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Presenting a live 90minute webinar with interactive Q&A Deposition Techniques and Strategies: Beyond the Basics Sharpening Evaluation, Questioning and Objection Skills in Taking or Defending Depositions T d ’ f l f 1pm Eastern | 12pm Central | 11am Mountain | 10am Pacific THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011 T odays faculty features: Mark E. Goodman, Shareholder, Capes Sokol Goodman & Sarachan, St. Louis John A. Snow, Shareholder, Van Cott, Salt Lake City The audio portion of the conference may be accessed via the telephone or by using your computer's speakers. Please refer to the instructions emailed to registrants for additional information. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-926-7926 ext. 10.

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Page 1: Depposition Techni qques and Strateggies: Beyond the Basicsmedia.straffordpub.com/products/deposition-techniques-and-strategi… · Discovering facts and opinions known or held by

Presenting a live 90‐minute webinar with interactive Q&A

Deposition Techniques and Strategies: p q gBeyond the Basics Sharpening Evaluation, Questioning and Objection Skills in Taking or Defending Depositions

T d ’ f l f

1pm Eastern | 12pm Central | 11am Mountain | 10am Pacific

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

Today’s faculty features:

Mark E. Goodman, Shareholder, Capes Sokol Goodman & Sarachan, St. Louis

John A. Snow, Shareholder, Van Cott, Salt Lake City

The audio portion of the conference may be accessed via the telephone or by using your computer's speakers. Please refer to the instructions emailed to registrants for additional information. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-926-7926 ext. 10.

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Conference Materials

If you have not printed the conference materials for this program, please complete the following steps:

• Click on the + sign next to “Conference Materials” in the middle of the left-hand column on your screen hand column on your screen.

• Click on the tab labeled “Handouts” that appears, and there you will see a PDF of the slides for today's program.

• Double click on the PDF and a separate page will open. Double click on the PDF and a separate page will open.

• Print the slides by clicking on the printer icon.

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Continuing Education Credits FOR LIVE EVENT ONLY

For CLE purposes, please let us know how many people are listening at your location by completing each of the following steps:

• Close the notification box

• In the chat box, type (1) your company name and (2) the number of attendees at your location

• Click the blue icon beside the box to send

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Tips for Optimal Quality

S d Q litSound QualityIf you are listening via your computer speakers, please note that the quality of your sound will vary depending on the speed and quality of your internet connection.

If the sound quality is not satisfactory and you are listening via your computer speakers, you may listen via the phone: dial 1-866-258-2056 and enter your PIN when prompted Otherwise please send us a chat or e mail when prompted. Otherwise, please send us a chat or e-mail [email protected] immediately so we can address the problem.

If you dialed in and have any difficulties during the call, press *0 for assistance.

Viewing QualityTo maximize your screen, press the F11 key on your keyboard. To exit full screen, press the F11 key againpress the F11 key again.

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Deposition Techniques and Strategies, Beyond the Basics

Mark E. GoodmanCapes, Sokol, Goodman & Sarachan, PC

St. Louis, Missouri(314) 721‐7701

[email protected]

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PREPARING FOR DEPOSITIONS

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Developing a Discovery StrategyDeveloping a Discovery Strategy

• Think of this stage as the creation of a planThink of this stage as the creation of a plan which is “theory” based.

• Consider the elements of the cause of action• Consider the elements of the cause of action pleaded.

C d f b i i d• Create a road map for obtaining documents and “staging” depositions.

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Order of Depositions can be crucial d h ld b “ d” d dand should be “mapped” and staged.

Some examples:Some examples:

di l li• Medical Negligence

• Complex business cases

• Piercing the Corporate Veil

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Be prepared to set aside conventional d h k f h bwisdom: think out of the box!

• Mix it upMix it up

k i l i “ f h i ”• Take a potential witness “out of their” game(s).

• The cardinal rule: The deposition is not about pyou…be prepared to be a good listener.

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Be Ready for Plan BBe Ready for Plan B

• The best laid plansThe best laid plans . . .

’ f ll i b i “ illf ll li d ”• Don’t fall into being “Willfully Blind.”

• Be prepared for that which makes us uncomfortable and unsettles.

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Determining Whether or not to take a Deposition

• To preserve or not to preserve – just oneTo preserve or not to preserve  just one question.

• The education of your opponent: pros and cons.

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The Financial Dynamic in Today’s lClimate

• Necessity vs LuxuryNecessity vs. Luxury

C d d C i• Case Management and Budgetary Constraints– Contingency Cases

– Corporate and insurance coverage litigation guidelines.

