in deposition, can client be asked when he first consulted an attorney?

by Prof. Ike Simonis MD 6 min read

You then ask your attorney the same question as you step out into the hallway to talk. The short answer is that this is the 'discovery' process. Even though some questions may seem off the wall and unrelated to your claims, the defense lawyer is entitled to ask and is entitled to get an answer.

You may consult with your attorney. If you have questions or concerns about your potential answer, you may ask the opposing attorney, “May I consult with my attorney?” You may then either talk privately at the table or go outside to discuss it with your attorney.Aug 1, 2016

Full Answer

Can a defense lawyer ask me questions during a deposition?

Mar 13, 2012 · The lawyer repeatedly interjected during the deposition, and asked that he be allowed to confer with his client about a particular document before his client answered any questions related to it. The Court held that “conferences between witness and lawyer are prohibited both during the deposition and during recesses .” 150 F.R.D. at 529 (emphasis added).

What did the lawyer repeatedly interject during the deposition?

We cannot consider you a client until such time as we have consulted with you, and met with you personally. Since all cases are different and legal authority can and does change, it is important to remember that prior results cannot and do not guarantee similar outcomes with respect to any future matter in which any lawyer or law firm may be retained.

What is a client deposition and why is it important?

Mar 10, 2015 · Matt Pfau is an attorney and founding partner at the law firm Lawyers Plus . Matt has a background in business consulting, estate planning, business start-ups and bankruptcy and is licensed to practice in both Nevada and California. A partner in the firm Lawyers Plus, he can be reached at 702-912-4451 or [email protected].

Can a witness confer with counsel during a deposition?

Explain to your client that she is in control of the pace of the deposition, she can ask for a clarification on questions, and can ask for breaks. Also, tell your client that she is entitled to finish her answers and should not let the opposing counsel testify on her behalf or bully her into giving an untruthful answer. • Explain objections.

What Cannot be asked in a deposition?

In most cases, a deponent cannot refuse to answer a question at a deposition unless the answer would reveal privileged or irrelevant private information or the court previously ordered that the information cannot be revealed (source).Jan 22, 2020

What kind of questions can be asked 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 you look at notes during a deposition?

You should not bring any notes, diaries, or other records to help you state your case during a deposition unless they have been thoroughly reviewed by your attorney. This is because any document you produce may be examined by the opposing counsel, and can potentially be used against you.

Can you notice your own client's deposition?

While it may be funny to think about, you can notice your own client's deposition if you wish to preserve his or her testimony prior to trial. ... Once the Court determines a witness is unavailable to testify, then the witness' deposition transcript can be used at time of trial.Nov 29, 2016

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.

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

How should I behave at a deposition?

How to Behave (and not Behave) in a DepositionTell the truth. Enough said.Answer the specific question asked. ... If you do not understand a question, do not answer. ... Do not guess. ... A deposition isn't a memory test. ... Beware leading questions. ... Give complete answers, and then stop. ... Documents.More items...•May 25, 2016

How do you prepare for a deposition?

Deposition TipsBe prepared. ... Think before answering. ... Never volunteer information. ... Make sure you understand the question. ... You must tell the truth. ... Don't get rattled or upset. ... Don't guess. ... If you do not remember, say so.More items...

How do you conduct yourself in a deposition?

9 Tips for a Successful DepositionPrepare. ... Tell the Truth. ... Be Mindful of the Transcript. ... Answer Only the Question Presented. ... Answer Only as to What You Know. ... Stay Calm. ... Ask to See Exhibits. ... Don't Be Bullied.More items...

How do I protect my clients deposition?

When defending a deposition, there are 5 things every new attorney should be thinking about:Preparation. The most important thing when defending a deposition is to have a well-prepared witness. ... Practice Aikido. ... Anticipate Objections. ... Transcript Awareness! ... Protect Your Witness.

Can you lead your own witness in a deposition?

Today's conventional wisdom is this: “Never do any direct examination of your own witnesses at [discovery] depositions. These witnesses are under your control. If opposing counsel tries to use the deposition testimony against you in a motion, you'll just get an affidavit from your witness and fix the problem.Sep 23, 2013

Is a deposition a good thing?

