HOW THE PANDEMIC HAS CHANGED DEPOSITIONS AND TIPS TO MASTER THEM Depositions are a necessary and valuable part of the process of a personal injury claim. They're an opportunity for the plaintiff ’s and defendant’s lawyers to discover the facts of a case from witnesses and other key parties. This sworn testimony can be used at trial or mediation, but the implications can be nerve-wracking for those called to depose. Shopping online is tricky in the best of times, but it’s doubly trying when your kids’ opinions are involved. If back-to-school shopping is challenging in your house, try these tricks to hunt down the backpack, pencil bag, and lunchbox the kiddos are begging for without going over budget. 1. Opt for secondhand or refurbished items. If your kid is dying to have the same Parkland Kingston Plus Backpack that celebrities’ kids were flaunting last year, you might be able to snag one secondhand for half the price. The same goes for the popular PLAE Max Shoes or even electronics like iPads. Check out online retailers like JemJem or Gazelle for refurbished electronics, and try the Poshmark app for bags, shoes, and clothes. If you really want to get fancy, visit TheRealReal.com for luxury-brand clothing. 2. Always check discount apps and websites. If you’re not at least Googling “[store name] coupon code” before checking out online, you’re probably missing out on big savings. Visit popular coupon websites like RetailMeNot and Groupon, or streamline your search by downloading a money- saving browser extension or app like Honey, which automatically However, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped depositions in 2020, and some of that has been for the better. Today, many depositions are done over Zoom or other videoconferencing platforms, which can give deponents — those answering questions — a bit of an edge. The video format allows the person being deposed an opportunity to do so from a comfortable space where they can be supported either by legal counsel or their loved ones. They will have to answer the questions on their own, but the video format lessens the intensity and pressure an opposing attorney can place on the deponent. 3 WAYS TO SAVE ON TRENDY BACK-TO-SCHOOL BUYS SHOP ONLINE LIKE A PRO
the emotional vulnerability of the setting. (There are a handful of depositions that can be taken in person, if the parties present all wear masks.) Regardless of what format you are required to depose under, there are a few key reminders you must keep in mind. To start, present yourself professionally . Making a good impression is valuable during this process, and while beauty may be at the bottom of your priority list during this pandemic, presentation is valuable no matter what format you’re required to depose in. Depositions also require you to give concise and clear explanations . This may be more imperative for depositions done via videoconference, as technology glitches can impact how your message is delivered. Speak slowly and stick to the facts. This will keep your statement brief and help you appear trustworthy. Finally, follow your attorney’s advice . Your attorney is the expert on this case and the legal complexities surrounding it. No matter what setting you are in, your attorney will have the best advice for how you should present your side of the story, and they will interject if they believe you should not answer a question. Your attorney will meet with you prior to the deposition, so bring up any concerns or additional statements at that time. Regardless of how your deposition looks, our legal experts can help you prepare for it. If you have questions about an upcoming deposition, please call 229-888-0888. checks for coupon codes and offers price comparisons. Other apps, like Flipp, let you view deals from dozens of stores in one place. Remember to see if your favorite store has its own app, too — downloading it could grant you access to exclusive deals. 3. Don’t forget to factor in shipping. If you shop internationally, shipping can sometimes double the cost of an order. To save money, choose domestic retailers and check each website or app for shipping specials and discounts. Many websites offer free or reduced shipping for first-time customers or orders over a certain dollar amount. If you choose to shop somewhere without such a discount, check the shipping costs and factor them into your budget before you shop to avoid nasty surprises. If your kids are old enough, consider talking them through this process as you shop. Who knows, this could be a great back-to- school lesson in budgeting!
Of course, the reverse of this is also true. Attorneys may feel disadvantaged that this in-person format has been stripped of
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