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Strategy Thought:Strategy Thought:

When we confront facts and fears weWhen we confront facts and fears, we achieve real power and unleash our 

it f hcapacity for change.

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Preparing for the Personality Dynamics h d l– the Witness and Opposing Counsel

• Be smartBe smart.

• Be competent.

• Be nice.

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If the goal is to truly discover facts, an h f f h b f datmosphere of free exchange must be fostered.

• Employ Psychology 101: If one is attacked heEmploy Psychology 101: If one is attacked, he or she will default to defensiveness.

• Do some investigation about a witness.– Lay witnesses

– Experts – usually have track records.

• Find out about opposing counsel.pp g

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Conclusion: Personality Dynamics can beConclusion: Personality Dynamics can be the most difficult thing to prepare for, so b d f th t dbe prepared for the unexpected.

• Review strategies to overcome adverse dynamics – remind yourself of the purpose of the Deposition.

• Be prepared to use the Rules to keep control.

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Preparing the WitnessPreparing the Witness

Lay v Expert: Obvious DifferencesLay v. Expert: Obvious Differences

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Preparation of Lay WitnessesPreparation of Lay Witnesses

• Explanation of Purpose/PitfallsExplanation of Purpose/Pitfalls

• Explanation of Mechanics

i f l d• Review of relevant documents

• Review of discovery and case status

• Focus on “trouble” areas

• Psychological preparation: establish a comfortPsychological preparation: establish a comfort level – avoid pressure.

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Preparation of Lay WitnessesPreparation of Lay Witnesses

Rehearsal: Pros and ConsRehearsal: Pros and Cons

C l i C f d i iConclusion: Comfort and Preparation is a winning combination.

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Preparation of Expert WitnessesPreparation of Expert Witnesses

• Investigation of former testimonyInvestigation of former testimony 

(land mines?)

i• Face‐to‐Face meeting

• Discussion of case theory

• Discussion of adverse case theory

• Familiarize with documentary evidenceFamiliarize with documentary evidence.

• Familiarize with prior Depositions.

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Preparation of Expert Witness ( l )(Conclusion)

Just because they “know the game ” don’tJust because they  know the game,  don t assume they can carry the ball across the 

l li ith t tigoal line without preparation.

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CONDUCTING THECONDUCTING THECONDUCTING THE CONDUCTING THE DEPOSITIONDEPOSITION

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John A SnowJohn A. SnowVan Cott, Bagley, Cornwall & McCarthy

S lt L k Cit Ut hSalt Lake City, Utah(801) 237-0204

j @ [email protected]

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Objectives/StyleObjectives/Style::Objectives/StyleObjectives/Style:: Discovering facts and opinions known or held by the opponent and

third partiesthird parties Evaluating credibility, appearance, competence, personality Obtaining concessions and admissions from the witness that support

matters favorable to the case atte s a o ab e to t e case Obtaining potential direct testimony of an adverse party Preserving testimony for trial Obtaining information which can be used for impeachment Revealing parts of your case for settlement purposes Establishing facts known within an entity by use of a Rule 30(b)(6)

depositionEstablishing the universe of information known or unknown by the Establishing the universe of information known or unknown by the witness

Laying the foundation for documents or other evidence Discovering or excluding contradictory evidenceg g y Potential Motions

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Style of questioning depends in significantStyle of questioning depends in significant part on the purpose or objective of the deposition and personality of thosedeposition, and personality of those present.

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Usable QuestioningUsable Questioning::Usable QuestioningUsable Questioning:: A deposition can become unusable for purposes p p p

of trial if the questions become too complicated or meandering.

For purpose of using a deposition for either For purpose of using a deposition for either direct testimony or impeachment, questions which are short and uncomplicated are easier for the jury to follow and understandthe jury to follow and understand.

Leading question on matters that will be used at trial is an effective way of questioning a witness

lon trial points. Use documents when available to

“coach/control” a difficult witnesscoach/control a difficult witness

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Usable ResponsesUsable Responses::Usable ResponsesUsable Responses: : A deposition can become unusable for purposes of trial if the

ti b t li t d d iquestions become too complicated or meandering. When the witnesses gives long, convoluted or complex

answers: Allow the information to be given by the witness Allow the information to be given by the witness Return to the substance of the answer and dissect it with simple

questions A usable answer does not always need to be “yes” or “no.”A usable answer does not always need to be yes or no. Listen to the answer and reflect on how it will sound to a trier

of fact. Every question does not need to be asked and every y q y

argument does not need to be made.

