Technology generally makes things easier and cheaper, and things are no different in the legal field. For example, since the COVID-19 pandemic, lawyers have had a massive spike in the use of video depositions. 

Some attorneys prefer to use video testimonies in all their cases due to the time and cost savings. In contrast, others who are more cautious about technology only do videos on the most critical cases.

Regardless of how many times you use video depositions, you will naturally be looking for ways to reduce further the costs involved. 

Ways to Save Money While Using Video Depositions

Whether you videotape all your depositions or only do so on special occasions, you will find that the recording costs can add up pretty quickly if you don’t make efforts to lower them. 

Below are four proven ways to protect your bottom line while still giving your clients the invaluable benefits of video depositions:

Record In-House

Hiring a pro videographer is not necessary in most cases and can quickly run up your costs. With so many video recording options available, it is cheaper and more convenient to record your own videos. 

You only need basic video equipment and good lighting, and you’re ready to go. If you are not well-versed in videography, you can have one of your staff do the recording or even hire an intern anytime you need to record.

However, you will need to ensure your deposition complies with the Federal and State Rules of Civil Procedure, particularly sections about the use of video testimony. It would help if you also had the witness ready to take an oath in court to clear the way for their testimonial to be used as evidence.

Hire Freelance Videographers

Preparing a deposition tape can be overwhelming for anyone who’s not a professional videographer. There are edits and copies to be made, file names to be determined, and storage to be sorted out. Buying good enough equipment to produce clear footage may also be a challenge if you are a small firm.

In such situations, we recommend using freelance videographers. They will not only come with their own quality equipment but will also offer great advice on things like camera angles and lighting. Moreover, they are an on-demand service, so they will not be a constant on your payroll. 

For best results, you may want to work with a freelancer who is well versed with the laws touching on legal videography.

Outsource Some Things

Paying for recording software, editing tools, and video production rooms can leave a big dent in your finances. As such, you don’t need to take this path. 

Instead, look for companies offering all-in-one services and contact them whenever you need to record. 

Luckily, many companies offer fully equipped recording rooms, video hosting, and even videography services, so you won’t have to look for long.

Recover Your Costs

They may help make your work easier, but video depositions benefit the client more. You should not be afraid to recover your costs after the client gets a settlement.

To make things easier, you should initially offer videotaping as an option and only proceed with it if a client wholeheartedly approves.

Are you in need of an experienced court reporter in New Jersey? If so, contact us today!

Videos can also useful. When it comes to the legal field, video can be very helpful when it comes to strengthening a case. For an attorney, turning to technology when it is useful could provide an advantage that makes the difference between winning and losing a case.

What are the advantages when it comes to pairing video with depositions? Consider the following benefits to find out exactly why so many people use video depositions to their advantage.

1. Showing Demeanor and Body Language of a Witness

Even if attorneys want to tell, it’s sometimes easier to show. Video allows lawyers to do that and help them make for a case that is more compelling. A transcript cannot communicate the reactions, body language, and state. When caught on video, the proof is in the pudding, as they say. Displaying the true demeanor of the witness when they were testifying can be important, and video allows for that.

2. To Get the Attention of the Jury

Videos can get the attention of a jury that may not be as engaged otherwise. Jurors should ideally be engaged, and presenting evidence can help grab their attention when it is in video form. Since we’re used to paying attention when a video is on, video depositions often are the thing that can most grab the focus of a juror far more effectively than something like a transcript that is read aloud.

3. Allowing Witnesses That Aren’t Physically Present

Some witnesses are key to a case but cannot attend for whatever reason. The video can make up for distance, illness, or other reasons why the witness cannot physically be present. Whether at a home, hospital, care facility, or other place, video tech can be brought to them that allows them to participate in a deposition even though they cannot be there physically to do so.

4. Saving Money

Doctors or other witnesses often give their expert opinion. However, fees and travel costs can run quite high. Having video testimony can allow you to have the option to reference their words during proceedings at any time you like and even repeat it during closing arguments. It can save quite a bit when it comes to expenses for these experts otherwise.

5. Showing Physical Evidence

Another benefit to using video is that it can let a jury and a judge see a witness that is handling a piece of evidence. They can actually view it for themselves and all see the same video of the witness. If this display is critical, showing it on video can impart a lot to a jury that might otherwise be lost in translation.

6. They Assist In Trial Preparation

Legal video depositions could very well end up being a great reference tool when preparing for trial. Whether deciding to use witnesses or getting ready for examining the witnesses you will use, videos can come in handy. Using video means that you’ll also be able to review it as well as making your assessments while preparing and getting ready for your presentation at trial.

7. Impeaching the Witness

The testimony provided by a video deposition can even aid in impeaching a witness if or when they decide to change a testimony at trial. This is a huge benefit to video depositions and a great reason why so many do opt to use them. Seeing is believing, and a judge and a jury seeing a witness state something different on the video than they did in the courtroom can have a tremendous impact, far more so than even a transcript reading would have.

A legal video deposition can help make you more effective in a trial than ever, giving your client and yourself a better result in the end. Contact a court reporter if you’re deciding to use video and they’ll help you with the details. Remember to ask them what they will need for the deposition too. Use video for your depositions and take advantage of all the benefits it has to offer.