The concept of working remotely began to sneak into the public eye slowly over the past decade. When the global pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, however, businesses faced questions about how to move forward and keep moving forward when there were government restrictions for in-person meetings. The pandemic affected the whole world, not just the private sector. There were even more questions in the legal field than in most, where showing up in person was an important part of legal proceedings in court and the office. Remote depositions became a significant way that the legal field had to adapt, and even after the in-person restrictions have lifted, remote depositions have stuck around over the past few years.
A remote deposition happens over a virtual meeting platform. All participants meet on a video conference or over the phone, usually from different locations. This gives all participants the flexibility to be present for their deposition from multiple areas, as long as they have an internet or phone connection. The people involved are the same as those who would be in a normal in-person deposition, including witnesses, counsel, court reporters, and interpreters.
In the United States, most people have access to a phone or computer to go through the deposition process. Remote depositions cut down on travel costs, which reduces logistical challenges such as traffic, public transportation, car trouble, or any other transit factors. It also saves time. To attend, you do not have to plan ahead to get there; you just hop on the call.
The remote meeting model is far from perfect. Relying on your internet connection can sometimes be the wrong move, especially if you live somewhere with limited internet connection. It can be harder to hear what others are saying remotely, meetings can be delayed due to computer or phone issues, and it can be challenging for some to navigate the video conferencing platforms.
Today, remote depositions are becoming more commonplace, as many believe the pros outweigh the cons. Remote depositions are here to stay. Familiarizing yourself with online video conferencing platforms and ensuring your internet connection is stable will help you prepare if you are scheduled to have one.
If you are asked to attend a remote deposition, our knowledgeable attorneys at Marcus & Mack can provide tips and help you navigate the process to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Contact us today if you have any questions about this process.
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