Remember: Questions are revealing

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ListenListen::ListenListen: : Frequently a witness will volunteer information q y

that needs to be clarified. A witness’ answer is ambiguous and needs to be

clarifiedclarified. Make sure an answer to a question is made;

witnesses do respond with statements that they d t b ti t b t i f tdeem to be pertinent, but are in fact nonresponsive. Be fluid and prepared to pursue pertinentBe fluid and prepared to pursue pertinent information provided by the witness, even if it was not requested by the question.

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ExhibitsExhibits::ExhibitsExhibits: : When using exhibits in a deposition, clearly g p , y

identify the document. Re-identify the exhibit: an answer about a

document that is identified several pages earlierdocument that is identified several pages earlier in a deposition is difficult to clearly present to the jury.C t l f diffi lt it Control of a difficult witness.

Refresh recollection – even if not a witness document.document.

Consider the use of exhibit if the witness does not attend trial.

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Points for Conducting the DepositionPoints for Conducting the Deposition::Points for Conducting the DepositionPoints for Conducting the Deposition::

Strategy of Questioning - Purpose Strategy of Questioning Purpose Form of Questions - Leading/Open-

ended, ambiguityended, ambiguity Form of Answer - Complete/ambiguous Questions not asked Questions not asked Order of Questions

Identifi tion nd U e of E hibit Identification and Use of Exhibits Listen

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DEFENDING THE DEPOSTIONSDEFENDING THE DEPOSTIONS

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PreparationPreparation Restatement (Third) Of The Law Governing Lawyers §176, comment (b):Restatement (Third) Of The Law Governing Lawyers §176, comment (b): Ascertaining and discussing the witness's recollection and the probable

facts. Discussing probable lines of hostile cross-examination the witness should be

prepared to meet.prepared to meet. Rehearsing the witness's testimony. Discussing a witness's prior testimony to refresh the witness's recollection. Discussing and revealing the testimony of other witnesses and asking the

witness to reconsider his or her recollection of events in that light (exceptwitness to reconsider his or her recollection of events in that light (except when the rule on exclusion has been invoked during a hearing or trial).

Suggesting a choice of words solely to clarify a witness's testimony (but not to change substantive testimony or to cause the witness to testify falsely regarding a material fact).regarding a material fact).

Informing the witness regarding applicable law and its relation to the events at issue (but not for the purpose of inducing a witness to misrepresent the facts).

Discussing the possible inclusion of testimony regarding factual matters not Discussing the possible inclusion of testimony regarding factual matters not initially mentioned by the witness, but only if the witness has an actual recollection regarding the matter.

Inviting the witness to provide truthful testimony that may be favorable to the lawyer's client.y

Reviewing with the witness the factual context into which the witness's testimony will fit.

Discussing courtroom or deposition demeanor and procedure. 32

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Ethical PreparationEthical Preparation: : Rule 4.1 of the Model Rules Of Professional Conduct:

In the course of representing a client a lawyer shall not knowingly:(a) make a false statement of material fact or law to a third person;(a) make a false statement of material fact or law to a third person; or(b) fail to disclose a material fact to a third person when disclosure is necessary to avoid assisting a criminal or fraudulent act by a client, unless disclosure is prohibited by Rule 1.6.client, unless disclosure is prohibited by Rule 1.6.

Rule 4.2 of the Model Rules Of Professional Conduct: In representing a client, a lawyer shall not communicate about the

subject of the representation with a party the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter unless the lawyer hasrepresented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the lawyer has the consent of the other lawyer or is authorized by law to do so.

Rule 4.3 of the Model Rules Of Professional Conduct In dealing on behalf of a client with a person who is not

t d b l l h ll t t t i l th t threpresented by counsel, a lawyer shall not state or imply that the lawyer is disinterested. When the lawyer knows or reasonably should know that the unrepresented person misunderstands the lawyer's role in the matter, the lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to correct the misunderstandingto correct the misunderstanding.

