Videoconference is a fantastic option to cut costs when you need to depose a witness in cities, states, or oceans away. Boom, travel expenses removed. Once you’ve determined a remote deposition will work for the situation, you’ve still got some details to settle to ensure a seamless videoconference and successful deposition. As we all know, the devil is in the details, so be thorough to avoid pesky snafus and embarrassment!

1. The oath – this is a big detail to be sorted out immediately. If the reporter is not with the witness, a stipulation may need to be made on the record regarding the reporter’s ability to swear in the witness. Make sure all counsel agree regarding the administration of the oath before everyone dials into the deposition.
2. Where will the reporter be? Either with or without the witness works. For interpreted depositions, the reporter should be with the remote witness, but if the deposition is not interpreted, the reporter could be dialed in with you, with the witness, or elsewhere.
3. Will the witness require an interpreter? The interpreter, witness, and reporter should all be together in that event.
4. Will the deposition be videotaped? If so, the videographer should be with the witness. You get a better quality video this way. Remember, conducting a deposition by videoconference is not the same as having it videotaped, so do specify if you need a videographer as well.
5. Remember any applicable time differences! Be sure to communicate clearly with both sites (or with the reporting agency reserving either or both locations for you) so conference rooms are booked for the correct date and time! This seems like a no-brainer, but…be overly cautious.
6. Testing, testing! Do NOT forget the test call. You need to check the stability of the connection.  Poor audio quality should never happen in our technologically advanced times, so set up the test call to work out any possible kinks and guarantee a smooth connection.

A successful videoconference deposition takes a little planning ahead and, of course, coordinating with a reporting agency which has reporters, videographers, interpreters, and conference rooms everywhere.