Facilitator Guide
Tips for Taking a Deposition
Facilitator Guide
Tips for Taking a Deposition
- Topic
- Depositions
- Duration
- Format
- Remote or in person
What’s Covered
- Starting the deposition
- Questioning the witness
- Difficult witnesses
- Difficult opposing counsel
- Ending the deposition
- Logistics involved in taking a deposition
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/tips-for-taking-a-deposition/attendee
Prepare Yourself
Watch the videos and read the exercise so you’re familiar with the Hotshot material.
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Course
Final Checklist for Taking a Deposition
Checklist of things to confirm, bring and know before taking a deposition.
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Course
Tips and strategies for taking a deposition, including starting the deposition off right, asking questions effectively, dealing with a difficult witness or opposing counsel, and ending the deposition well.
During the Session
- What logistics do you need to take care of before taking a deposition?
- What are some things you can do to get your deposition off to a good start?
- What tone will you try to establish with the witness to start the deposition?
- What should you be doing while the witness is giving an answer?
- What would you do if one of your questions isn’t working?
- How would you handle a witness that says “I don’t recall” a lot or claims not to understand basic terms?
- How would you handle a witness that won’t admit anything?
- What would you do with an aggressive opposing counsel?
- What should you do when you think you’re done asking questions?
- 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
About Hotshot
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