Aptus Court Reporting expands its San Francisco Bay Area team

San Francisco, CA – Aptus Court Reporting is pleased to announce the appointment of Lucy Huete as a Director of Business Development in our San Francisco office. Lucy joins Aptus with over 17 years of experience in the legal industry, specializing in deposition and attorney services. Her extensive background and proven track record in customer service, operations, and business development make her a valuable addition to the team.

Lucy’s career began at First Legal, where she excelled as a customer service representative and advanced through various roles in operations. Her most recent position was as an Account Manager for the Northern California region, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and client relationship skills.  Lucy holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business from San Francisco State University. As a San Francisco native, she brings a deep understanding of the local market and a strong commitment to the community.

“I am thrilled to join the Northern California team at Aptus Court Reporting,” said Lucy Huete. “I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues and contributing to the continued success and growth of our company.”

Brandon Wai, Regional Director of Sales for the Northern California region, expressed his enthusiasm about Lucy’s arrival: “We are excited to welcome Lucy to our team. Her extensive experience and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our values at Aptus. I am confident that Lucy will play a crucial role in driving our business development efforts and strengthening our presence in the San Francisco market.”

About Aptus Court Reporting

Aptus Court Reporting is a full-service court reporting firm and a leading provider of court reporting services and litigation technology. With headquarters in San Diego, CA, and offices throughout California, Aptus provides a one-stop solution for deposition and trial needs with services including court reporting, transcription, videography, deposition technology, world-wide conference rooms, and more. For more information about Aptus Court Reporting, visit www.AptusCR.com.

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Sheri Bell Reporting Joins Forces With Aptus Court Reporting To Enhance Client Services And Expand Reach

After more than 20 years of supporting clients, Sheri Bell Reporting has made a strategic decision to align her services with Aptus Court Reporting.


SAN DIEGO – After more than 20 years of steadfastly supporting clients as Sheri Bell Reporting, Ms. Bell has made a strategic decision to align her esteemed reporting services with Aptus Court Reporting, effective January 2024. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both Sheri Bell Reporting and Aptus Court Reporting, as they join forces to strengthen their commitment to delivering unparalleled court reporting solutions.

Having fostered and maintained longstanding relationships with many members of the Aptus Court Reporting team, Sheri Bell embraces this partnership with enthusiasm. Both companies share core values, a dedication to the court reporting profession, and a relentless focus on providing exceptional client service.

Sheri Bell will continue to play a pivotal role in the business, leveraging the support of a larger and more robust team. This move is expected to bring about numerous advantages for clients, including complimentary access to conference rooms throughout California, extended coverage across the nation and globally, as well as an overall enhancement of services and products.

Aptus Court Reporting, with offices conveniently located in San Francisco, Oakland, Fresno, Riverside, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Irvine, and headquartered in San Diego, is well-positioned to provide top-notch court reporting services across the state and beyond.

Sandy Waite, Chief Operating Officer at Aptus Court Reporting, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Sheri Bell Reporting into the Aptus family. I have known Sheri professionally for over 30 years, and her firm’s reputation for excellence in court reporting aligns seamlessly with our commitment to delivering exceptional services. Together, we are poised to set new standards in the industry.”

Sheri Bell shared her excitement about the merger, stating, “Joining forces with Aptus Court Reporting is an exciting chapter for me. I believe this partnership will not only enhance the support we provide to our clients but also open up new avenues for growth and innovation. I am eager to continue delivering the high-quality reporting services our clients have come to expect, now with the added strength of the Aptus team behind us.”

Sheri Bell Reporting clients and partners alike can look forward to an even more robust and comprehensive suite of court reporting solutions, solidifying the commitment to excellence that both Sheri Bell Reporting and Aptus Court Reporting uphold.

About Aptus Court Reporting

Aptus Court Reporting is a full-service court reporting firm and a leading provider of court reporting services and litigation technology. With headquarters in San Diego, CA, and offices throughout California, Aptus provides a one-stop solution for deposition and trial needs with services including court reporting, transcription, videography, deposition technology, world-wide conference rooms, and more. For more information about Aptus Court Reporting, visit www.AptusCR.com.

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Aptus Court Reporting Expands With New Hires Paul Hilts and Stephen Silveria

Aptus Court Reporting adds two industry veterans to its business development team.

SAN DIEGO – Aptus Court Reporting today announced the hiring of Paul Hilts and Stephen Silveria as Directors of Business Development in Orange County and San Diego, respectively. In their roles, they will drive new account acquisition and relationship management with law firms and legal departments throughout Southern California.

