Author Archive

Clio Software Review

When it comes to law firm practice management software, Clio is highly rated across the board, especially due to its document management features. With Clio’s pricing ranging from $39 to $125 per user per month, however, is it worth it? Let’s take an in-depth look to determine if it is suitable for your law firm.

Clio Pricing

Before we look at Clio’s suite of features, let’s examine their pricing structure. Clio is comprised of three tiers: Starter, Boutique, and Elite. As expected, the Starter tier is the most basic of the three and includes all of the essentials any law firm would need in terms of case, document, and billing management. This plan features unlimited document storage and automation, a legal calendar, and even a mobile app compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

With the Boutique tier, you are allowed more freedom and customization when it comes to your billing and document management. This tier enables you to integrate third party applications into Clio, such as OneDrive and Office 365. You also receive the ability to further automate your billing and documentation processes, and can bill clients using LEDES codes, for example. Furthermore, this tier includes the ability to accept online credit card payments, allowing your firm to get paid faster and ease any collection headaches. The plan also includes everything that’s featured in the Starter tier.

Lastly, we have the Elite tier, which notably provides instant technical support and tailored live training to suit your business’ needs. Additionally, this tier includes a more advanced reporting and tasks feature. These features transform the way your business reports revenue, productivity, and fee allocation. You get additional utility in the form of being able to use time estimates to manage staff workloads. Lastly, it is worth noting that this tier includes court calendaring rules, which automatically calculates deadlines based on court civil procedure rules. Of course, this tier includes all of the features from other tiers, too.

Anyone reading who’s hesitant about Clio’s intimidating pricing and tier structure will be happy to know that Clio offers a 7-day free trial for all three tiers, no credit card required. With such a comprehensive collection of features and tools, it’s worth trying to see if your firm can benefit from this software.

Intuitiveness & Utility

At a fundamental level, Clio’s user interface and functions are extremely intuitive and easy to navigate and use, even for a novice. Creating client reports, integrating contacts from third party applications, and uploading and categorizing documents is simple. If you’re paying this much for software, you expect it to be easy to use, and Clio gets this absolutely spot on.

Clio’s Strength in Document Management

Perhaps Clio’s most useful feature comes in the form of its document automation function. Clio can make repetitive documentation, such as summons and real estate closing forms, less mind-numbing. The software can auto populate such forms with specific client information that’s already been stored within your system.

Task Templates

Repetitiveness not only comes in the form of documentation, but also client intakes and workflows. Clio’s set of features greatly reduces the feeling of one just operating off of checklists. This software allows you to create task templates that enables you to have a more practical and streamlined workflow. Rather than creating the same checklist for every single client intake, for example, task templates allow you to save such a checklist.

Clio’s App Integration

As mentioned earlier, Clio offers mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android, and also integrates third party applications. Apart from integrating programs such as Office 365, Clio also supports Gmail, Dropbox, Xero, Quickbooks, Fastcase, Paypal, and more. It also works with more specialized applications such as Lawdingo, atlLegal, Clitcktofile, Lexicata, and gUnify.

Clio Customer Service

It is worth mentioning that Clio has an award-winning customer support team that is available 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. Their consultants can provide tips and insights into how you can use the program for your specific business needs. If you were to splurge on Clio’s Elite tier, their live support and training features are great tools to have to maximize the results you can get out of this product.

Rely on the Cloud for Optimal Functionality

Cloud service providers can implement Clio and enable the software to function at its peak without the need for on-site servers or complicated I.T. solutions. Rekall Technologies has nearly 10 years of experience assisting law offices with cloud services and can optimize your network hassle-free. Learn more about how we can host your legal software on the cloud here.

Final Verdict

Clio’s features, tools, and integrations with third party applications make it a piece of software that truly is greater than the sum of its parts. Paired with its intuitive and easy to navigate user interface and functionality, this product is a strong contender for the best law firm software out on the market. There is a reason that Clio has been positively reviewed by law firms for the past several years. The price may be off-putting to some, but with a free trial available, it’s worth trying out.

Still want to learn more about Clio? Watch the video below to get an overview of Clio’s interface.

Do Crypto Payments Present an Ethical Conundrum for Attorneys?

