how to handle a deposition without an attorney

While you are attempting to get one, you can request that opposing counsel postpone the deposition. Common courtesy should move the other side to give you time to get a lawyer. You may also be able to get a continuance from the judge to give you time to get a lawyer.

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What can my attorney ask me during a deposition?

An attorney can help you separate facts from opinions, allowing you to deliver answers that are both accurate and effective. Hone your testimony. You may have prepared your own responses, but lawyers know that what you say in a deposition is just as important as how you say it. Giving the answer “I think it was 12:30,” is vastly different ...

What happens if there is no judge at a deposition?

Apr 18, 2013 · Not much advice anyone can give you at this point. Obviously you need a lawyer. While you are attempting to get one, you can request that opposing counsel postpone the deposition. Common courtesy should move the other side to give you time to get a lawyer. You may also be able to get a continuance from the judge to give you time to get a lawyer.

What are my rights during a deposition?

How to Handle a Deposition: Advice from an OMIC Defense Attorney. Tell the truth. This is more than a copybook maxim; it is a rule of self-preservation for witnesses. Assume that examining counsel is supporting ... Think before you speak. Wait …

What are the rules to follow when being deposed?

Oct 06, 2015 · The first step in developing coping strategies is recognizing that the true audience for your deposition is not the attorney, but the jury and judge. Understand that you will lose credibility with them if it sounds like you are avoiding the question or being uncooperative.

What should you not say in a deposition?

8 Things Not Say During a DepositionNever Guess to Answer a Question.Avoid Any Absolute Statements.Do Not Use Profanity.Do Not Provide Additional Information.Avoid Making Light of the Situation.Never Paraphrase a Conversation.Do Not Argue or Act Aggressively.Avoid Providing Privileged Information.May 19, 2020

How do you stay calm in a deposition?

Staying Calm, Collected, and on CourseTell the Truth – It helps to think of a deposition as nothing more than a discussion. ... Think First, Speak Second – Always consider the question and think over your answer before you speak. ... Keep It Short and Sweet – Your answers should be short, sweet, and to the point.Jun 7, 2019

What kind of questions do they ask in a deposition?

Common questions in this vein include:How did you prepare for this deposition?Have you spoken to anyone other than your counsel about this case? ... What, specifically was discussed?What documents pertaining to the case have you reviewed?Did you meet with counsel for the other side prior to this deposition?More items...•Mar 22, 2017

Can I be rude in a deposition?

Recent cases are replete with examples of attorneys engaged in improper deposition conduct, such as acting rudely toward opposing counsel or asserting improper objections to interrupt the flow of information. This type of conduct can be intentional—interrupting and intimidating opposing counsel—or unintentional.Mar 2, 2016

Should I be nervous for a deposition?

Depositions can be used as testimony at trial. For many people, this will be the first time they have answered questions under oath. It is common to be nervous before your deposition.Jun 19, 2019

How do you handle a difficult deposition question?

What follows are numerous points or rules to keep in mind throughout the deposition.Tell the truth. ... Think before you speak. ... Answer the question. ... Do not volunteer information. ... Do not answer a question you do not understand. ... Talk in full, complete sentences. ... You only know what you have seen or heard. ... Do not guess.More items...

How do you answer questions in a deposition?

How to Answer Questions in a Deposition: 5 Ways to AnswerAlways Tell the Truth. ... Listen to the Question in Detail. ... Dissect Any Compound Questions. ... Stand Up for Yourself During Questioning. ... Take Your Time Answering Deposition Questions. ... Admit to Mistakes or Inconsistencies in Your Answers.Feb 21, 2020

Are depositions scary?

The truth of the matter is that depositions are not nearly as scary as you might think. While depositions can be awkward and there might be some difficult questions for you to answer, if you have a good lawyer preparing you for the deposition, you will be fine.

Can personal questions be asked in a deposition?

What Should I Do If I Object to a Personal Question During the Deposition? The deposing attorney can ask any question he or she likes, but you do not necessarily have to answer them. If you believe that the attorney has asked an irrelevant question, you can object to the question, or ask your attorney how to proceed.

Can you plead the 5th in a deposition?

Yes, you can plead the fifth in a civil trial or deposition. But, whether you should or should not do so is often an issue that requires you to waive certain risks and benefits. If you refuse to testify in a civil matter, there can be adverse consequences for the case.

What is bad deposition?