“We are elated to have both Paul and Stephen joining our business development teams at this key point in the history of our company. Paul has nearly 20 years’ experience with deep relationships in the legal community and will be invaluable in his role with the team,” said Aptus CEO Derek Berg. “In addition, with more than a decade of experience in the industry, Stephen brings an unmatched passion and consultative approach to helping clients meet their litigation needs. We are confident that their tremendous skills and experience will further position us for unprecedented growth.”

Prior to joining Aptus Court Reporting, Paul worked as an account executive for Veritext Legal Solutions. His career also includes work at other organizations including Integrity Legal Corp., Merrill Corporation, and IKON Document Services. An Orange County native, Paul was born and raised in Southern California and continues to reside in the region.

Stephen joins the Aptus Court Reporting team after having spent the past several years in key positions with Veritext Legal Solutions and Litigation Services LLC. Originally hailing from Boston, Stephen has embraced SoCal as his home and looks forward to a continued long and successful career here.

These two new hires are the latest in a string of other hires the company has made over the past year, not only in sales, but across other key business areas including operations, marketing, and resourcing. “It’s not lost on us how devastating the pandemic was to many individuals, companies, and industries,” said Berg. “We are grateful to have experienced exponential growth and will continue to think strategically and remain client focused as we look to continue and sustain our company success.”

About Aptus Court Reporting

Aptus Court Reporting is a full-service court reporting firm and a leading provider of court reporting services and litigation technology. With headquarters in San Diego, CA, and offices throughout California, Aptus provides a one-stop solution for deposition and trial needs with services including court reporting, transcription, videography, deposition technology, world-wide conference rooms, and more. For more information about Aptus Court Reporting, visit www.AptusCR.com.

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How to Use Electronic Evidence Effectively

Over the last several decades, electronic communication technologies have revolutionized every aspect of our daily lives, from how we do business to how we meet new friends. The increased use of these technologies has led to questions about how electronic evidence can be used in court. While attorneys can use digital evidence as primary evidence in court, understanding how to use this evidence effectively requires understanding the California Rules of Evidence. Read on to learn more about electronic evidence and how to present electronic exhibits in court.  

What Is Electronic Evidence?

Electronic evidence is any electronically stored information used as evidence in a trial or lawsuit. Types of electronic exhibits used in court include the following: 

  • Documents, 
  • Emails, 
  • Text messages, and 
  • Other files that are stored electronically, such as spreadsheets.  

Electronic exhibits must adhere to the same rules and meet the same requirements as other types of evidence, including satisfying authentication, relevance, and hearsay rules. 

How to Present Electronic Exhibits in Court

At the state level, California creates several obstacles that a piece of electronic evidence must overcome to be admitted. 

Authentication

The first major issue in the presentation of any electronic exhibits is authentication. California Evidence Code Section 1400 provides that any evidence, including electronic evidence, must be authenticated. Authentication establishes that the piece of evidence presented is what it claims to be. If a piece of evidence cannot be authenticated, it will be inadmissible. There is no requirement to prove the genuineness of the evidence, but it must be authenticated. 

Relevance

California Evidence Code section 210 provides that all evidence must be relevant to the facts or issues of the case. Relevant evidence means, “evidence relevant to the credibility of a witness or hearsay declarant, having any tendency in reason to prove or disprove any disputed fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action.” Section 350 of California’s Evidence Code permits the admission of only relevant evidence. A court deems digital evidence relevant if it makes a fact more or less probable than it would be without the evidence, and the fact the evidence addresses is of consequence to the determination of the action. If the evidence presented is not relevant to a fact or issue in the case, it is inadmissible. 

Hearsay 

California Evidence Code Section 1200 defines hearsay evidence as “evidence of a statement that was made other than by a witness while testifying at the hearing and that is offered to prove the truth of the matter stated.” While there are several exceptions to a raised hearsay objection, hearsay can be a challenging obstacle to overcome. If a piece of evidence does not qualify for a hearsay exclusion or exception, it will be inadmissible if it is being offered to prove the truth of the matter. 

Secondary Evidence Rule 

In the event an original document cannot be located to submit as evidence, California Evidence Code section 1521 permits that the content of a writing may be proved by “otherwise admissible secondary evidence.” When it comes to electronic evidence, an attorney may overcome this issue pursuant to California Evidence Code Section 750 if someone with personal knowledge of the writing verifies the content of the digital evidence presented. 

Contact Us 

With decades of combined experience in the litigation support business, Aptus Court Reporting provides a one-stop solution for your deposition and trial needs. We provide you with a nationwide network of accomplished staff, reporters, and videographers who can handle all of your needs from start to finish, in person, online, or over the phone. Contact Aptus Court Reporting today to find out how we can assist you.

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3 Pitfalls to Avoid in Taking an International Deposition

Conducting an international deposition can be tricky. But when you avoid key pitfalls, you can be confident you will get the testimony you need for your case. 