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Defending Your WitnessDefending Your WitnessDefending Your WitnessDefending Your Witness Review with the facts of the case

Review both your own and opposition discovery responses

Know the factual and legal issues that will be Know the factual and legal issues that will be addressed Extent of refreshing recollection

R i th t ti l hibit Review the potential exhibits Potential for Impeachment Privilege and Waiver Privilege and Waiver Instructing a witness not to answer a question

Seeking Court Intervention Potential Motions

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Witness “Rules”Witness “Rules”::Witness RulesWitness Rules : : 1. “Be yourself”2. Dress appropriately 3. Be polite 4. Posture and body language

S k5. Speak up6. Don't argue or be an advocate7. Wait for the entire question before answering

A l th ti th it l i t th i ht8. Answer only the question; the witness can explain at the right time

9. Never answer a question with a question10 A witness may ask counsel to rephrase a question Never10. A witness may ask counsel to rephrase a question. Never

answer a question that is not understood11. Always review a document or exhibit before answering

questions about it – But documents can be wrong

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Witness “Rules” (Continued)Witness “Rules” (Continued)::Witness Rules (Continued)Witness Rules (Continued): : 12. Remain firm unless convinced to the contrary.13. Avoid equivocal and pompous language.14. "I don't know" can be appropriate - "I don't know" is

different from "I don't remember.“15. Be honest; tell the whole truth within the parameters

of the question.16. Listen to objections.16. Listen to objections.17. Do not adopt the language of the examiner asking

leading questions. 18 The witness is not there to explain/help unless asked -18. The witness is not there to explain/help unless asked

- Do not explain any of your answers unless requested to do so.

19. A deposition is not a conversation.19. A deposition is not a conversation.

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Attorney “Rules”Attorney “Rules”::Attorney RulesAttorney Rules : :

Do not embarrass the witness Do not embarrass the witness Do not be condescending to the witness

D t “i t t” th it Do not “instruct” the witness Do not raise your voice at the witness Avoid unnecessary tension Provide assurances to the witness Provide assurances to the witness

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Instructions by Opposing CounselInstructions by Opposing Counsel::Instructions by Opposing CounselInstructions by Opposing Counsel: : Such as:

Be certain you answer each question I ask you because if your answer is not responsive, I will ask that question again.

If you need to expand any answer feel free to do so. If you should wish to add anything feel free to do so If you should wish to add anything, feel free to do so. If you need to explain an answer, feel free to do so. If you don't know an answer say so, but I will assume that if you

answer my question, you understood it as I asked it.y q , y Do not concern yourself with the objections

Inform the witness that the instruction will be given, but witness is to proceed as instructed in preparation, and p p p ,not as instructed by the opposing attorney.

Counsel also can/should note that the instructions are unfair, not contemplated by the Rules.

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ObjectionsObjections Rule 30(c) Examination and Cross-Examination; Record of the Examination;

Objections; Written Questions. (1) Examination and Cross-Examination. The examination and cross-

examination of a deponent proceed as they would at trial under the Federal p p yRules of Evidence, except Rules 103 and 615. After putting the deponent under oath or affirmation, the officer must record the testimony by the method designated under Rule 30(b)(3)(A). The testimony must be recorded by the officer personally or by a person acting in the presence and under the direction of the officerunder the direction of the officer.

(2) Objections. An objection at the time of the examination--whether to evidence, to a party's conduct, to the officer's qualifications, to the manner of taking the deposition, or to any other aspect of the deposition--must be noted on the record but the examination still proceeds; the testimony isnoted on the record, but the examination still proceeds; the testimony is taken subject to any objection. An objection must be stated concisely in a nonargumentative and nonsuggestive manner. A person may instruct a deponent not to answer only when necessary to preserve a privilege, to enforce a limitation ordered by the court, or to present a motion under Rule 30(d)(3)30(d)(3).....

(d) Duration; Sanction; Motion to Terminate or Limit. (2) Sanction. The court may impose an appropriate sanction--including

h bl d ' f i d bthe reasonable expenses and attorney's fees incurred by any party--on a person who impedes, delays, or frustrates the fair examination of the deponent.

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Waiver of ObjectionsWaiver of Objections

(d) Waiver of Objections.(1) T h N i A bj i i l i i (1) To the Notice. An objection to an error or irregularity in a

deposition notice is waived unless promptly served in writing on the party giving the notice.

