As attorneys and courts trend toward proceedings and discovery being taken by telephonic or other methods such as Multi-platform Video Conferencing (MpVC), the demand for services has sharply increased. And, whether your firm is seasoned in the use of remote video technology or this is new territory – there are several factors to consider.

Of the tools available to litigators for virtual meetings and proceedings, it is important to explore the basics and evaluate the following variables when choosing a Remote Deposition Platform:

Security: Ensure your case information will remain secure throughout the entire process, and that your provider is using SSL and TSL configuration and encryption, secure links and the firewall protection necessary to be HIPAA compliant and overall secure.

Accessibility and Timing: Determine what lead time is required for scheduling and equipment procurement prior to your deposition or court proceeding. If not able to use your own equipment, how long should you allow for shipping, set-up and training before you are ready to-go.

Technical Support: Ask what level of support you can expect from your chosen partner and provider. Is there set-up help? Training? Support during the proceeding?

Clarity / Quality: Evaluate the age and quality of the product and especially review any satisfaction ratings of your chosen equipment and service provider.

Functionality: Compare differing platforms for any specialized benefits and compare against your needs, making sure to select the best-fitting service.

Then, choose a provider sure to deliver in all of these areas.

The Pohlman Partner Advantage:

With over 30 years of experience and decades of that specific to Remote Deposition Technology we have always been committed to the ongoing investment in the technology needed to achieve client success. That does not change now.

PohlmanUSA is once again leading the way in proving the same quality MpVC many already rely on. As well, expanding proactively to provide new and additional platforms – versatile to client needs.

Our Multi-platform Video Conferencing (MpVC) allows you to securely connect and take a deposition from anywhere. As always you can expect to:

• Connect hundreds of participants
• Register to receive an instant calendar download link with all information
• Experience Audio and Visual on One Platform
• Receive support from our Remote Logistics Team

Plus, receive:

• Technology support from start to finish
• Headphones with Microphones
• Training for you and your clients

Pohlman has expanded its MpVC platform to include two options to best fit your deposition needs.

Introducing the newly improved and secure Zoom 5.0 MpVC as an additional offering from Pohlman.  This option is best utilized for lighter exhibit needs, allowing flexibility yet security.

• Screen share capability to show exhibits
• Interactive document annotation
• Fast Witness startup via iPad
• Witness iPads & Tablets arrive deposition ready

Adobe Connect MpVC is still considered the best option for exhibit heavy cases. PohlmanUSA’s cornerstone platform, now made even more robust:

• Secure Connection with no software installation
• Audio and Visual on One Platform for ease and convenience
• Realtime Streaming
• Preload and hide documents until share-ready
• Interactive document annotation in real time, and with on-screen edits
• Easy document distribution
• Witness access via iPad/Tablet/Laptop

Security. With all Pohlman MpVC platforms you can expect the advanced security of secure links, encryption and the firewall protection necessary to keep sensitive case information secure.

Of course, we consult with you for the best option for telephonic, audio, and visual access needs.  Telephonic-only depositions remain an option when visuals of the witness or exhibits are not imperative.

Which is Right for you? Our Remote Logistics Team can talk you through the selection criteria and is dedicated to supporting your remote needs from beginning to end. For more information, call us today at 877.421.0099.

Friday, April 10th, PohlmanUSA hosted training via Multi-platform Video Conferencing to educate their core court reporters on the CARES Act, Families First Coronavirus Act (FFCRA), – and unemployment benefits that may be available to independent contractors.

Presenting, was Dwayne Houghton, CPA, Shareholder of Biggs, Hausserman, Thompson & Dickinson, P.C. – whose expertise guided the Court Reporters through never-before available self-employed worker relief programs resulting directly from the impacts of COVID-19 on the industry.

Court Reporters often operate as independent contractors, and this time of uncertainty for our nation provides many challenges to taking depositions amid work from home orders and court closures. Pohlman values the Court Reporters that make up our entire industry and strives to provide ongoing education and resources to all the Court Reporters in the PohlmanUSA network.

The recent webinar goes into great depth of each program below, but this provides an overview of the programs currently in place – and the general areas where Dwayne Houghton in partnership with Pohlman helps Reporters navigate:

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)

Unemployment Benefits

Pandemic unemployment benefits are being made available to the self-employed, who are not typically eligible. Now they may be eligible to apply based on normal earnings when work is not available to them and if making less than the state unemployment benefit amount. Reporters are encouraged to consult with their state for actual unemployment amounts.

• Apply as early as your state put a shelter/stay at home order in place.
• If qualified for state unemployment, they will be eligible for Federal government assistance of an additional $600 per week through July 31^st.
• 2019 Schedule C, Net Earnings to calculate self-employed weekly benefit.
• While working remotely, you may be eligible to still apply for partial benefits.
• Must take remote work that is offered in order not to be disqualified for benefits.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

Self-employed individuals may be eligible to receive a tax credit against regular income tax under the State’s Stay at Home Order or Child Care. Although you cannot qualify fully for both the tax credit and unemployment, it may be possible to claim the tax credit for the first ten business days and on Day 11 begin application for Unemployment benefits.

• Comes in the form of a credit on your 2020 taxes.
• Maximum credit for Emergency Leave is 10 days at a maximum of either $200 or $511 depending on reason for credit.
• Need to provide documentation such as a scheduling calendar.
• Credit is equal to the number of days they are unable to work.
• Up to 50 days for Family Medical Leave Act at the lower of $200 or 67% of your average self-employment income.
• Effective April 1^st.

Paycheck Protection Program Loan

This act provides the Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) Paycheck Protection Program Loan. A low-interest, potentially forgivable loan designed to be used for payroll costs, rent, utilities, as well as interest on debt incurred before Feb 15. Acceptance of this loan means an individual is no longer eligible for unemployment.

In a world that has quickly transitioned to working remotely by requirement, millions of users have flocked to videoconferencing services for depositions, meetings, classes and social gatherings. But Federal and State Law enforcement are now asking questions about some other remote platforms’ security and privacy policies.

https://www.npr.org/2020/04/03/826129520/a-must-for-millions-zoom-has-a-dark-side-and-an-fbi-warning

PohlmanUSA, as an industry leader of technology solutions in Court Reporting & Litigation Services we offer proven, secure solutions for remote deposition services.  Through our Multi-platform Video Conferencing service, we are here to provide the equipment, training, support, and secure connection you need.

Some features of Pohlman’s secure remote video platform include:

–       SSL/TLS encryption and configuration

–       Custom secure links

–       Firewall protection

–       Separate secure teleconferencing

–       Full disclosure of recording proceedings / enabled only upon consent

In this time of national crisis, our Multi-platform Video Conferencing service fees are FREE.

What was a product of convenience has become necessity and Pohlman stands ready to set your firm up for success. For remote deposition solutions contact us at [email protected] or 877.421.0099.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our nation, courts are extending restrictions on court activity into May for the protection, health and safety of court staff, judges and community. PohlmanUSA continuously monitors and shares trends affecting the discovery process.  See the extensions made to some of our local courts:

Madison County, IL: https://madisonrecord.com/stories/528873228-third-judicial-circuit-covid-19-precautions-extended

Cook County, IL: https://cookcountyrecord.com/stories/528873269-cook-county-covid-court-activity-restrictions-extended-until-mid-may-most-remaining-activities-to-be-held-remotely