  1. Assuming a U.S. Deposition is Legal in Other Countries

The most essential step in organizing any international deposition is to find out whether you can legally hold a U.S. deposition in that country. Many countries have prohibitions or restrictions on depositions. For example, a deposition in China can be particularly difficult to perform because China does not allow foreigners to take depositions. A deposition in Japan must take place at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Additionally, Japan requires attorneys traveling for a deposition to obtain a special deposition visa. 

Because restrictions on depositions vary so much by country, you will have to conduct country-specific research to determine the applicable procedures in the country where your witness is located. The U.S. Department of State website is a great resource for finding out this information and can give you a quick overview of the official rules before you schedule a deposition.

  1. Failing to Consider Whether the Country Is Part of The Hague Evidence Convention 

The Hague Evidence Convention allows you to enlist the help of a foreign court to compel the deposition of an overseas witness in countries that are parties to the agreement. Fifty-seven countries are parties to the Hague Evidence Convention. Thus, another essential step when planning a foreign deposition is determining whether the country where your witness is located has signed on to the Convention. 

To use the Convention, you must start by asking a U.S. court to issue a letter of request seeking the deposition of your overseas witness. The letter of request must follow a specific format, found in Article 3 of the Convention, but it is very straightforward. The benefit of the Hague Convention is that foreign courts are generally obligated by the Hague Convention to carry out a letter of request. 

  1. Failing to Book a Local Court Reporter, Interpreter, and Videographer Early

At the very least, working with a local, certified and professional court reporter, videographer, and interpreter can help reduce travel costs. More importantly, you’ll be working with people who understand the culture of the country where you will be conducting your deposition. Professionals who are familiar with local communication norms and styles can help you more successfully navigate an international deposition. Working with local professionals will help ensure your team has the requisite cultural sensitivity and cultural competence to avoid offending the officials, attorneys, and witnesses you are interacting with. It is extremely important to plan as early as possible so that you can hire the right personnel. Remember that you might also need the services of a deposition translator. Give yourself ample time to research and schedule the professionals you need to help make conducting your foreign deposition easier.   

Avoid Pitfalls with Aptus Court Reporting

With decades of combined experience, Aptus Court Reporting has been helping attorneys conduct successful depositions across the country. No matter where your cases take you, Aptus is a valuable resource to leverage along the way.  Contact us online or by phone at 866-999-8310.

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What to Avoid During a Remote Deposition

With the emergence of new technologies and circumstances that prevent groups from gathering physically, options for legal proceedings have changed dramatically. If you are a litigator, you have likely already participated in remote trials, remote mediations, or even remote depositions. 

Remote legal proceedings can provide much-needed convenience to a busy attorney’s schedule, but they are not without their drawbacks. Please read on to learn what to avoid during a remote deposition and how our sophisticated suite of trial support services at Aptus Court Reporting can help you.

Being Disorganized with Your Exhibits

Do you want remote technology to help and not hinder your legal work? If you do, sometimes you need to be more organized than usual. This can be especially true when it comes to your exhibit packages for a deposition. 

Many attorneys opt to deliver digital exhibit packages to opposing counsel and deponents for remote depositions. This can streamline the process and cut costs. However, you must make sure that your digital packages are functional, easy to follow, and properly labeled before submitting them. 

You can keep your electronic exhibit packages organized by placing well-labeled bookmarks in the document. To make sure the bookmarks are easy to follow, practice accessing them while reviewing your deposition outline. If the deponent is your client or witness, have them practice navigating your package while you ask questions. 

Neglecting to Explore Your Technological Options Beforehand

Many remote deposition platforms and services have several technological features you can use to your advantage. For instance, if you are conducting a zoom deposition and a deponent cannot locate an exhibit from your electronic package, you can share your computer screen with the deponent to show them where you are. It is crucial to identify technological features like this and make sure you know how they work before you begin a deposition. This way, you can cut down on tense moments in an already adversarial proceeding. 

Also keep in mind that, in general, court reporters are to preserve only the spoken record. In their written record, a reporter does not typically include descriptions of a deponent’s behavior or demeanor. But if you need this information, you can hire a videographer to capture nonverbal conduct during a deposition. 

Being Unprepared for Technological Glitches

You might already have a tried-and-true method for conducting test runs of your deposition. But have you taken the time to conduct a test run with your remote deposition technology?

Testing your technology before remotely deposing a witness can help you avoid a number of serious issues, such as the appearance of unlawful witness coaching. How can technological glitches increase the likelihood of this issue? 

Consider the following example: Imagine an attorney’s witness has an unexpectedly poor internet signal during a deposition, and the witness’s responses are constantly interrupted by buffering. This can quickly fluster an attorney and a witness who did not prepare for the issue. 