Attorneys throughout the United States and beyond are attempting to figure out if they can accept crypto payments.  There is a question as to whether the acceptance of crypto payments is legal or even moral.  Below, we delve into this issue to shed light on whether crypto payments are acceptable in the context of legal work.

The First Official Opinion on Attorneys Accepting Crypto Payments

Every attorney is looking for clear instruction as to whether accepting cryptocurrencies is ethical.  Thankfully, at least one ethics board is providing some guidance.  A Nebraska ethics board weighed in on the crypto payment issues exactly two years ago.  This ethics board’s ruling is that attorneys who are paid in a cryptocurrency must convert it to U.S. dollars without delay.  This conclusion holds water as several other states have referenced it when handling their own cryptocurrency issues in the context of attorney payment.

There is a distinction to make between accepting cryptocurrencies as a form of advanced payment or as payment for a fee that has already been earned.  If the value of the cryptocurrency changes from the point it was provided as an advanced payment until the point at which the money is earned, the attorney will be in murky legal and ethical waters.  Furthermore, there is always the potential for the client to cut ties with the attorney before the work is complete.  If the value of the cryptocurrency changes in this period of time, the attorney will have to decide if the entire amount should be refunded as originally paid or if the value must be adjusted based on the dynamics of cryptocurrency.  Complicating matters is the fact that the IRS considers cryptocurrencies to be property as opposed to currency.

Accepting Cryptocurrency for Enhanced Client Convenience

The data indicates more and more law firms are accepting cryptocurrency as a method of payment.  In particular, Bitcoin is especially popular among attorneys willing to accept cryptocurrency.  It is possible cryptocurrencies will become so popular that attorneys who refuse to accept it are at a competitive disadvantage.  It is quite possible attorneys who accept cryptocurrencies will bring that many more clients into the fold, especially coveted millennial clients who are likely to need legal services for decades to come.  This is precisely why attorneys should consider cryptocurrency as a step into the future that modernizes their law firm as opposed to a risky form of payment.

Proceed With Caution

Attorneys interested in accepting cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin should know there is nothing illegal about taking such payment.  However, there is the potential for cryptocurrency value to fluctuate in a short period of time.  Recognize this risk prior to accepting crypto payment, adjust accordingly, and your business just might bring in that many more clients thanks to your enhanced payment flexibility.

Time Matters Software Review

Deciding which software to use for your firm is a vital decision to make. Considering how many types of software are out on the market, one can understandably be struggling to wrap their head around all of the options. Do you want client-based software, or one that incorporates the cloud? Below, we review Time Matters, a part of LexisNexis’s collection of products.

Features

With over 15,000 law firms using Time Matters, the software has pedigree. It functions as an all-in-one client and document management and billing tool. The program gives you the capacity to centralize client data, and use customized views to show you your contacts, documents, meetings, appointments, and more. With regards to billing, Time Matters allows for automated time entry, and with the Time Matters Go Mobile application, you can manage your bills and hours away from the office. Time Matters even functions in tandem with PCLaw and Juris, and this can be a good solution for firms who need a more comprehensive suite of features.

The Ability to Customize

Firms who desire software that adapts to their needs and is easily customizable will likely be tempted by Time Matters’ capacity for customization. Whether you are looking to customize the front-end, the back-end, or would like to generate customized database searches, events or workflows, Time Matters makes it possible.  This is easily one of the most customizable applications on the market.  Additionally, LexisNexis provides an authorized consultant program along with a massive network of independent consultants that will help your firm customize Time Matters to your exact needs and liking.

Rely on the Cloud for Optimal Functionality

Cloud service providers can implement Time Matters and enable the software to function at its peak without the need for on-site servers or complicated I.T. solutions. Rekall Technologies has nearly 10 years of experience assisting law offices with cloud services and can optimize your network hassle-free. Learn more about how we can host your legal software on the cloud here.

Is Time Matters Worth the Money?

Time Matters is jam-packed with features that make it easier to manage a practice.  Whether your law firm needs calendar, client, or case management, you can benefit from the features and high customization that you get with Time Matters. Those seeking a software solution that can be customized to a specific workflow will find Time Matters worth the investment.

Want to learn even more about Time Matters? Check out a video from the developers and learn how you can use the software to manage meetings, dates, and deadlines.

