New Technologies That Lawyers Should Use in Depositions and Trials

by | Last updated Oct 17, 2022 | Published on May 26, 2020 | Legal Transcription

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Depositions

Law firms accumulate huge volumes of recorded data that needs to be transcribed. Attorneys spend most of their time gathering evidence, witnesses and proof that support their client’s case. Legal proceedings involve depositions, hearings, witness interviews, pleadings, interrogations, private investigations, etc. Translating and transcribing audio and video recording is highly useful if the attorneys are dealing with people who only speak their native language. Lawyers also use videos in court rooms and deposition as it gives the trial attorneys a very accurate prediction of how the witness will testify and act at trial. Legal transcription service providers convert these audio and video recordings into accurate text files.

Interrogations and investigations play a key role in the litigation process, and with modern technology the litigation process has become much more efficient and easier. Legal proceedings have now changed to virtual proceedings and paperless depositions, thanks to virtual technologies and mobile capabilities. The following are top technological changes that have become an integral part of practicing law:

  • Virtual depositions: Due to time and cost constraints, it may not be possible for lawyers to attend depositions. But today, with virtual deposition tools it has become easier to for anyone to participate in a deposition remotely. With a virtual deposition, lawyers can observe witnesses and speak with other participants, even when it is not possible to be there in person.
  • Paperless exhibits: Usually trails and deposition involve too much paper work. But today with advanced technology legal proceedings can be done paperless using apps and it can be shared easily. Exhibits can be preloaded so you can still decide mid-proceeding what you want to use and when, and there’s no more guessing how many copies you might need of everything. Exhibits in PDF or any other forms can be used and from video to audio to CAD or any other type. All these electronic copies can be delivered to everyone involved in the legal proceedings and at the end, a a full transcript can be attached to it to avoid use of paper.
  • Real time transcripts: Transcripts play an important role in legal proceedings and today there are several software solutions that allows free transcription of deposition in real time. This makes it easier to market text, run searches and sharing. Real-time transcription can also be used in conjunction with virtual depositions.
  • Mobiles apps and tools: With the use of tablets and mobile tools, lawyers can access everything easily and handle all aspects of their practice like annotating PDFs, scanning documents, introducing deposition exhibits, reading real-time transcripts, preparing and delivering trial presentations, distributing trial evidence and vetting potential jurors. Mobiles are more functional and convenient than carrying huge bundles of paper.
  • Trial presentation tools: Using the right presentation tools, lawyers can run an entire trial from an electronic device. With advanced software and mobile apps, exhibits can be shared, deposition videos displayed.
  • Video: Today, the use of video in trails is rising. The video of the deponent is synchronized to the text of the deposition, which scrolls alongside them in real time. Video recordings can easily transcribed with the help of software or legal transcription service providers.
  • Native evidence capture: Video technologies help display native electronic documents to witnesses during depositions, record the witness’s review, and manipulate that evidence in real time. Mouse movements, keystrokes, calculations, etc can be can be captured, which means the judge or jury can see any movement of the witness. With more complex cases, a picture-in-picture view of the witness and the native file facilitates a better understanding for a judge or jury.

Law firms can make use of videos in court and for depositions as it serves as a solid proof. These videos can be transcribed with the help of legal transcription services, which will add credibility.

Read our updated blog on Top Tools and Tips to Ease the Legal Deposition Process.

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