Depositions: Uses and The Need For Preparation

At Chapman Law Group we generally meet with our clients at least three times prior to the deposition.

1. 1. 1. The first meeting covers your general involvement with the case and occurs very early in the process. We follow up this meeting with all necessary records to help assist you in becoming intimately familiar with the facts of the case. As discovery progresses we generally talk several times by phone.
      2. The second meeting occurs about 2 to 3 weeks before your deposition. At this meeting we go over all of the relevant records and thoroughly discuss your involvement. We also discuss the prior testimony or expected testimony of experts and what the implications may be to your involvement with the case. We also do some role playing and begin to get you comfortable with the deposition process of being cross-examined under oath. Sometimes we videotape this interaction and use the tape to further assist you in becoming comfortable with the process. The videotape is erased immediately following the meeting.
      3. The third meeting generally occurs 1 to 2 weeks before the deposition. At this meeting we again go over the record, prior testimony or expected testimony of other treaters or experts, and we continue role playing. The goal is help you become comfortable with the facts, your involvement, and ensure you are able to answer difficult questions regarding your involvement. Often parts of the process are videotaped. The videotape is erased following the meeting.

During the deposition a member of Chapman Law Group will be with you. If the opposing counsel asks inappropriate questions we will object on your behalf. At times we may instruct you not to answer the question. It is important to know that Chapman Law Group will be with you at every stage of the process to ensure the questioning is fair, within the boundaries of the law, and that you are given an opportunity to explain your answers.

If you are facing a deposition for any reason and do not have counsel, please feel free to call Chapman Law Group. Remember, the deposition is your sworn statement and being prepared is a joint responsibility between you and your counsel.