Depositions are often a vital and pivotal part of litigation. A good (or bad) deposition has the ability to sway the case one way or another. ... Keep in mind that depositions are taken under oath. Everything that the deponent says is being recorded by the court reporter and in some cases, by video as well.Nov 30, 2015

Can you object to leading in a deposition?

Objections to questions during an oral deposition are limited to “Objection, leading” and “Objection, form.” . . . These objections are waived if not stated as phrased during the oral deposition. All other objections need not be made or recorded during the deposition to be later raised in court.May 28, 2021

How do you answer a deposition question?

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

How should you behave in a deposition?

How to Behave (and not Behave) in a DepositionTell the truth. Enough said.Answer the specific question asked. ... If you do not understand a question, do not answer. ... Do not guess. ... A deposition isn't a memory test. ... Beware leading questions. ... Give complete answers, and then stop. ... Documents.More items...•May 25, 2016

What do you type at the beginning of a deposition transcript?

Page One – The first page of the deposition transcription must include all significant introductory information related to the court case such as the name of court, the district, and the division; the plaintiff's name, civil action number, the defendant's name, and a summary of the deposition.Sep 1, 2015

Can you ask leading questions in depositions?

You should not ask only leading questions at a deposition. In some jurisdictions it may be considered improper as to form to ask leading questions at a deposition. That aside, leading questions are great for getting commitments but they do not serve the other purpose – getting discovery.Sep 24, 2013

How do you prepare for the first deposition?

5 Tips for First-Time DepositionsOutline your field of questions instead of writing them. ... Know the facts of the case. ... Know the rules of procedure. ... Appear confident and competent. ... Deal with objections.Sep 30, 2016

What Cannot be asked in a deposition?

In most cases, a deponent cannot refuse to answer a question at a deposition unless the answer would reveal privileged or irrelevant private information or the court previously ordered that the information cannot be revealed (source).Jan 22, 2020

What are some typical questions asked during a deposition?

A deposition is a process whereby witnesses provide sworn evidence....Basic Background QuestionsWhat is your full name?Have you ever used any other names? Maiden name?Do you have any nicknames? What are they?What is your date of birth? Where were you born?What is your age?What is your social security number?Mar 22, 2017

Do people lie during depositions?

You must answer questions honestly — You will be under oath during a deposition. If you lie, you could be charged with the crime of perjury. Lying can also destroy your credibility as a witness. When you are asked a question, it's best to give a simple, true answer without providing any additional information.Nov 15, 2019

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.

Is a deposition hard?

Depositions are stressful, but you can do it if you follow the top five rules and prepare with your attorney. No need to over-prepare. The facts are what they are. So speak the truth and let the chips fall where they may.Sep 30, 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 are 5 examples of deposition?

Depositional landforms are the visible evidence of processes that have deposited sediments or rocks after they were transported by flowing ice or water, wind or gravity. Examples include beaches, deltas, glacial moraines, sand dunes and salt domes.Nov 26, 2021

How do you explain a deposition to a client?

Deposition Process and GuidelinesTell the truth.Speak audibly.Talk slowly.Think before you speak.Do not volunteer information; answer only the question that is asked.Be professional and polite.Take breaks as necessary (usually one per hour)If you do not understand the question, then ask for clarification.More items...•May 6, 2016

How long does it take to read a deposition transcript?

When an attorney takes a deposition, the average time it takes a court reporter to finish a transcript and deliver it to you can be 7 to 10 days.Aug 15, 2013

What is a stenographer?

The stenographer is there to record all of the questions you are asked and all of the answers you give. Those questions and answers are transcribed and put into a booklet.

What is medical malpractice law?

Medical malpractice law is a fascinating area of law. It is technical. It is highly specialized and requires a great deal of knowledge of medicine as well as a high degree of trial skill. In this lecture, which was designed to teach lawyers who practice in other areas of law, what they need to know about medical malpractice law in New York. Lawyers across the country

What is a deposition transcript?

