There are 3 types of deposition software available to make a litigators life easier.
- Deposition preparation;
- Real time transcripts; and
- Transcript organization.
This article will explain deposition software in that order and list available products.
Deposition preparation
Tired of giving the same deposition preparation spiel to clients? If so, deposition preparation software may be for you. Actually, it’s a bit of a stretch to call it software. It’s really a fancy slide show explaining the deposition process and gives basic suggestions in plain English. You’ll probably have to prepare with your client beyond the slide show itself.
2 deposition preparation products are:
- DepPrep
- DepoPrep
No, it’s not a typo on my part. Those are 2 different products.
Deposition software producing real-time transcripts
Do you want to be able to read deposition evidence seconds after it’s given? If so, get real time transcript software such as:
- West Livenote (formerly Livenote): offer both on-site only (transcript stays within the room) or an off-site live stream so that the e-transcript is delivered in real time to other computers. You can also broadcast the audio and/or video of your deposition (and trial) in realtime to wherever you wish.
- Viewer RT by Summation.
- RealLegal E-Transcript Manager.
Real-time deposition software is particularly useful in the following instances:
- You need transcription immediately because trial is around the corner or you’re preparing for other depositions for which previous transcriptions are useful.
- You don’t like taking notes when doing a deposition. I find note-taking distracts my focus so I don’t bother except notes to follow-up on a line of questioning later on in the deposition.
- You have a live team away outside the deposition location who needs a live feed. For example, if you want a medical expert assisting you by reviewing the live testimony of a doctor and then your expert can send you instant messages about questions to ask or any information that will assist your deposition. Seriously think about the advantages you could gain if you had your own batch of experts able to help you while you depose a witness – especially an expert. With real time transcripts, you can gain a real advantage.
Deposition transcript organization software
A big problem with deposition evidence is the volume of transcripts and video and exhibits become unmanageable – both within your office and sharing it with necessary reviewers (clients and experts).
Check out the following deposition software to organize and manage your deposition evidence:
- West Livenote: transcript and evidence management – hyperlink in exhibits into e-transcripts.
- AlmostPaper: creates an e-binder containing deposition transcript and exhibits (and other documents if you wish).
- RealLegal Publisher that electronically bundles all your deposition materials, including e-transcripts.
- West Livenote enables you share your video deposition via West Livenote’s secure Web site.
- inData DepView: creates transcript keyword search and links deposition video.
Video deposition synchronization and encoding
Encoded means video tape to digital format;and
synchronized means video file synchronized with court reporter’s text for easy review (i.e. toggle from transcript to video).
Here’s some companies that offer these services:
- inData
- Verdict Systems
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