(2) To the Officer's Qualification. An objection based on ( ) o t e O ce s Qua cat o object o based odisqualification of the officer before whom a deposition is to be taken is waived if not made:

(A) before the deposition begins; or(B) promptly after the basis for disqualification becomes known (B) promptly after the basis for disqualification becomes known

or, with reasonable diligence, could have been known. (3) To the Taking of the Deposition. (A) Objection to Competence, Relevance, or Materiality. An ( ) j p , , y

objection to a deponent's competence--or to the competence, relevance, or materiality of testimony--is not waived by a failure to make the objection before or during the deposition, unless the ground for it might have been corrected at that time.g g

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Waiver of Objections (Continued)Waiver of Objections (Continued) (B) Objection to an Error or Irregularity. An objection to an

error or irregularity at an oral examination is waived if:(i) it l t t th f t ki th d iti th (i) it relates to the manner of taking the deposition, the

form of a question or answer, the oath or affirmation, a party's conduct, or other matters that might have been corrected at that time; and

(ii) it is not timely made during the deposition. (C) Objection to a Written Question. An objection to the

form of a written question under Rule 31 is waived if not served in writing on the party submitting the question within the timein writing on the party submitting the question within the time for serving responsive questions or, if the question is a recross-question, within 7 days after being served with it.

(4) To Completing and Returning the Deposition. An objection ( ) p g g p jto how the officer transcribed the testimony--or prepared, signed, certified, sealed, endorsed, sent, or otherwise dealt with the deposition--is waived unless a motion to suppress is made promptly after the error or irregularity becomes known or, withpromptly after the error or irregularity becomes known or, with reasonable diligence, could have been known.

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If a question is “leading ” the grounds for If a question is leading, the grounds for the objection can be easily cured or obviated and the objection is waived ifobviated, and the objection is waived if not made. Assoc. Bus. Tel. Sys. Corp. v. Greater Capital Corp 729 F Supp 1488Greater Capital Corp., 729 F. Supp. 1488, 1500 (D.N.J. 1990); Roy v. Austin Co., 194 F 3d 840 844 (7th Cir 1999)194 F.3d 840, 844, (7th Cir., 1999) (leading objection must be made);

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Argumentative objections are also curable Argumentative objections are also curable and are waived if not made. Bahamas Agricultural Industries Ltd v Riley StokerAgricultural Industries, Ltd v. Riley Stoker Corp., 526 F.2d 1174, 1180 (6th Cir. 1975) (argumentative objection waived if1975) (argumentative objection waived if not asserted at the deposition).

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Presumably irrelevant evidence cannot be Presumably irrelevant evidence cannot be “cured” to become relevant, and the failure to make the objection on relevancyfailure to make the objection on relevancy grounds would not be a waiver. United States v Irvin 127 F R D 169 170 n 2States v. Irvin, 127 F.R.D. 169, 170 n.2 (C.D. Cal. 1989) (relevancy objection not waived); but see Kirschner v Braodheadwaived); but see Kirschner v. Braodhead, 671 F.2d 1034, 1038 (7th Cir. 1982) (relevancy objection waived)(relevancy objection waived).

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“C t ” bj ti i t b i d if t “Competency” objections is not be waived if not made during the objection. Cronkrite v. Fahrbach, 853 F. Supp. 257, 259-60, 262 (W.D.Fahrbach, 853 F. Supp. 257, 259 60, 262 (W.D. Mich. 1994) (medical expert); Osborne v. Wenger, 572 N.E.2d 1343 (Ind. App. 1991)(medical expert) The courts seem to1991)(medical expert). The courts seem to generally support the position that objections based upon relevancy and competency are p y p yreserved without an objection made at the deposition. Hall v. Clifton Precision, 150 F.R.D. 525 528 n 3 (E D Pa 1993); Thomas v525, 528 n.3 (E.D. Pa. 1993); Thomas v. Hoffmann-LaRoache, Inc., 126 F.R.D. 522, 523-24 & n.1 (N.D. Miss. 1989).

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A non-responsive objection is waived if A non responsive objection is waived if not made. Kirschner v. Braodhead, 671 F 2d 1034 1038 (7th Cir 1982)F.2d 1034, 1038 (7th Cir. 1982).

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ControlControl: : If the opposing attorney is interrupting the depositions with

unnecessary objections, making “speaking objection,” giving instructions to the witness, or otherwise acting in a manner that is disruptive to the process, or, if an examiner is actingdisruptive to the process, or, if an examiner is acting inappropriately, there are a few actions that can be taken: Make a record before taking any action, such as allow the

attorney some opportunity to establish that he or she is in fact disruptive and otherwise acting inappropriatelydisruptive and otherwise acting inappropriately

Ignore the disruptions if in fact the quality of the deposition will not be compromised

Provide notice that intervention from the court will be sought If appropriate, use some humor Avoid unnecessary argument over the quality of the objections

or questions, but make a recordVideo tape the depositions Video tape the depositions

Aggressive response Court Intervention Breaks in the depositions Breaks in the depositions Assurances to the witnesses

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AttorneyAttorney--Client PrivilegeClient Privilege United States Supreme Court Standard 503: (a)-- Definitions--As used in this rule:

(1) A ''client'' is a person public officer or corporation association or(1)-- A ''client'' is a person, public officer, or corporation, association, or other organization or entity, either public or private, who is rendered professional legal services by a lawyer, or who consults a lawyer with a view to obtaining professional legal services from him.

