October 17, 2019
4 Tips to Achieve Successful Depositions
By: Colleen Jilio-Ryan | Posted in: Deposition
Producing successful legal depositions is crucial if you want to succeed in your field.
Here are some tips that will help you master the art of achieving successful depositions every time.
Know the Case
One of the most critical factors when performing a legal deposition is that you are knowledgeable about the case. Invest time in understanding every aspect of the case, the witnesses, and any extra factors that may influence the case. This will help you to move through the process quickly and efficiently. It will also help to improve the accuracy of your final deposition.
Create an Outline
The next step is to create a working outline of the case that includes, time, dates, witnesses, and any other relevant information that will need to be involved in the deposition. An accurate outline will help you complete the deposition at a steady pace without having to look back over your notes continually. It will also ensure that you cover all of the points that are required to be included in the finished document.
Use Chronological Graphs
Chronological graphs are also handy. Having an accurate timeline is essential, and using charts will make it easy for the witness to either agree with or dispute what claims are being made. If a chronological graph is created that both sides agree with, it can help to establish concrete facts.
Know the Ultimate Goal
Know the ultimate goal or outcome that is desired. Is the legal deposition going to be used to settle, or will it be used to support your case during an actual trial? If a lawsuit is imminent, you may want to reconsider which questions you will use during the legal deposition and which ones should be saved for later.
Legal depositions are essential when witnesses may not be able to be in the courtroom or if you are trying to reach an equitable agreement between two parties. These tips will help you create high-quality legal depositions every time, making you a sought after commodity in your field.
Colleen Jilio-Ryan is the Owner of Jilio-Ryan, a Tustin based premiere law consulting firm. The firm along with its certified court reporters is dedicated to providing the highest quality deposition and litigation services to attorneys, insurance companies, and corporations. With her sincere efforts, Colleen is committed to meeting the highest standards of the legal industry, and is an industry leader when it comes to on-time court reporting and deposition scheduling.