Nowadays, Technology is Expected in the Courtroom 

The majority of judges are now encouraging the use of tech in courtrooms.  In fact, just about everyone who shows up to court expects tech to be used in some manner.  Various types of audio and visual technology help maintain the jury’s attention, present evidence in a clear manner and ultimately help ensure justice is served.

Why Jurors Expect Tech to be Used in Court

Tech has become ubiquitous to the point that those selected for a jury panel anticipate it will be used in court.  After all, tech is used in a variety of ways in any given day so why shouldn’t it be a part of legal battles in courtrooms?  The sad truth is juries will gradually tune out an attorney unless an effort is made to hold their attention.  The prudent use of tech is one such way to keep jurors engaged.

Traveling for Court?  Take Stock of the Tech

Attorneys attending trials out of town should plan ahead to ensure their tech expectations will be met.  There is no sense preparing a presentation if the proper tech tools will not be available.  Everything from pull-down screens to projectors, video displays mounted to jury boxes and beyond should be accounted for at least several days in advance.  Perform your due diligence well ahead of time to determine if the jurisdiction you will be attending has tech-enhanced rooms.  Even a seemingly minor subtlety such as the lack of a witness monitor, digital input connection and/or a laptop connection can make the difference between winning and losing a case.

Use Tech to the Extent You are Comfortable With It

It is a mistake to attempt to figure out the tech aspect of your courtroom presentation at the very last minute.  If you cannot present your case in a smooth and seamless manner through tech tools, you will lose the jury’s attention.  Make sure you have the tech in question mastered before attempting to use it.  Ideally, tech tools will be used in a supplemental manner to enhance the presentation of specific evidence.

Examples of Tech in the Courtroom

PowerPoint is quite the valuable tool if used properly.  In particular, PowerPoint will prove helpful in the opening and closing statements.  If you do not know how to use PowerPoint, find someone who can help you learn its basics.  A PowerPoint presentation really does have the potential to shift the focus to essential case points.  However, there is the risk of overusing PowerPoint and bombarding the jury with an avalanche of information.  Whittle down your information to key bullet points that will make a truly powerful impact.

Trial presentation software is also of the utmost importance.  Consider uploading essential data to SharePoint or Dropbox and displaying it on a screen through a projector while in court.  It will also help to have the Elmo document camera.  Though most documents are now paperless, a visual presentation through Elmo at trial can make a powerful impact.  Elmo is a couple decades old yet it will prove quite helpful for putting exhibits/documents on the screen for the jury’s review when questioning witnesses.

PCLaw Case Management Software Review

If you are a law firm looking for software to help manage your business, you may be overwhelmed at the plethora of options available to you. Different types of legal case management software all have their benefits and drawbacks. Below, we review PCLaw to help determine if it’s the right fit for your law firm.

An Overview of PCLaw

Provided by LexisNexis, PCLaw is an integrated accounting, billing and case management program designed for law firms.  PCLaw’s biggest strength is its wealth of features when it comes to accounting and billing. The software allows you to manage vendor payments to improve cash flow while also allowing you to quickly identify any outstanding balances that need to be collected from clients. It also lets your firm email and submit LEDES-formatted bills, which greatly reduces the time it takes for you to get paid. Additionally, PCLaw features in-depth expense tracking which is a great tool to analyze your firm’s performance.

All of the aforementioned features are precisely why PCLaw has won more market share than any other software solution for case management. LexisNexis’s software eliminates the need to rely on multiple accounting software packages, and has all of your accounting needs in one comprehensive suite.  However, PCLaw does have its drawbacks. Numerous reviews indicate that after the most recent updates to the program, the software is not the most user friendly, with some customers reporting that the software is difficult to use, and that every update seems to make the software run worse or even freeze up completely.

Quick, Easy and Straightforward

The best aspect of PCLaw is that it is adept at performing its key objectives of accounting, billing and client management. Paired with its simple user interface that is easy to learn, this software is extremely useful for firms that require a simple, yet robust program to manage their business. Although the software doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as its competitors, it offers a program that does the basics extremely well. As a result, this program is a perfect fit for small to middle sized firms.

No Need for Additional Software

The majority of legal practice management applications rely on a separate software program for back-end accounting.  Opt for PCLaw and you won’t have to rely on third-party software for accounts receivable/payable, operating accounts, ledgers, etc.  The fact that PCLaw combines all of these functions in one package should be commended.