(2)-- A ''lawyer'' is a person authorized, or reasonably believed by the client to be authorized, to practice law in any state or nation.

(3)-- A ''representative of the lawyer'' is one employed to assist the lawyer i th diti f f i l l l iin the rendition of professional legal services.

(4)-- A communication is ''confidential'' if not intended to be disclosed to third persons other than those to whom disclosure is in furtherance of the rendition of professional legal services to the client or those reasonablyrendition of professional legal services to the client or those reasonably necessary for the transmission of the communication.

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AttorneyAttorney--Client Privilege (Continued)Client Privilege (Continued) (b)-- General rule of privilege.--A client has a privilege to refuse to

disclose and to prevent any other person from disclosing confidential communications made for the purpose of facilitating the

diti f f i l l l i t th li t (1) b trendition of professional legal services to the client, (1) between himself or his representative and his lawyer or his lawyer's representative, or (2) between his lawyer and the lawyer's representative, or (3) by him or his lawyer to a lawyer representing

th i tt f i t t (4) b tanother in a matter of common interest, or (4) between representatives of the client or between the client and a representative of the client, or (5) between lawyers representing the client.

(c)-- Who may claim the privilege.--The privilege may be claimed by the client, his guardian or conservator, the personal representative of a deceased client, or the successor, trustee, or similar

t ti f ti i ti th i tirepresentative of a corporation, association, or other organization, whether or not in existence. The person who was the lawyer at the time of the communication may claim the privilege but only on behalf of the client. His authority to do so is presumed in the absence of e idence to the cont aabsence of evidence to the contrary.

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Using Deposition TestimonyUsing Deposition Testimony

• Take InventoryTake Inventory

h G d h d d h l• The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

• Review with Lay and Expert Witnesses

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Post‐Deposition StrategiesPost Deposition Strategies

• Theming the caseTheming the case

d l di d i i l• Reduce Pleadings and Discovery to Logical Anchors

• View Discovery from 30,000 Feety ,

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Consider the Use of Focus Groups after lDiscovery is Complete

• Concept Focus Groups – Pros and ConsConcept Focus Groups  Pros and Cons

k i l / i i• Mock Trials/Variations– Use of deposition testimony

– Videotape depositions

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Depositions for Use in the Formulation fof Motions in Limine

• Inclusion of Transcript PortionsInclusion of Transcript Portions

i i f i b i hDepositions for use in Daubert Motions or other Motions to Strike

• Good opportunity for education of Judge

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Using Deposition Testimony during Discovery

• Depositions are cumulative and fluid: dealingDepositions are cumulative and fluid: dealing with changing facts

• Fill in gaps

• Compare testimony and final explanationsp y p

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Using Depositions during DiscoveryUsing Depositions during Discovery

• Organization of testimonyOrganization of testimony

• Creating of “Issue Chart”H l f l t i t ti– Helpful to organize testimony

– Awareness of land mines

• Consider Motions for Summary Judgment

• Consider Motions to Strike

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Using Deposition Testimony during lTrial

Video DepositionsVideo Depositions

• Decisions on when and how to use

• Editing/Motion Practice

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Using Depositions During TrialUsing Depositions During Trial

• Witness PreparationWitness Preparation

• Voir Dire – Introduce Testimony

O i S• Opening Statement– Knowledge of Testimony

– Explanation of Use in Depositions

• Observance of Rules Governing Use

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Using Deposition Testimony during lTrial

• Impeachment – The Golden OpportunityImpeachment  The Golden Opportunity

• Common Mistake – The Deposition Testimony doe not impeach the testimony from thedoe not impeach the testimony from the witness stand

U f “ELMO” h i l id i h• Use of “ELMO” or other visual aids in the courtoom

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Using Deposition Testimony During lTrial

• Admissions against Interest/FRE 801(d)(2)Admissions against Interest/FRE 801(d)(2)

h f d i l / 6 3• Lay the foundation properly/FRE 613

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Using Deposition TestimonyUsing Deposition Testimony

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

• Take Inventory

• Evaluate – use with witnesses for Preparation

• Be creativeBe creative

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