After an interruption, an attorney might need to resubmit their question multiple times to get a clear record of the witness’s answer. And in re-asking their question, an attorney might be tempted to summarize what they were able to hear clearly from the witness. Opposing counsel could perceive this as unlawful coaching. If opposing counsel perceives unlawful coaching, they could request that a tribunal impose sanctions that prejudice a client and harm an attorney’s credibility. If you practice your deposition while using your remote technology, you can determine what technological issues you are likely to encounter. You can also develop a strategy for addressing glitches without risking your case’s integrity.

We Provide Full-Service Litigation Support for Your Remote Needs

Do you need a certified court reporter, remote court reporting, or legal transcription to aid you in your next deposition? We have the tools to help you at Aptus Court Reporting. We deliver state-of-the-art services for conducting effective remote depositions, including digital screen captures, videography, streaming text, and document sharing. We can also offer you case management services that include top-of-the-line customer service. Please call us at 866-999-8310 for more information.

Remote Proceedings – Tips for Facilitating Remote Trials & Mediation

lawyer-using-laptop-for-remote-trial

As the pandemic forced people to rely more heavily on remote access to products and services, we learned how to successfully navigate these circumstances. In fact, we realized the enormous benefits of conducting business, education, and community outreach via online spaces. The justice system is no exception. We now have a better understanding of how to facilitate remote trials and mediation. So, in this post, we examine some key benefits and tips for those involved in remote judicial proceedings.

What are remote trials?

There are a few different ways to conduct remote trials and mediation, but they all have one common goal: to allow parties involved in a legal proceeding to appear before a judge or jury without being in the same physical location. This can be done by video conferencing, teleconferencing, or even having the proceedings take place entirely online.

Benefits of conducting remote trials and mediation

There are many benefits to conducting remote trials, including:

  • Increased access to justice: Remote court trials can make it easier for people to access the justice system, as they do not need to travel to a court location. This is especially beneficial for people who live in rural or remote areas.
  •  Cost-effective: Remote court trials can save on costs associated with travel and accommodation for lawyers, witnesses and other court personnel.
  •  More efficient: Remote court trials can help to reduce delays in the justice system, as they do not rely on the availability of physical court facilities or personnel.

Tips for judges presiding over remote trials

 Here are tips for presiding over a remote court trial:

  • Establish ground rules at the beginning of the trial. Let the parties know what is expected of them in terms of decorum and participation.
  • Make sure everyone can see and hear each other. This may mean using video conferencing software or other technology to ensure everyone can see and hear each other clearly.
  • Be patient with technology glitches. There are bound to be some hiccups when moving a trial online, so be patient and try to work through them as best you can.
  • Keep an open mind. Just because a trial is happening remotely doesn’t mean it’s any less important or serious than an in-person trial. 

Tips for attorneys preparing for remote trials and mediation

If you are an attorney, below are some tips for  preparing for a remote trial or mediation:

  • Get organized and prepared. This is especially important when working remotely and communicating virtually. Make sure to have all your documents in one place so that you can easily access, and become familiar with the technology you will be using for the trial, and there are no surprises on the day of the proceeding.
  • Keep an open line of communication. With everyone working from home, it can be easy for miscommunications to happen. Stay in close contact with your client leading up to the trial to make sure they are updated on any changes and that everyone is on the same page.
  • Remain flexible. Because so many things are out of our control, it’s important to be flexible in your approach to trial. If there are any unforeseen technical difficulties or last minute changes, try to go with the flow and adjust as needed. The goal is to direct a strong case for your client, no matter what obstacles come up.

Tips for testifying in remote trials

If you’re scheduled to testify in a remote court trial, there are a few things you can do to prepare and make sure your testimony is effective.

  • Know the technology. It’s important to understand the technology you’ll be using. Make sure you know how to log into the video conferencing platform the court is using, and test your audio and video beforehand.
  • Give clear and concise answers. When you’re testifying, remember that the judge and jury can’t see your entire body, so they can’t easily interpret your body language. Because of this, it’s important to be clear and concise in your answers. Look directly into the camera when you’re speaking, and avoid distractions in your environment.
  • Dress appropriately. It’s also important to dress professionally for your remote court appearance, just as you would for an in-person trial. First impressions matter, so make sure you look presentable and trustworthy.
  • Prepare for any technical difficulties. If your audio or video cuts out, remain calm and try to troubleshoot the problem. If all else fails, have your attorney contact the court clerk to sort out the issue.

Use the tips above to get the most out of your remote experience. If you’re seeking advanced and user-friendly technology, leverage Aptus’ innovative technology & resources to conduct your remote trials & mediations anywhere across the country.  Ready to get started? Contact us to schedule today!