May 2010

Thursday, May 20, 2010 to Thursday, May 20, 2010

With fewer cases reaching juries, deposition testimony has become a substitute for trial testimony. Skilled litigators know how to take advantage of this unique opportunity to gather information, learn about an adversary's case, and get a close-up look at the performance of potential witnesses. Learn how to maximize this chance to gain an advantage for future settlement or litigation. Our faculty of experienced litigators will take you through every facet of the deposition process, starting with general strategic principles and moving through the use of deposition testimony at trial. We'll also use demonstrations to illustrate the dos and don'ts of depositions, give you practice tips for each stage of the process, and show the tactical and strategic considerations behind the techniques employed. What you will learn: Deposition strategy and purpose: deciding where each deposition fits into your overall discovery plan. Doing your homework to prepare for a deposition. Nuts and bolts of taking a deposition, including stipulations, objections, and use of exhibits, Dealing with a difficult adversary, Defending the deposition: objections, instructing the witness, and going off the record, Expert witnesses: how to be prepared and prepare your expert, Using deposition testimony at trial: Rules, techniques and tactical concerns, Ethical issues unique to depositions: what to do when you think the witness is lying.