With technology comes options. Whether you (or your witness) are set up for a full mobile videoconference deposition experience, a teleconference, or need to visit a videoconference suite, we have an option to fit your needs.
Any Time, Any Distance
Take a Remote Deposition
If you have access to high speed internet, a phone line, or a mobile device with a camera, you can take your deposition wherever you need. A remote depo setup keeps you going, whatever life throws at you.
What You Can Expect
Advances in technology in the court reporting industry can empower a more efficient and streamlined litigation process. When you partner with Planet Depos for your remote deposition, you can expect the very best.
Super Performance
With Zoom as a backbone, our remote depositions are delivered in HD with crystal-clear audio.
24/7/365 Availability
Our team is available all day, every day. Schedule online or call us at 888.433.3767 to schedule your depo.
Present Exhibits
Pull up exhibits yourself or have our Technicians manage them; either way you can share, annotate, and mark.
Flexible To Use
Our mobile videoconference depositions are easy to use from any device or operating system.
Multiple Connections
Up to 500 participants can connect via computers, tablets, and smartphones, from anywhere around the world.
Best Experience
See your witness, court reporter, opposing counsel, and exhibits all in one user interface.
Types of Remote Depositions
Mobile Videoconference
Technology is amazing, so take advantage. Mobile videoconferencing will be the more convenient and cost-effective option most of the time. Your remote witness can connect via laptop or mobile device, so long as they have access to reliable internet. Our tech will run a test prior to the deposition to make sure your equipment is compatible with our videoconference software. It takes just 30 seconds to install the platform the first time you use it. The test prior to the deposition is a must. Technology is a beautiful thing, when it works, so make sure it works well before the proceeding starts.
You will receive a link via email from our tech prior to the depositon. Just click, and you’re in! You can connect 100 people if you want. You shouldn’t need to for a depo, but you get the idea. This is serious technology. You can play video with audio, share screens and pull up exhibits, just like a normal depo. Our tech monitors the connection the whole way through to guarantee a smooth, continuous link between the parties.
Teleconference
Take the deposition by phone. This option is best suited for short depositions which are non-interpreted. The option will also appeal to the cost-conscious client. We provide the dial-in for the connecting parties and reserve a location for the remote witness and reporter.
We always recommend that you do run a test call before the deposition, just to verify the quality of the audio.
Traditional Videoconference
The classic hybrid approach to remote depositions. This is the way to go should your remote witness not have the ability to connect to the deposition on their own, or if the witness has a heavy accent or talks very fast. They (or you) can attend the remote deposition via one of our videoconference centers around the world.
The quality of audio and picture is excellent; it’s the next best thing to being there in person. With this approach, there is some travel involved to the videoconference suite, but no need to hop on a plane.
Video Resources for Working Remote
Need some tips on taking a deposition via Zoom, or tips on working remotely? We’ve got you covered with these short videos that highlight what we’ve learned in our decade of remote depositions. There are even more videos over on our YouTube channel.
Schedule A Remote Proceeding Today
Schedule nowJust Remember…
The devil is in the details. So, when you’re planning a remote deposition, it’s important to
remember a few items to ensure a simple and easy videoconference.
The Oath
If the reporter is not with the witness, a stipulation on the record may be required regarding the reporter’s ability to swear in the witness. Also, some states have specific requirements about the administration of the oath when not present with the witness.
What Time Is It?
It sounds like a silly question, but if you will be clicking or dialing in from your sky-high L.A. office, and your witness is in Pittsburgh or New Delhi, double check the time zones and start times.
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.
Comments From The Field
Don’t just take our word for how smoothly your depositions can go. Our clients love us,
and they often let us know. Here are a few of the most recent notes we’ve received.
"Planet Depos made taking depositions in Taiwan easy by helping us to assemble a very efficient and professional reporter/videographer/interpreter team. They did a great job on realtime transcription of technical terminology and provided unusually clean rough transcripts. Expedited transcripts and video were available quickly with no hassle."
Partner
Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel
“The service we received from Planet Depos was not merely competent, but far surpassed any expectations. The court reporter for the arbitration recorded testimony for 8 or more hours a day for 3 weeks and transmitted fantastic rough transcripts only a couple hours after each day’s testimony. She was the first to arrive, and by far the last to leave the proceedings each day. It was amazing to work with someone who worked as hard as we did. Every final transcript we’ve received is perfect. Once I have placed my request for court reporter services, whether local, in another state or another country, I do not have to give the request a second thought. The depositions are delivered in the format(s) requested on time and without any unexpected surprises. Not only is every member of the team a professional in scheduling and taking depositions, but they are truly expert when emergencies arise, having provided court reporters and deposition suites within hours when the need arose."
