Deposition Tutorial, First Edition

We live in an era when most litigation parties never see the inside of a courtroom. Cases are resolved by motion practice, by informal settlement, or by formal procedures such as arbitration and mediation. Rarely does an attorney get to say, “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury . . . .” Does this change render deposition practice obsolete? Quite the opposite—depositions are more important than ever. Instead of a battle between attorneys who are trying to hide their evidence for trial, depositions are the place to put your best case forward, establish your case theories, explore the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and prepare your disposition strategy, be it a motion for summary judgment, a settlement offer, or mediation. Taking effective depositions in this changed environment involves a new paradigm, a whole new way of thinking about the discovery process. This book will guide you through that process, from interviewing and preparing your client through theory building and expert testimony. It also deals with concrete issues like creating a clean, understandable deposition record that will benefit your case throughout the litigation process. With its Q&A format and its many examples, The Deposition Tutorial will become the book you want on your desk for quick reference.