The environmental consequences of this process can be harmful or beneficial. On one side deposition is a cleansing of the air and a transport of additional nutrients to plants. On the other side, deposition of sulfur and nutrients may contribute to acidification and eutrophication of various ecosystems.

How do you refuse to answer a question in court?

If your answer was not correctly stated, correct or clarify it immediately. Don't say, "that's all of the conversation" or "nothing else happened." Instead say, "that's all I recall" or "that's all I remember happening." It may be that after more thought or another question, you may remember something important.

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How To Prepare for Your Deposition

With these five rules in mind, it’s now time to prepare for your deposition:

Do You Have to Answer All Questions in a Deposition?

You do not have to answer all of the questions presented in a deposition, however, you may be compelled to answer if the judge overrules the objection.

What Is the Purpose of a Deposition?

The deposition is an opportunity for the other side’s lawyer to ask you questions, to find out what you do and do not know, and what you would and would not say if you were called to testify at a trial. The lawyer will want to hear and lock in your testimony so you can’t surprise him at trial.

What a Deposition Is Not

The deposition is not an opportunity for you to convince the other side’s lawyer how right you are, how great your claim is, or what a wonderful person or skilled professional you are. Nor is it an opportunity for you to tell the other side off (as tempting as it may be).

Why is a deposition important?

Since the majority of medical malpractice cases are disposed of prior to trial, the deposition can be of critical importance to the outcome of a claim. The deposition is a pre-trial process in which parties or witnesses to a case can be examined under oath, but outside the presence of the court. Under certain circumstances, statements made ...

What to do if information is contained in a document which is not an exhibit at the deposition?

If information is contained in a document which is not an exhibit at the deposition, answer the question only if you can recall the answer without looking at the document. Otherwise, simply answer the question by stating that you do not recall. If you can answer the question, do so.

What to do when you are finished with an answer?

If you are finished with an answer and the answer is complete and truthful, remain quiet and do not expand upon it. If the examiner asks you if that is all you recollect, say “yes” if that is the case. Do not agree to supply any information or documents requested by the examiner.

What is the rule of self preservation for witnesses?

Assume that examining counsel is supporting himself on his professional ability to make a witness who is playing “fast and loose” with the truth very uncomfortable. Think before you speak.

Can you use depositions in a trial?

Under certain circumstances, statements made during deposition can be used during the actual trial, if a case proceeds that far. Although you may have given depositions on behalf of others on prior occasions, it is a different experience when the deposition will be used in a case in which you are the defendant.

Do not testify to what other people know?

Do not testify as to what other people know unless you are asked specifically for such a statement. Do not testify as to your state of mind unless you are specifically asked. Do not tip off the examiner about the existence of documents he does not know about.

Is there such a thing as "off the record"?

There is no such thing as “off the record.”. If you have a conversation with anybody in the deposition room, be prepared for questions on that conversation. If the examiner appears totally confused about your profession and its technical aspects, do not attempt to educate him.

What to remember when conducting a deposition?

Remember that you can easily become your own worst enemy if you think in terms of “success” or “failure” during the deposition. It’s a discovery tool and not the actual trial.

What is the importance of reexamine prior to a deposition?

But, prior to a deposition, it’s important to reexamine key discovery, study your file thoroughly, and consider any facts that may require additional development through testimony. Additionally, it is helpful to consider your case strategy as you prepare.

Why do attorneys ask questions during depositions?

Your attorney may ask questions of you during the deposition, but typically your attorney will only ask questions of you in order to clarify a confusing answer. Like opposing counsel, your attorney may schedule and take depositions to help build your case. If there are some issues about your case that you consider worrisome, ...

What is a deposition in court?

What Is a Deposition? A deposition is pre-trial oral testimony taken under oath. In a deposition, the opposing attorney (counsel) will ask you various questions, and those questions and your answers will be recorded by an official court reporter. There is little difference between testimony at a deposition and testimony in the courtroom, ...

Why do opposing counsel take depositions?

Depositions are extremely useful to opposing counsel. In a deposition, the opposing counsel will want to find out what you know regarding the issues in your lawsuit so that they can prepare for your testimony in advance of trial. The testimony you give in a deposition may be read at trial, so opposing counsel hopes to catch you in a lie or omission, because, if they were to do so, they could claim at trial that you are not a truthful person. Having established your dishonest character, they could then argue that your testimony should not be accepted as evidence of any of the important questions at trial. Remember, opposing counsel has every right to take your deposition for these purposes.

