Best Practices for Taking a Remote Deposition

  • Best Practices for Taking a Remote Deposition

    Looking for some guidance on how to help ensure that your remote deposition goes smoothly? Barkley’s IT Team has compiled this list of best practices taking depositions remotely.

    Preparing for a Remote Deposition
    1. Plan to join from a MAC, PC or laptop computer equipped with a webcam and high-speed Internet. You may access the audio by phone or using the microphone and speakers on your device. A good headset will work but avoid earbuds. For access to the full features within the remote technology including the ability to receive copies of the exhibits, avoid using a mobile device such as an iPad, tablet or phone.
    2. Test your Internet connection a day or two before the deposition. Consider using an ethernet cable in lieu of Wi Fi if your connection is not strong.
    3. Work with your IT Department to have the remote technology installed on the computer that you will be using. Whenever possible, avoid joining a remote proceeding from the browser version. It is also best not to connect through a firm`s VPN.
    4. Provide a copy of all potential exhibits in their numerical order to the court reporter the day before. Any last-minute exhibits may be forwarded the morning of the deposition.
    5. Copy exhibits to the device you are using for the deposition; downloading exhibits from a shared drive during the deposition can slow the pace of your questioning.
    6. Plan to join the virtual deposition room 15 minutes early to get setup and ensure all connections are good. Never copy your deposition invite; the login credentials are unique for every proceeding.

     

    Before Joining a Remote Deposition
    1. Close all files and applications that you do not want to show attendees.
    2. Open the files/applications that you will want to show attendees.
    3. Turn off any notifications.
    4. If using a cell phone for the audio, plug in the phone to avoid running out of battery power. Follow the prompts to enter both the Meeting ID number and Participant ID number.
    5. Test your audio and video before entering the virtual deposition room.

     

    Before the Remote Deposition Starts
    1. Locate the mute/unmute and video on/off buttons.
    2. Ask witness to adjust their webcam to give attendees a full view of their face and hands. Ask witness to put away all devices and papers. Pin the deponent’s video on your screen, if this has not been done by the reporter.
    3. Use the view options to set how you see the attendees.

     

    During the Remote Deposition
    1. Mute/unmute your audio and turn your camera on/off to go off record. (Do not end the proceeding until deposition is completed). Ensure the reporter is ready before you resume questioning.
    2. If using the microphone and speakers on your device for the audio and are experiencing dropouts or poor video quality, switch to using a cell phone or landline. Remember to enter both your Meeting ID # and Participant ID #.
    3. Use the chat feature only to share information that all parties should be privy.
    4. If you or an attendee must leave the deposition, select the “Leave Meeting.” Do not “End the Deposition” until it has been completed.

     

    Looking for more information on taking remote depositions? Check out Barkley’s Remote Services

    Comments are closed.

Contact Barkley Court Reporters
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact Barkley Court Reporters
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.