Tag Archives: deposition

Be a Card Shark

HOW TO BE A CARD SHARK

 

Have you heard that business cards are becoming a thing of the past or that they are becoming outdated?   If so, don’t believe it.  They are definitely here to stay.

Professionals that rely on networking for attracting new business should never leave home without a stack of impressive business cards, but they should also know how to use them.  We have all met that person at an event that whips out their card immediately upon introduction.  Are you guilty of this or are you maybe guilty of trying to collect as many cards as possible?  If so, must remedy ASAP!  It’s quality over quantity when it comes to business card etiquette.  You should walk away from an event with genuine new relationships rather than just a pocketful of cards.

For organizing your collected cards, try using the app Camcard to upload the business cards’ information right into your contacts.   Another app that neatly organizes them is CardMunch.  In this app, there is even a one-touch feature to automatically connect with each contact on LinkedIn.

For your own benefit, try to take notes about the people that you have met on the back of their cards… description of their appearance, what you talked about, who introduced you, et cetera.  Along this line, there are even business card templates that encourage you to fill in this type of information in the blank fields provided.

The design of your business card is very important.  One very useful element is using a photo so people can remember you.  And for those in a more relaxed profession, there are some new trending business cards.  For example, business cards which are cleverly disguised to look like a stick of gum.  On one side is the chewing gum and on the other is the magnetic business card… they are called Gaga Sticks and they are pretty cool!  This is a great way to become a lasting memory.  Gaga Sticks can be found at www.tribegaga.com.

Business cards are far from a thing of the past.  To the contrary, they continue to be a vital part of making new contacts and starting new relationships.  Regardless of the style that you ultimately choose, make certain that it is a card that represents you well.



RULES FOR TELEPHONE DEPOSITIONS

RULES FOR TELEPHONE DEPOSITIONS

Useful Insight for Attorneys and Court Reporters

In this new world of technology and inflated travel costs, why not do telephone or videoconference deps?  In fact, when timing or location are an issue for counsel or even the witness, this is the answer to endless cancellations and passing deadlines.

Since phone deps have become more popular, the question amongst reporters and attorneys has been, is it okay for me to swear in the witness over the phone?  The answer is two-fold; in other words, yes and no, depending on your state. 

There are states listed below that do have rules on phone deps that each notary/reporter should look into.  However, according to the NCRA, the states listed on the right of the below chart have no guidelines regarding phone depositions… For my local friends, Pennsylvania and New Jersey have NO RULES.

For those states on the left, the Director of the NCRA offers these three suggestions if you find yourself in a predicament that would violate your Notary oath:

1. Get a reporter to take the deposition with the witness.

2. Get an authorized oathgiver to swear in the witness.

3. When the witness is not in the reporter’s presence and there is no notary in the witness’s presence, if local rules allow, suggest that all parties, including the witness, stipulate on the record that the testimony is being given as if under oath.

Does your state have any laws, court rules or guidelines regarding telephone depositions?

Yes

Alaska
Colorado
Florida
Idaho
Indiana
Illinois
Maryland
Minnesota
Mississippi
Nebraska
New Mexico
New York
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming

No

 Alabama
Arkansas
Arizona
California
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Delaware
Georgia
Hawaii
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia

 



National Court Reporting and Captioning Week

The guardians of the record have been officially recognized by Congress! 

This week, February 17th through February 23rd, kicked off the first official National Court Reporting and Captioning Week, according to the NCRA. 

As the leading court reporting association in the nation, the NCRA has cited that this special week now acknowledges “the hard work of court reporters and broadcast captioners nationwide.”   It was even acknowledged in Congressional Record on February 14th by Congressman Ron Kind of Wisconsin. 

Congressman Kind’s wife is a court reporter…  He must know firsthand the dedication the profession commands.  Poor Congressman Kind has probably had many dinner cancellations, many weekends interrupted, and many nights ruined by last minute call-ins, daily copies and unbearable witnesses!

Thank you for the recognition, Folks…. it’s not easy!



Does Your Court Reporting Agency Offer You Free Videoconferencing?

The latest technology in court reporting is here and you should capitalize on it! Videoconferencing is a great way to get the testimony you need from out-of- state or even out-of-country witnesses without leaving the city.

Videoconferencing suites at your court reporting agency should be fully accessible to valued clients at no charge. For example, Ace Reporters, Inc. offers not only the complimentary suite, but also any necessary amenities such as, copying service, couriers, breakfast and / or lunch, free Wi-Fi, etc.

Here are three good reasons why you should be using videoconferencing:

  • Videoconferencing will save you money. There may be a charge at the remote location, but the fees are far less than traveling expenses.
  • Videoconferencing will save you time. It’s convenient to stay nearby and take the deposition in a familiar and comfortable setting.
  • Videoconferencing cuts out the unknown. No more hiring reporters that you don’t know! Remain confident with an agency you know and trust taking your important notes of testimony.