How to avoid wisecracks?

Your humor may not be recognizable in the transcript and may look crude or untruthful. Don't speak with opposing parties or counsel: After the deposition is over, do not chat with your opponents or their attorney.

What to do if you are asked to supply documents?

If you are asked to supply documents or information, refer the opposing counsel to your attorney. Do not reach into your pocket for a social security card, driver’s license, or any other document, unless your attorney requests that you do so.

What to do if you don't know all the details?

You aren't expected to know all the details: If you do not know all the details, relax. Simply state what you do know and leave out the details. Do not give an answer that requires you to consult records not available at the deposition or requiring you to consult your friends and associates for the answer.

What to say when you don't know the answer to a question?

Don't guess: If you do not know the answer to a question, you should say that you do not know. You have a right to confer with your lawyer: At any time during the deposition, you will have the right to speak with your attorney privately regarding the question and your answer. Do not hesitate to exercise this right.

Who will take your deposition in a personal injury case?

If you have filed a civil lawsuit in your personal injury case against the at‐fault driver, person, corporation, or entity that caused your injuries, then at some point the defense attorney representing the other side will take your deposition.

What is a deposition in court?

A deposition is a question‐and‐answer session between the attorneys to a lawsuit and a witness (the deponent) where the witness’s answers are given under oath, taken down in writing by a court reporter and used by the attorneys to prepare for trial. In fact, deposition testimony can also be used in court at trial.

What is the Oregon deposition law?

Depositions are governed in Oregon by ORCP 39, which sets forth the legal requirements and procedures for a deposition. However, for the personal injury client, the most important thing to worry about is that you are properly prepared for your deposition in your personal injury case.

How to prepare for a defense attorney?

By being prepared you can make a good, truthful and forthright impression. 2. Think before answering .

What is the duty of a lawyer to answer a question?

Your duty is to tell the truth and answer only the question that has been asked. If the answer to the question is “yes” then you answer “yes” and that is it. You do not explain why the answer is “yes” unless the opposing attorney asks for that question. Keep your answers brief.

What is evidence in a personal injury lawsuit?

Oftentimes documents or photographs will be evidence in a personal injury lawsuit and will be exhibits in your deposition. You may be asked by the defendant’s attorney detailed questions about a document or photograph. The attorney may also read a portion of a document to you and then ask you questions about it.

Why is it important to review the facts of your case with your attorney?

Be prepared. You should review the facts of your case with your attorney so that your memory is refreshed and you can answer correctly. This is important not only for knowing how to deal with. potential weak spots in your case, but also for remembering and knowing all of the strong points in your case.

What does the attorney ask in a deposition?

The attorney taking the deposition may ask that you answer any question that has been asked before you confer. If your need to confer relates to the question that has been asked, you can tell your attorney that that is the case and he will address it as the situation dictates. Rule 11.

How to avoid being emotional during a deposition?

Leave your emotions at home. While this is an important matter and certainly involves a level of emotional capital on your part, you have to try to avoid being emotional during the deposition. The attorney may ask you questions or act in a way that is intended to anger or upset you.

How to answer a question that is asked and nothing more?

Rule 2. Answer the question that is asked and nothing more. Even if you think that your answer is harmful, just answer the question asked. Do not try to elaborate. Elaborating or trying to explain will not help. Instead, it will give the attorney asking the questions more information from which to ask more questions.

Why do you have to elaborate on an answer during a deposition?

Usually, elaborating on an answer extends the deposition because you have given more information from which the attorney asking the questions can base more questions. Rule 3. Listen carefully to the questions being asked. It is not unusual for a person being deposed to try to think what the next question will be.

What to do if you don't understand a question?

Rule 8. If you do not understand the question being asked, ask the attorney to rephrase the question or to explain a word or words that are confusing you. You are not required to and you should not answer a question that you do not fully understand. Rule 9.

What happens if you don't listen to the question in a deposition?

An attorney taking a deposition may well be asking a line of questions and if you are not listening to the question, you will answer the question that you think is being asked ( based upon the prior line of questions) and not the question that was actually asked. Rule 4.

What to expect during a deposition?

A deposition is an opportunity for an attorney to question a witness or party to a case, while that person is under oath and while a court reporter is making a record of all of the questions, answers and statements made during the deposition .