Training Guide

Deposition Witness Prep: Explaining Mechanics & Strategy

Training Guide

Deposition Witness Prep: Explaining Mechanics & Strategy

Topic: Depositions
Duration: 1 hr
Format: Remote or in person

What’s Covered

The components of witness prep for a deposition
Scheduling considerations
Beginning a witness prep session
Explaining to the witness how the deposition will work (logistics and mechanics)
Tips to give the witness about rules and strategy

Before the Session

Prepare the Attendees

Send the attendees an invitation for the session. Include this link, which has the videos and exercise they’ll need to prepare.

https://www.hotshotlegal.com/trainings/deposition-witness-prep-explaining-mechanics-strategy/attendee

Prepare Yourself

Watch the videos and read the exercise so you’re familiar with the Hotshot material.

Course

Deposition Witness Prep: Explaining Mechanics and Strategy

Discussion of how to conduct a witness prep meeting, focusing on making the witness comfortable with how the deposition will work, explaining how depositions differ from ordinary conversation, and giving the witness tips on how to answer questions.
Exercise

Deposition Witness Prep: Explaining Mechanics and Strategy
PDF

During the Session

Part 1: Knowledge Check

Ask attendees these questions to ensure they understand the topic:

What are the different areas to cover with a witness during their prep session?
How might you structure the witness preparation session?
How would you explain to a witness how a deposition differs from ordinary conversation?
What should a witness be told about the mechanics of a deposition?
What advice would you give a witness about how to answer questions generally?

Part 2: Group Exercise

Lead a group discussion based on the exercise. To encourage collaboration, divide the attendees into groups to discuss the exercise, then have a representative from each group summarize their views to the larger group. Call on people to share their thoughts and ask others to respond.

Tip for remote sessions: use your web conferencing system’s breakout room feature to divide people into groups.

Part 3: War Stories and Firm Specifics

Share your own experiences and guidance, including:

Anecdotes and war stories (e.g., about a near-disaster or a tough negotiation)
General practice tips (dos and don’ts)
Firm-specific guidance and practices

After the Session

To continue their learning, attendees can check out related courses in Hotshot’s Depositions topic.

About Hotshot

Hotshot helps lawyers develop their legal, business, and technology skills through short videos, quizzes, and summaries, and we help law firms and law schools plan and deliver engaging training programs. Our customers include Am Law 200 firms, top law schools, and regional and international firms.