Rely on the Cloud for Optimal Functionality

Cloud service providers can implement PCLaw and enable the software to function at its peak without the need for on-site servers or complicated I.T. solutions. Rekall Technologies has nearly 10 years of experience assisting law offices with cloud services and can optimize your network hassle-free. Learn more about how we can host your legal software on the cloud here.

Is PCLaw Worth Your Money?

PCLaw is designed to grow with your law firm. Whether you work for a small start-up firm or if you work at a mid-size company, PCLaw will scale in accordance with your organization’s growth.  However, if you are looking for a more diverse and in-depth set of features, or if you are a large firm, other programs may be better suited to your needs.

Still want to learn more about PCLaw? Check out the software developer’s video where they go over PCLaw’s Dashboard feature and give you an insight into the program’s user interface.

A Look at Whether Law Firms Should Shift Data to the Cloud 

The cloud is the future of data storage.  The question is whether law firms will shift their data to the cloud in the years to come or continue with their current data storage approach.  The answer to this question depends on the law firm in question as well as its client base and budget.

Perform an Initial Assessment

Shifting to the cloud is not the type of project you dive right into without planning ahead.  Start your evaluation of the cloud by performing an assessment of your law firm.  This is an opportunity to determine if your firm is ready for the transition to the cloud, gauge how cloud-based you currently are and ultimately set the stage for a successful future.  Consider just how sensitive your data is.  Determine which applications are business-critical.  Are these applications on-site or at a colocation site?  Once this assessment is performed, you might find some parts of your law firm are already functioning in the cloud.  In fact, those who rely on Gmail or social media for marketing are already partially based on the cloud.  Furthermore, some law firms already use the cloud for disaster recovery/business continuity solutions.

Pay for the Cloud Instead of Infrastructure

The decision to migrate to the cloud should be shaped by the structure of your organization and its financial position.  Shift to the cloud from an on-site data center and you will offload a considerable portion of your IT spending.  There is no sense building a brand new data center when you can pay for cloud services as necessary.  You can scale the cloud up and down as necessary across posterity rather than paying for even more infrastructure.  However, it must be noted running your operations in the cloud is not always the cheapest option.  Though it is typically free to upload to the cloud, there are some fees for various cloud services.

Consider Your Firm’s Specialties and Client Base

Your practice specialties and client base should play a part in shaping your decision to move to the cloud or stick with your current situation.  As an example, law firms that specialize in intellectual property are often barred from putting data in the cloud as it could be pilfered or compromised.  However, class action law firms are dependent on the cloud for client services.  The type of client you serve along with your law firm’s specialty will ultimately shape how you proceed with your data storage decision.

Tech Expertise at Your Disposal

If you are a manager or partner at a comparably small law firm without IT personnel, it will likely prove easier and more affordable to let the cloud specialists handle your data.  From maintaining, improving and patching servers to enforcing data protection policies and beyond, there is plenty to do in the context of data protection.  The bottom line is those who work with cloud technology are likely better at managing infrastructure than the average law firm IT employee.  In some cases, it is not possible to completely move to the cloud.  Migrating to the cloud has the potential to be an expensive and complicated transition for larger law firms.

The Legal World of Web Accessibility 

Web accessibility for individuals with disabilities is now one of the top areas of ADA litigation.  Some question whether websites should have to be accessible to everyone in the first place.  Furthermore, if the web must be accessible to all parties, there is a question as to what the legal standards should be.  While there are certain practices that should be abided by in the context of websites, there are not any established legal parameters to adhere to as of the time of this writing.

What Constitutes “Meaningfully Accessible”?

According to preventive law, the notion of the web being a place of public accommodation that should prove accessible to all parties hinges on the type of content to be put on the website.  If the content on the site in question is of a certain type, the website must be meaningfully accessible in order to be in full compliance with the law.  Part of the challenge lies in determining what meaningfully accessible actually means.  Unfortunately, no one is quite sure what this term truly means.