Paralegal
Crowell & Moring
"We appreciated Planet Depos flexibility and professionalism in dealing with the challenges of our depositions. Planet Depos maintains an excellent relationship with the Consulate staff and with other Japan-based vendors, which makes what can be an otherwise difficult process smooth and painless."
Partner
Covington & Burling
"I highly recommend Planet Depos in Japan. They are very knowledgeable about the process of taking depositions in Japan and can assist with scheduling, protocol, translators, and technology issues. They provide excellent service, with a quick turn-around. They will be the first company I contact the next time I need to take depositions in Japan."
Managing Partner
Heim, Payne & Chorush
"Before Planet Depos came on the scene, my staff was consumed with sorting through the daunting procedures and protocols associated with taking depositions in the Asia-Pacific region. But PD’s seamless assistance based on their local experience with visas, conference rooms, hotels, interpreters, videographers and more eases that burden so that we can focus our attention on getting the testimony we need overseas. And the fact that they bring several realtime laptops to depositions is just icing on the cake. I recommend them without hesitation."
Partner
Ropes & Gray
"I must let you know how much we appreciate all of the work that Planet Depos does for us. We have an extremely busy practice group and can always depend on your help. Not only are we always able to depend on the quality of the work, last minute projects or requests, the ability to let you know that we have a deposition in Timbuktu – and you can handle the logistics for us, but our rep – Matt Workman - is the absolute BEST EVER!!! He really is the very best at what he does and we truly enjoy seeing him. It is so nice to know we have your efforts on our side. Thank you for all that you and your team do."
Paralegal
Jackson & Campbell, PC
"Planet Depos provides excellent service in Asia. Many different logistical problems arise in conducting depositions in Asia and they know the ropes and the details and are able to solve these problems and get the job done. They have exceptional personnel and state-of-the-art equipment. They are also very familiar with working in translation, which is not a simple thing. I highly recommend them."
Partner
King & Spalding
“I do want to take the opportunity to let you know how awesome Suzanne and Neal are. I had an issue today with exhibits not getting to Japan in time for the depo on Monday. They were both amazing in getting me information and an alternative option of instead of mailing the exhibits, having them printed in Japan and delivered to my attorneys at their hotel. I cannot begin to express how much we appreciate the help in not only getting the depos set but sending us all the information we need to conduct an international deposition and making sure we have everything so it goes as smoothly as possible.”
Paralegal
Pisanelli Bice, PLLC
"I am writing to tell you how much we here at Jackson & Campbell appreciate having Matt Workman as our point of contact. He is professional and helps to make our jobs that much easier. He is always willing to ensure that we are satisfied, stays in the loop and on top of all jobs, and I never hear any complaints. We truly enjoy having Planet Depos behind us to help support our needs at our depositions and even during trial. Thanks again for allowing us to build a great relationship with Matt and the Planet Depos family."
Legal Secretary
Jackson & Campbell, PC
"I just want to write a testimonial on a deposition and two pre-deposition meetings in New Zealand last month. This was the first time we attempted to set up something in a foreign country. You took the “bull by the horns and ran with it.” There was very little that I or our IT manager had to do. You arranged the deposition and meetings and all we had to do was have our witness show up. I was amazed how you can actually “see” someone who is halfway around the world from you. All of these meetings went on without a hitch anywhere. There was a quick response to any issues that came up, and you were very professional. The calls were placed on exactly the minute they were supposed to. I would certainly recommend Planet Depos to anyone."
Legal Secretary
Freund, Freeze & Arnold
"Thank you for efficient and cooperative efforts to hold these fast moving depositions. Your professionalism both in Texas and MN were terrific and sincerely appreciated."
Partner
Friedlander, Friedlander & Earman, PC
"Planet Depos downtown location is top notch. Professional setting with all the support you could need. I would recommend Planet Depos to anyone in need of deposition services."
Paralegal Manager
Baker Hostetler, LLP
"Excellent customer service! Everyone I have dealt with at Planet Depos is always profession. On a number of occasions, they have gone out of their way to cater to our requests no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. They have provided court reporters for arbitration and depositions in several different states and their court reporters have always being top notch. Their prices are competitive and their work product is second to none."
