Speaker, Gibbons P.C., "Deposition Skills," Newark, NJ

A deposition may be one of the most common litigation activities, but few others are more important. Today, most lawsuits are resolved before trial, through motion practice or settlement. Thus, the deposition may be the only opportunity you have to meet, evaluate, and directly question a witness and obtain the evidence that will support that motion or drive settlement. And, if you proceed to trial, the testimony you elicit, or that is elicited from your client, can make or break your case. This may sound daunting, but with proper preparation, you can effectively examine witnesses, prepare your witnesses for the rigors of questioning, and have some fun.

In this presentation, Phil will discuss techniques to:

• prepare to question witnesses and prepare witnesses to be questioned;
• deal with preliminary matters and use exhibits;
• develop or enhance skills necessary to skillfully take and defend depositions; and
• effectively deal with opposing counsel