That booklet is called a transcript. That's your deposition transcript. In legal circles a deposition is also known as an examination before trial. When you bring a lawsuit, you put your medical condition in issue.

Question Types to Expect

When you are in a personal injury accident in Las Vegas, there are certain types of questions that will be asked of you. Each of these questions should be geared to better understand the situation and what actually happened. As the plaintiff in the personal injury action, you can expect some of the following types of questions:

Deposition Tips

Here are some general tips to follow when answering questions during your deposition:

What is a deposition in a court case?

A deposition is the process in which a witness is asked questions under oath by an attorney. Testifying at a deposition is often a mysterious and nerve racking event for most people. To give a successful deposition it is important to understand a couple of things. First, you need to know what the defense attorney is trying to accomplish ...

Who is Steven Palermo?

Steven Palermo is the managing partner for Palermo Law, Long Island’s Personal Injury Law Firm. He has been helping people receive compensation for their injuries for over 21 years. He focuses on cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and slip and fall injuries.

Is a deposition a trial?

No other explanation is necessary. Always remember a deposition is not a trial. If your case goes to trial you will have an opportunity to tell your entire story through much friendlier direct examination by your attorney. 4) My fourth rule is to keep calm. Don’t get agitated by the defense attorney’s questions.

What is the goal of a deposition?

Most defense attorneys have two main goals during a deposition. The first goal is to get your complete story. Questions will generally range from how the accident happened, to what your injuries and treatment were, to what types of problems you are having today as a result of your accident.

Is it normal to be nervous when you testify?

Nervousness, however, is normal and usually passes after a few minutes of questions.

What are the 4 commandments?

I refer to these as the four commandments. 1) Tell the truth. Nothing hurts a case more then a lie. Even a white lie can kill your case. Once you are caught in a lie your credibility is ruined. While the truth sometimes hurts a case, it is never as bad as a lie. Every case has a weakness, so we don’t run from them with a lie, ...

Is it normal to be nervous during a deposition?

Nervousness, however, is normal and usually passes after a few minutes of questions. Don’t be afraid to be a little nervous. If you remember the defense attorney’s goals, review your case with your attorney and follow the four rules proposed here, your deposition will almost certainly be a success.

Pamela Koslyn

No. Only a lawyer or a litigant in pro per can conduct a deposition. But every individual who's a party, and 1 designated representative of every corporate party, is entitled to be present at a depo. The litigants can feed their lawyer questions during the deposition, but they shouldn't speak to you at all...

Julio Cesar Jaramillo

Every person who is a party to the lawsuit or claim has a right to be present. However, if they are represented by counsel, they should not be the ones asking questions.#N#As a practical matter, however, they can write questions down and pass them to their lawyer. So they will get their questions in anyway.

Matthew Scott Crider

As others have pointed out, generally the attorney should ask the questions. If there are questions you as a client think should be asked, write a note to your lawyer, or tell him or her what you want asked during a break.#N#The response given is not intended to create, nor does it create an ongoing duty to...

Frances Miller Campbell

Relax. Only the other side's lawyer will be asking you questions--not your family members. Try to stay calm and answer as accurately as possible.

After 28 years of handling medical malpractice cases, I can speak from a position of experience

After 28 years of questioning doctors during their pretrial testimony, I have an idea of what works and what doesn't.

I want to know as much as I can about this doctor before I ever question him

I want to know as much medicine as this doctor on this very limited topic when I question him.

Has your license to practice medicine ever been suspended?

Has your license to practice medicine in any state ever been revoked?"

The doctor knows how to answer these questions readily and without difficulty

Here's something you never want to ask in your first series of questions...

For some inexplicable reason, your surgeon operated on the left side of your brain

You suffered permanent brain damage when Dr. Clumsy Hands removed what he thought was the tumor on the left side of your brain.

The doctors never expect this question as my very first question

Unless the defense attorney has worked on a case with me before, he doesn't know what's coming.

If they still argue with me, I ask "Can you show me where in the CPLR it says I have to ask a foundation question first?"

If they still persist in wanting me to ask foundation questions, I have no problem with that.