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.
- Know the jurisdiction’s current rules and, if necessary stipulate on record to waive the requirement for in-person oath taking.
- Provide the agency/court reporter with the electronic exhibits ahead of time.
- Organize your files and documents ahead of time, so you are not flipping through papers (loudly) at deposition time.
- For video feeds — dress professionally, maintain a clutter-free background and control non-verbal reactions to testimony.
- Minimize background noise the audio might pick up, by turning off any televisions or radios.
- Ensure you are prepared prior to start time with the right dial in and access information.
- Join the deposition at least 10 minutes early to ensure there are no technical issues on your end.
- Utilize your handset instead of the speaker to ensure the best quality sound when questioning.
- Speak loudly and clearly into the phone, and always mute yourself when not questioning.
- Identify yourself each time you begin speaking, to ensure an accurate record.
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 31st.
- 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 1st.
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.
PohlmanUSA First to Utilize Multi-platform Video Conferencing in Madison County Courts
In an effort to ensure legal proceedings continue to move forward despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Madison County Courts are now allowing asbestos settlement conferences and Motion calls to proceed through Multi-platform Video Conferencing (MpVC) and Telephonic conferencing. PohlmanUSA, a nationwide court reporting and litigation services company with an office in Edwardsville, Illinois, handled the first Madison County remote Motion call this week.
In light of COVID-19, courts across the United States placed restrictions on court proceedings but are now making the move to allow certain proceedings to move forward remotely. Pohlman CEO, Debbie Walters, added that one of the best results of courts making this adaptive move is that it puts many of the nation’s courts back to work, allowing litigation to progress.
“We are fortunate that this is an area where our existing technology, experience and capabilities are ahead of the curve in terms of industry standards and that allows us to lead the way into this new territory,” said PohlmanUSA CEO Debbie Walters. “In fact, in Baltimore we are currently performing telephonic services for hearings and we have plans to expand the use of MpVC there and in other parts of the country. We’re grateful that this is an area where the technology processes we have perfected will help ensure the accuracy and efficiency of court proceedings during an unprecedented time for the nation.”
Pohlman has been utilizing Remote Deposition technology through Telephonic and Multi-platform Video Conferencing for decades and recently began offering those services to its clients free of additional fees due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They provide the equipment, training and support for their Multi-platform Video Conferencing technology however, it is the secure platform used for their MpVC that is their distinguishing advantage. Their platform has Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption and configuration, secure links and firewall protection to keep sensitive case information secure.
PohlmanUSA is recognized nationwide as the leading provider of technology-driven court reporting and litigation services. For 30 years, Pohlman has specialized in complex multiparty litigation by creating innovative products and customized solutions for clients. Pohlman is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and anticipating clients’ needs. For more information, call 877.421.0099.
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 people and businesses nationwide are feeling the impact of COVID-19, PohlmanUSA and our MyRecordsRetrieval™ team stands ready to support our clients, their staff and ultimately their essential business during this challenging time.
For the safety of our team and clients, the Records department has transitioned to working remotely with only a few key volunteers on site to manage necessary office functions and support teams working from home offices. These precautions have allowed our team to remain 100% operational while maintaining compliance with all social distancing guidelines.
Our MyRecordsRetrieval™ team is here and happy to continue serving our clients: everything from mailing pathology items to processing rush record requests.
It is not surprising that within the last week it has become increasingly difficult to make contact with medical providers as many are temporarily closing and larger medical centers are shifting resources in the increased demand for healthcare due to the fight against COVID-19.
Pohlman truly knows the importance of record retrieval and will do everything we can to deliver. With us, you can expect our teams will continue to contact these providers and keep you, our valued clients, informed of any new developments as we learn them.
We appreciate the continued business and trust our clients place in Pohlman.
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
Like so many, the PohlmanUSA team continues to monitor the evolving guidelines outlined by the CDC amid the increasing impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. While the health and safety of our clients, employees and colleagues remains our top priority, we’re also working diligently to ensure depositions move forward at this unprecedented time. Considering the realities of reduced travel for depositions or mediations, we encourage you to consider our remote services for conducting depositions.
http://pohlmanusa.com/coronavirus-remote-depositions/
http://pohlmanusa.com/pohlman-portals/records-retrieval/
STATUS OF THE COURTS
We have been monitoring the status of all Federal and State Courts to ensure we know the guidelines and remote options each court is implementing. Pohlman will continue to provide our services to clients globally, utilizing our technology for remote desktop conferencing, teleconferencing, video conferencing and realtime reporting anywhere in the world. Use the links below to connect directly to the Federal and State Courts, which outlines openings and closures across the country.
