Taking Effective Depositions

Depositions are a critical part of discovery but are often not as effective or efficient as they might have been. This is more common with less experienced attorneys who begin to take depositions before they have extensive experience with how deposition evidence is used substantively down the road, whether in connection with summary judgment motions or at trial. As a result, depositions may not be as sharply focused as necessary to obtain critical admissions. Similarly, opportunities to preemptively avoid later substantive evidentiary objections may be missed.

This program is intended for attorneys at any level who do not have extensive deposition experience. This program will provide an overview of the rules of evidence and how they shape and guide the taking of a deposition, practical suggestions as to how to prepare for a deposition, structure the examination and how to establish the admissibility of documentary evidence by preemptively avoiding later authenticity or hearsay objections.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how to prepare for a deposition to maximize the chances for obtaining useful evidence and minimizing the opponent’s ability to later exclude the evidence

• Hear a practical overview of the rules of evidence as they affect the preparation for and taking of an effective deposition

• Recognize helpful tips on how to conduct an effective deposition as well as some insights on mistakes to avoid