Paralegal
Gray Plant Mooty
"Awesome service and even better staff! Just one quick email to the staff at Planet Depos and all of the details of our firms depositions are arranged. Thank you PD!"
“Awesome service and even better staff! Just one quick email to the staff at Planet Depos and all of the details of our firms depositions are […]
Law Student
"I highly recommend Planet Depos. Lisa DiMonte and her team are fabulous and extremely responsive to complex and or last minute needs. They are extremely tech savvy and are literally anywhere in the world where you might need deposition or litigation support services. They are indeed the "go to" firm no matter what your budget may be."
Partner
Mirsky Policastri LLC
"Jacque Wolf and her team at Planet Depos are reliable, easy to work with, and offer great pricing. We have used their team for several depositions lately, including some with a very short turn-around time, and they have always delivered outstanding service. The transcripts are delivered electronically & on time via their easy to use portal. Their staff is very accessible should anything arise. I highly recommend working with Jacque Wolf and her team at Planet Depos"
Principal
Fabbrini Law Group
"I realized that I had not scheduled a court reporter for a deposition scheduled yesterday. I called your organization and scheduling was able to get a court reporter so the depo could proceed as planned. Thank you. I am very appreciative for the prompt response."
Debra T.
Last Minute
Ann Marie, Wow. Less than a week after you sent me an email telling me about your employment with Planet Depos, we hired Planet Depos, whom I had never heard of. The videographer and the court reporter just left, and we could not be more impressed, satisfied, and overjoyed at what a great job they did. First of all, they totally accommodated us on short notice. Beyond that they did an awesome job in recording the deposition, which I thought would have lasted an hour but lasted more than three hours. Thank you for reaching out to me. I am a happy new customer and will recommend Planet Depos to anyone who needs a highly professional team for their video or regular depositions.
Matt C., Partner, Roberts & Caruso
Roberts & Caruso
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost for a mobile videoconference with PD?
No. Mobile videoconferences are free through Planet Depos. We only charge when you request a Technician to oversee the videoconference. If you hire a technician, they will run all your virtual exhibits and provide you with a free copy of the deposition video.
Do we need to use a videoconference?
No. Unless you specifically prefer video (to show exhibits or to see the witness), we first suggest you do your deposition through our teleconference lines. Depositions by telephone are quick to set up and can accommodate last-minute scheduling.
If we use a videoconference, can we connect via phone?
Yes. In fact, we recommend connecting via a phone to ensure the clearest audio. Once you enter the Zoom videoconference, you may choose to connect by phone.
Do we need to download anything?
No. To use Zoom you will receive a link that can open in a browser. You may download the Zoom client, if you wish, but it is not necessary.
Can we mark exhibits?
Yes. You may either pre-mark your exhibits and send them to us (or display them yourself), or you may request that our Technician mark exhibits during the deposition.
Who controls scrolling through exhibits?
This is entirely dependent on your choice. You can choose to scroll through to maintain control, or we can give the witness control.
Who controls the videoconference itself?
Should you elect to have a PD Technician, we will control all aspects of the videoconference. This means we can control who can be seen and heard (ensuring additional viewers are muted during the proceeding), and when the videoconference is ended for all.
Is your remote deposition software secure?
Yes. We use Zoom, a standard videoconference platform across multiple industries. It is encrypted at 256-bit AES, and is FedRAMP (Moderate) and SOC2 rated. You can learn more about Zoom Security on its website.
How can I be sure the witness isn’t reading notes? Or that nobody is in the room coaching the witness?
The best method we’ve used is to have the witness push the laptop away so you are able to see the table in front of them. You may also ask them to pan the camera around the room before the start. Additionally, you may ask them on the record if anyone else joins them in the room and if they have any notes.
Where is the Court Reporter?
With The Witness
Ideally, especially for an interpreted deposition, the reporter should be in the presence of the witness and interpreter. It makes for a quicker deposition, with fewer interruptions to clarify the record, and ultimately a cleaner final transcript. Our teams of reporters around the globe are in place to make it happen.
NOT With The Witness
While we always recommend that the reporter be present with the witness to ensure accuracy, situations arise where the ideal arrangement is not possible. Fortunately, it is possible to take the deposition without the reporter being physically present with the remote witness. Each party needs stable, high-speed internet – the highest quality audio possible will make all the difference.
Try for FREE Today!
Seriously. We will provide you with a mobile videoconference room for free. Schedule today, and we can get a room set up for you instantly. Of course, we do recommend you hire a PD Technician to have the best experience (and we’ll even throw in a complimentary recording).