FEDERAL COURTS
Click on the link below to read updated news and closures posted by the United States Federal Courts as they update orders and inform of closures due to COVID-19.
https://www.uscourts.gov/judiciary-news
You may also check status of the individual Federal Court websites to learn of restrictions and precautions for your local Federal Court.
https://www.uscourts.gov/federal-court-finder/search
STATE COURTS
Listed below are links to find what your state judicial system has implemented regarding COVID-19. Please continue to monitor your local state and circuit court websites for updates related to court closures and pending deadlines.
Alabama
http://judicial.alabama.gov/docs/COV-19%20order%20FINAL.pdf
Alaska
http://courts.alaska.gov/home.htm
https://public.courts.alaska.gov/web/media/docs/socj-2020-8130.pdf
Arizona
http://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/201/Press%20Releases/2020Releases/20200313COVID19final.pdf
Arkansas
https://www.arcourts.gov/news/judiciary-closings-cancellations-changes
California
https://www.sfsuperiorcourt.org/general-info/Information-Regarding-Coronavirus-And-Court-Operations
Colorado
https://www.courts.state.co.us/
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
https://georgiacourts.gov/emergency-judicial-orders/
Hawaii
https://www.courts.state.hi.us/
Idaho
Illinois
http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/
http://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/NewWebsite
https://www.co.madison.il.us/departments/circuit_clerk/index.php
http://www.co.st-clair.il.us/Pages/default.aspx
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
https://kycourts.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Louisiana
http://www.lasc.org/default.asp
Maine
https://www.courts.maine.gov/index.shtml
Maryland
http://www.baltimorecitycourt.org/
Massachusetts
Michigan
https://courts.michigan.gov/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.36thdistrictcourt.org/
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=151673
https://www.bamsl.org/index.cfm?pg=covid19
Montana
Nebraska
https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/
Nevada
New Hampshire
https://www.courts.state.nh.us/index.htm
New Jersey
https://njcourts.gov/index.html
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
https://www.ohnd.uscourts.gov/
https://www.ohsd.uscourts.gov/
Oklahoma
https://www.oked.uscourts.gov/
Oregon
https://www.courts.oregon.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
https://www.sccourts.org/index.cfm
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/
Virginia
http://www.courts.state.va.us/
http://www.courts.state.va.us/news/items/covid_19.pdf
Washington
West Virginia
http://www.courtswv.gov/index.html
Wisconsin
https://www.wicourts.gov/index.jsp
Wyoming
https://www.courts.state.wy.us/
For the latest on COVID-19 and preventive measures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html
Make sure to follow Pohlman on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter for the latest up-to-date information.
With increasing concerns regarding travel and exposure to the Coronavirus COVID-19, PohlmanUSA is taking measures to ensure depositions go forward while offering worry-free options to participants. If you choose to reduce travel for depositions or mediations at this time, we suggest you consider our services for conducting your depositions remotely.
Remote Deposition Services:
Multi-Platform Video Conferencing (MpVC) combines the convenience and cost-savings of attending telephonically with the benefits of viewing the deponent like you are attending in person. This high-tech litigation support service for depositions around the globe allows you to connect from the comfort of your home or office via phone, tablet, computer, or mobile device. Simply notice your deposition via MpVC and let our office know if you need us to ship a laptop and HD video camera to the witness or if they have their own. Learn more at http://pohlmanusa.com/remote-depositions/
- We require 72 hours’ notice to ship equipment. Internet access is required and shipping and/or technology fees may apply.
Teleconferencing connects your deposition or meeting parties remotely via a clear, crisp connection using our teleconferencing phone lines. Pohlman employs state-of-the art teleconferencing equipment for use at each telephonic deposition to ensure our clients receive the highest sound clarity for all participants whether on the phone or in the room. Pohlman was one of the first court reporting companies in the country to provide technology to enable participants to preregister online for telephonic depositions. We have since perfected our online registration process, allowing firms to add their clients and information prior to the start of a deposition to ensure it runs quickly and smoothly.
Two options available:
- Telephonic Only: Notice the deposition as “Telephonic Only” and all participants, including the court reporter and witness will be remote and dial in to our secure phone line.
- Via Telephone: Notice the deposition as “Via Telephone” and the attorneys attend remotely but the court reporter is present in a room with the witness being deposed.
The PohlmanUSA team is available 24/7 to assist you with your preferred method of conducting the deposition or mediation utilizing Multi-Platform Video Conferencing or our telephonic capabilities. We look forward to continuing to provide you with the most accurate, reliable, technologically superior court reporting services.
Please contact us at 877-421-0099 for more information or to schedule a service using one of these options.
