Using Video Depositions to Make Our Best Case

Darin Land, Director of Information Technology, Lang, Richert & Patch

Trial By Fire
Few cases had a higher profile than this; we were knee deep in a very large product liability case. We knew the advantages of synchronized video, but we also knew that it came with a high price tag.

With dozens of executives from various parts of North America who wouldn't appear in trial, we made the decision to utilize video depositions and edit all of the designations.

Using traditional video editing software to make the video clips was a very time-intensive task; creating clips for each deponent took several hours. This laborious task required the attorney to highlight lines within the transcript, then assign someone else to create clips based on those designations.

This case convinced us of the value of video, as well as the need to find a better way to manage it.

How We Use Video to Win - and Save Money
Since then, we have become more aggressive about using video, not only in trial, but also in mediation and settlement hearings. With so few cases actually getting to trial, the ability to bring substantial firepower into a mediation hearing has helped to provide a number of favorable outcomes.

In addition, giving a sneak preview of the video-rich presentation that we would deliver in court has led many opposing counsel to settle.

This advance preparation has also proven to save money by sparing the expense of a drawn-out trial.

The benefits of this synchronized video technology have even helped to convince our firm's managing partner of the value of videotaped depositions. He has seen first-hand how well-chosen video clips can demonstrate the emotional and mental state of a particular deponent, and how important it is to have easy access to video clips at various stages of preparation and presentation.

Discovering YesLaw
In the past, synchronized video depositions were a prohibitively complicated venture. Now the companies that provide our depositions deliver them with YesLaw software. Not only has it made video easier to manage, more affordable, and far more valuable, it has also dramatically changed how our firm handles video.

Prior to using YesLaw, attorneys had been hesitant to use the hardware or software that was required to view or edit video depositions. It was too difficult and too time consuming for them to get up to speed on the programs. With YesLaw, any attorney in

our firm can now easily review video depositions with transcripts from their own computer.

YesLaw also makes it easy for attorneys to perform simple searches and make video clips with YesLaw's highlighter tool. Attorneys also like the ability to redact the many objections now common in a video clip. With YesLaw, the control of video is now in the hands of the attorneys - which is good for everyone!

Plus, YesLaw works quite well in conjunction with our trial presentation and document management programs like Sanction, LiveNote, Summation, and RealLegal Binder. In fact, we even use YesLaw to export clips into PowerPoint presentations.

YesLaw - A Win for the Industry
I've noticed that the excitement about YesLaw is not limited to just our firm. In a recent lecture I gave to the Central California Trial Lawyers Association, I had planned to spend a few minutes discussing the YesLaw software. However, due to the interest level from the audience, it turned into a 20 minute question and answer session about YesLaw. The audience liked the ease of reviewing and making clips with YesLaw, and many attendees were encouraged by the way that it enables attorneys to bring video clips into PowerPoint.

Overall, I'm excited to see that videotaped depositions are becoming easier and more commonplace. As modern juries are now accustomed to having video presentations, I'm pleased that our firm is prepared to deliver it to them.

For more information about YesLaw software, online demos, or to request a sample CD, visit http://www.yeslawcd.com or call (800) 910-5009.