The Department of Justice used to settle such cases, arguing the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 were the standard for the term meaningfully accessible.  Unfortunately, the rules set forth by President Obama were not finalized prior to Donald Trump’s election.  Trump withdrew the rules, put them on inactive status and resisted all pressure to alter its stance.  This action presents quite the problem as the rules set forth by the Obama administration stated Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 would be the standard.  However, the level a business or other organization had to meet would hinge on the entity’s size.  Aside from this confusion, a number of settlements have resulted in which both parties involved confirm Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 is the standard for determining if a particular website is meaningfully accessible to those with disabilities.  However, these guidelines do not ultimately override meaningful accessibility.

As an example, such guidelines often lack language in regard to voice dictation technology.  At the core of each of these legal conflicts is whether a person with a disability is provided with meaningful access to the website in question assuming that site must be in compliance with the rules of the ADA.  Let’s take a closer look at the forementioned guidelines to get a better understanding of the legal standard for web accessibility cases.

WCAG 2.0 Principles

In order to understand the forementioned WCAG 2.0, it will help to understand its underlying principles.  These guidelines are broken down into the following principles: robust, operable, understandable and perceivable.  Robust means the website must be accessible on all devices and browsers.  Understandable means the site has to be clearly understood by all.  Operable means the site and interface do not restrict the disabled individual’s use.  Perceivable means the content on the site must be available to all who view the site.

The forementioned guidelines become a bit more complicated when you consider the fact that there are some people who do not use a mouse or keyboard.  Certain disabled individuals rely on voice dictation software and require captioning.  There are countless websites in which such voice dictation technology does not function for those looking to use captionoinig.  Such a situation would not prove meaningfully accessible for an individual who is hard of hearing or deaf and relies upon voice dictation technology.

What can be Done?

If you are wondering how to minimize the chances of a lawsuit stemming from supposed website inaccessibility for those with disabilities, you are not alone.  However, there are some concrete steps you can take to dodge such a lawsuit.  As an example, it will certainly help to design the website from the start to prove meaningfully accessible to those plagued by disabilities.  Some businesses will benefit from going as far as hiring a consultant to perfect the website’s user experience design for all users, not just those saddled by a disability.  Avoid drop-down boxes as they pose a number of accessibility issues.  If you use any type of video content, be sure to caption it so those with hearing challenges and the deaf can understand what, exactly, is being communicated.  Finally, do not hesitate to have your website beta tested by individuals with disabilities including those who use voice dictation technology and screen readers.

Internet Accessibility and the Law

There is a call for internet access to be a human right in the near future. After all, the web is necessary to do everything from paying bills to finding employment. Internet accessibility has emerged as one of the most intriguing and active areas of ADA litigation. The question begs: do those with disabilities deserve a truly accessible website and if so, what are the legal standards? Though it appears as though the internet should prove accessible to those plagued by disabilities, there is a lack of meaningful legal parameters for such cases.

The ADA and the Web

The rules of the ADA are applicable to nearly everything public entities handle. As an example, if an individual attempts to access the website of a public entity, that site should prove accessible to him or her, regardless of disability/health. In the context of web accessibility, there are three primary groups in question: those who require captions for videos, users of voice dictation and users of screen readers. In order for the ADA to apply, the individual in question must be able to prove a disability exists.

Part of the problem is websites might not qualify as a place of accommodation as defined under title III of the ADA. There is no clear answer as to whether the internet is a place of public accommodation. A place of public accommodation has to be a physical space. Some argue the web is and always will be a place of public accommodation. It has also been argued the web is a pathway to a physical store. Therefore, the website in question should be accessible to those with one or several disabilities. However, the courts that have relied upon this legal theory are not consistent in the manner in which the word “gateway” is applicable.

A Presence in the State

A company can be present within a state in a meaningful manner without actually being physically located within the state’s borders in the conventional sense of the term. As an example, virtual showrooms on the web can present offerings in much more detail than comparably limited tangible stores. The question begs: should businesses that strictly operate on the web not have to be concerned with providing access to those with disabilities? The bottom line is the economy and society as a whole are changing quite rapidly in unforeseen ways. As a result, it is difficult to determine how the rules of the ADA are applicable to virtual platforms. The fact that e-commerce is quickly expanding bolsters the argument that websites should prove accessible to the disabled as well as those who are perfectly healthy.

