Steno Connect

Steno Connect is a Zoom-integrated workspace for remote depositions and remote bench trials. It is best suited to legal teams that need structured exhibit control and advance preparation, while participants on unsupported devices may need its more limited browser mode. The main decision is whether its Zoom workflow and scheduled access window match the way your proceedings run.

Overview

Steno Connect places deposition and trial exhibit handling inside Zoom. Users can upload, preview, number, present, annotate, and download PDF, PNG, JPG/JPEG, TIF/TIFF, Word, and PowerPoint files during a meeting. That keeps document presentation alongside the videoconference instead of requiring a separate exhibit tool.

It also works with Zoom breakout rooms, chat, messaging, and alternate video layouts. Steno’s Firm Dashboard supports preparation before a deposition, so teams can organize materials in advance rather than starting document work when participants enter the room. Session recording is supported. Steno says its applications, infrastructure, and network follow standard security practices and that the service has SOC 2 Type II and HIPAA compliance.

Key features

Exhibit workflow

Uploads support files up to 5 GB, accommodating substantial case materials. Presentation mode is limited to 60 MB, however, so a large uploaded source may still need a smaller, presentation-ready copy. The ability to annotate and save marked exhibits is useful for proceedings where the record must reflect document changes, but that capability depends on using the Zoom app rather than the browser version.

Zoom and preparation

Because exhibit controls operate within Zoom, teams already using Zoom can keep conferencing, private breakout discussions, messaging, and document presentation in one meeting environment. The Firm Dashboard is the stronger fit for organized litigation teams that want preparation before the scheduled session. Zoom Business and Enterprise customers may need administrator approval before the app can be used, adding an internal deployment step.

Access and support

Participants can enter the room and upload or mark exhibits beginning one hour before the scheduled deposition. The room and exhibit page close 24 hours after the job’s scheduled start time, so it is not a general-purpose repository for late follow-up. Steno says in-person technical support is provided for every deposition and advertises around-the-clock client support, a meaningful advantage when a proceeding cannot pause for troubleshooting.

Pricing

Steno Connect uses paid, custom pricing. The Steno Connect plan has no published price and directs prospective customers to schedule a demo. That approach is more suitable for firms that want a service discussion and deposition support than for individuals comparing fixed monthly rates.

There are no published seat, quota, trial-length, renewal, or free-plan terms to use for a precise budget comparison. Buyers should confirm those commercial conditions, along with how support is packaged, before committing.

Platforms

The service supports Windows, macOS, and a web browser. The Zoom app setup requires a Windows or Mac desktop or laptop, the Zoom desktop client, and a Zoom account. Steno recommends the web app for participants who cannot access Zoom’s app, including people joining from unsupported devices such as an iPad.

The browser route has important trade-offs: it does not include Present, nor can users annotate and save annotated exhibits. Teams needing full exhibit control should plan for the desktop client and verify that every attorney, witness, and support participant can use it.

Who it's for

Steno Connect is aimed at attorneys, litigation support staff, and other legal teams running remote depositions or remote bench trials. It makes the most sense when exhibit preparation, controlled presentation, and Zoom-based communication need to be coordinated in one workflow, and when live technical assistance is valuable.

It is less suitable for a participant mix that relies heavily on tablets or browsers, or for teams that need exhibit access to remain open well beyond the proceeding. The browser limitations and the 24-hour post-start closure make those requirements material rather than minor inconveniences.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Exhibit upload, numbering, presentation, annotation, and download are integrated with Zoom; the Firm Dashboard enables advance preparation; support includes in-person assistance for every deposition and advertised around-the-clock client coverage; broad document-format support includes office files and common image types.
• Cons: Browser users lose presentation and saved-annotation functions; desktop use requires Zoom, a Zoom account, and possibly administrator pre-approval; presentation files are capped at 60 MB; room and exhibit access ends 24 hours after the scheduled start; pricing is custom rather than published.

Alternatives

Choose DepoFlow if a freemium model and a free viewing plan for synced depositions are more important than Zoom-based exhibit presentation. eDepoze is worth considering when complimentary witness or attending-guest session services and iOS or web access fit your proceeding.

MyVeritext suits readers seeking a complimentary client portal across Android, iOS, and the web, while Filevine is the broader choice for custom matter management, documents, billing, and optional deposition packages. MyDepo is a free online deposition-management option tied to Network Deposition Services.

Pick Remote Counsel when streaming is the priority and a per-event connection model is acceptable. vTestify is another paid option with Android, iOS, web, and desktop coverage. Colibri Legal fits teams seeking a low monthly subscription with quote-based pricing and separately charged final transcripts.

For a wider category comparison, browse Legal Deposition Software.

Verdict

Look elsewhere if browser-only participation, unrestricted post-session access, or transparent self-serve pricing is central to your requirements.