Tip the Scales

Legal Videographer Expectations

Have you ever seen a legal videographer sitting in the corner, hiding behind their camera and recording studio; typing away on his laptop, reading the latest sci-fi novel, or even sleeping!?  Legal Videographers are an integral part of the deposition process and should behave as such.  To often there is a huge disconnect between the responsibilities and duties of the legal videographer and the level of integrity and professionalism displayed.   Expect more!

A competent and properly trained legal videographer will be fully engaged, monitoring audio levels and ensuring that the legal video record is complete and accurate.  As a rule, Legalsized Videographers always keep ‘minutes’ of the video deposition, noting every objection, exhibit, and the hour/minute/second we go on and off the record.  The information we record generally comes in handy at some point during discovery and when a particular video deposition sees the inside of a courtroom, an objection log will help attorneys quickly and efficiently redact any testimony that the judge sees fit.

A stenographer will have the opportunity to clean up their transcript, correcting any errors they may find.  Legal Videographers, on the other hand, have only one chance to capture the witness on camera.  It is essential that every legal videographer maintain a fail proof double back-up recording system that allows for the unexpected technological malfunction. 

The code of procedure varies from state to state, regarding the requirements and expectations of a legal videographer.  Be sure that the legal videographer you choose is properly certified and able to perform all of his or her duties.  A few states require the legal videographer to also be a notary public (under certain circumstances), commissioned by the state to administer an oath.  Check your local code of procedure or call Legalsized Inc. at 888.997.7755 to learn more about your states rules of admission.