Defining Meaningfully Accessible

Part of the problem with the legal universe of web accessibility is no one is quite sure what the term “meaningfully accessible” actually means. It has been argued the WCAG or web content accessibility guidelines 2.0 should be the benchmark for the phrase meaningful accessibile. However, WCAG 2.1 also exists to make the matter even more complex. According to WCAG 2.0, the website in question should be perceivable in that the content proves applicable to those who view the website. The site should also be operable, meaning the interface and design do not restrict use by a disabled individual. The website must be robust, meaning accessible through numerous browsers/devices. The site must also be understandable, meaning it can be understood by all. If the site in question does not meet these standards, it can be argued it is inaccessible to those with disabilities.

New Forensics Tools Every Attorney Should Know About

All sorts of new tech tools are available to pinpoint evidence that has the potential to crack cases.  The challenge lies in sorting through the avalanche of data and pinpointing what is of value to the case.  Thankfully, tech is available to streamline this process.  Let’s take a quick look at some of the latest tech tools available to help ensure justice is served.

Cracking Passwords

Hardware is now available to crack passwords with surprising speed.  The typical person uses an absurdly simple password yet some savvy computer users have passwords with dozens of numbers, letters and special characters.  Up until recently, technology had been capable of testing random combinations of letters and numbers in mere seconds.  The latest version of this technology tests upwards of seven million password combinations in a single second.

Tools for Location Tracking

Have you been searching for the location of a phone or other device for months?  Today’s tech ameliorates this challenge.  Whenever someone takes a picture or video on their phone, the time and location are saved to show where the user and the device are at the moment the image/video was recorded.  Modern software acts as a detective of sorts, conveniently mapping phone location results.

It is Possible to Recover Deleted Files

Restoring deleted files has emerged as an important tool for the gathering of digital evidence.  Simply deleting a file from a computer or phone no longer means it is gone.  It is still possible to access such deleted information thanks to new programs capable of pinpointing and extracting those files.

As an example, surveillance footage from DVRs might be mistakenly erased or show no recordings are available.  The DVR can be analyzed by a forensics team to retrieve the supposedly deleted footage through log files.  Such logs prove critically important in the quest for justice.

The Challenge of Sorting Through the Data

Oftentimes, the massive amount of data to sort through can feel overwhelming.  However, the use of the right software and the assistance of a forensics technician and a tech-savvy attorney will facilitate the search for evidence.  It is now possible to compile the most important words or phrases in list form, conduct a search of emails, the web, photos, text and beyond.  The software sorts through the data based on the user’s defined parameters and presents the results in shockingly little time.

How Attorneys can get the Most out of Real-time Transcription

Real-time transcription is just one of many changes that have occurred in the field of court reporting across the past couple decades.  Such transcription is a means of record capture that empowers talented court reporters to produce a transcript in mere seconds from the point at which words are spoken.  Computer software translates shorthand key combinations entered into steno machines onto a screen for everyone to see.  It takes considerable skill to perform real-time transcription.  In fact, some stenographers are not capable or qualified to handle this responsibility.

Why Real-time Transcription is so Important

Real-time transcription has proven quite valuable to lawyers and courts.  This rapid transcription enhances the quality of videotaped depositions and remote depositions, providing immediate trial transcripts that facilitate case progress.  Real-time transcription ensures immediate annotations are provided.  This approach also provides superior search capabilities.  Furthermore, real-time transcription provides the ability to quote from the record to ultimately decrease challenges and objections.

Transcript Streaming

It is now possible for real-time court reporters to stream the text of a transcript off-site to a location far away from the court room.  It is also possible to permit deposition participants, whether they are remote or local, to watch witness video footage and read real-time text on the exact same screen.  This technology empowers lawyers to view questions and answer when at a deposition, determine if the question has essential elements and gauge whether the answer is clear.  It is also possible to access instant messaging if specialized software is used.  This feature is quite helpful when legal personnel are stationed across several different areas as it is possible to view the deposition from a remote location.

Real-time Transcription Features

Real-time reporters bring laptops or iPads to hearings or depositions.  These computers have all the necessary software so attorneys do not have to spend on anything.  The court reporters’ software provides a number of helpful features: the ability to stop the real-time scroll to read a part of the text, search capabilities and more.  In fact, attorneys can mark testimony by pressing the space bar or touching the screen, providing an immediate reference back to the testimony that has been marked.  Attorneys simply have to ask the court reporter how to use these features prior to the beginning of the deposition.  Give this amazing technology a chance and you will find out it is quite user-friendly.