Training Guide

Introduction to Discovery

Training Guide

Introduction to Discovery

Topic: Civil Litigation Basics
Duration: 1 hr
Format: Remote or in person

What’s Covered

The goals and types of discovery
Responding to discovery requests
Negotiating discovery responses
Confidentiality and protective orders
Protecting privilege when providing discovery

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/introduction-to-discovery/attendee

Prepare Yourself

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

Course

Civil Discovery

An overview of the typical civil litigation discovery process, including the different types of discovery, the process of serving and responding to discovery requests, and the phases of discovery.
Exercise

Civil Discovery
PDF

During the Session

Part 1: Knowledge Check

Ask attendees these questions to ensure they understand the topic:

What factors influence the discovery rules that will apply in a particular case?
How does an interrogatory differ from a request for admission?
Does a deposition notice have to specify all of the topics that will be covered by a deposition?
What role does discovery play in preparing for trial?
What are some ways a corporate deposition differs from a regular deposition?
How are discovery disputes usually handled?
What’s a protective order?
Does privileged information have to be produced during discovery?
What’s a privilege log?

Part 2: Group Exercise

Lead a group discussion based on the exercise above. 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 Civil Litigation Basics 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.