Video conferencing software allows people thousands of miles apart to connect as though they were in the same room. This technology has made it easier to get legal depositions from geographically distant witnesses, and the unique requirements of the legal profession have led to the development of specialized web video products.

Benefits of Video Conferencing

Collecting depositions are a critical part of preparing a case but getting statements from distant witnesses or experts has always been a challenge. Ideally the attorney involved should attend the deposition in person but this isn't always possible.

This solution allows attorneys, a certified court reporter, and the deponent all to be together even if they are not actually in the same room or even the same state. Attorneys can attend legal depositions from their own offices rather than traveling to the deposition site. Witnesses can be deposed without the inconvenience of traveling.

Due to the specific nature of legal depositions, standard solutions are not adequate. They don't provide the security or the transcript features of a dedicated legal video conferencing product.

Dedicated Products

This need for specialized features has lead software developers to create new products designed specifically for the legal industry. Software applications such as I-DEP are not the same as video chat products consumers use for casual internet socializing. They include a number of important capabilities that ensure a valid deposition is created.

Like other video conferencing software, these applications use streaming video to allow any authorized participant to view and interact with the deposition. Password protected access prevents anyone not involved with the case from being able to eavesdrop. The real-time time transcripts generated by court reporters are displayed along with the video. Public and private text messages allow participants to communicate both on and off the record. When the deposition is finished, the video, audio and synchronized transcript are available for access or download.

Hire a Legal Video Specialist

Developers of legal deposition video conferencing products claim their products are easy to install and operate. This is true up to a point, but there is more to taking video depositions than knowing how to set up your webcam.

Attorneys are advised to seek a court reporting agency that provides the service themselves. Their experience with the software and the technical needs of video depositions will ensure things proceed smoothly during the proceeding. They may also have sites available with all equipment needed so the attorneys don't need to wrestle with the hardware involved. They of course can also provide the realtime legal transcription services required.

Now that fast internet connections are the rule rather than the exception, video conferencing is growing in popularity. Attorneys who exploit this technology to the fullest are in the best position to argue cases in the 21st century court system.