Remote Depositions Done Right

Besides working with great reporters that have embraced remote depositions and are fluent with the technology, LitiCourt delivers the smoothest remote depositions because we use both the right videoconferencing platform and the right exhibit presentation platform.

We believe that Zoom is the best video-conferencing platform for depositions. Many reporting firms, including LitiCourt, used Zoom prior to COVID for depositions where attorneys and/or clients attended remotely. Many of the firms that used other platforms have now moved to Zoom. Why?

Zoom depos start on time. Zoom’s mission to deliver frictionless video communications (1) resulted in a platform that is both easy to install and an ease to use – on a computer, an iPad or a phone. As people have embraced Zoom in their personal lives, depositions over Zoom have become easier and simpler. Unlike other platforms, few deponents and even fewer attorneys need installation assistance or training (2) because they already use Zoom.

Studies show that Zoom has better audio quality than its competitors (3). Critically important for court reporting, when configured correctly, Zoom captures video consistent with in-person depositions.

While exhibits can be presented using Zoom’s screen sharing and chat functions, it can be a bit clunky, especially in exhibit heavy cases. Some reporting firms have cobbled together proprietary but incomplete solutions. LitiCourt adopted the superior AgileLaw exhibit presentation platform.

AgileLaw was initially designed to allow for better exhibit presentation for in-person depositions, but ironically it really shines for remote depositions. Importantly, it not only allows you to display a specific page of an exhibit to the witness, but it also allows the witness to independently review any exhibit you’ve marked, and it allows you to follow along with what the deponent is looking at. Other features make marking exhibits easy; make getting the exhibits to the court reporter after the deposition easy; make witness annotations on an exhibit easy; and allow you to recall any documents you might have inadvertently shared.(4) As of early 2021 about half of our clients present exhibits in Zoom and half of our clients use AgileLaw, particularly our employment law clients with exhibit heavy cases.

(1) On July 1, 2020 Zoom’s CEO blogged at https://blog.zoom.us/ceo-report-90-days-done-whats-next-for-zoom/ that now Zoom strives to be the most frictionless and secure video communications platform in the world.

(2) LitiCourt provides complimentary individualized training on both Zoom and AgileLaw to our clients. While deponents and opposing counsel do not need training to participate in depositions on these platforms, we find that most of our clients want training and practice in advance of their first remote proceeding.

(3) January 2021 study by Wainhouse Research quoted on Zoom’s blog at https://blog.zoom.us/which-meeting-calling-solutions-deliver-the-best-quality-experience/

(4) For an excellent overview of AgileLaw’s features, view their demo video at https://agilelaw.wistia.com/medias/wj8yvhb2ga.