why would an opposing attorney want to take my deposition prior to trial

by Moriah Huels 7 min read

The purpose of a deposition is to allow all the parties to a lawsuit to learn all of the facts so that no one will be surprised at trial. The opposing attorney wants to take your deposition to find out what you know, to form an impression of you, and to assess not only what you say about your case but also how you say it.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for a deposition?

A deposition is an opportunity for the opposing attorney to ask you any questions that are relevant to your case or likely to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. Why would your attorney allow this? The primary reason is because the court requires it. Before a case goes to trial, the court requires each side to learn as much as possible about the other side's case. This is …

How do I set a deposition date without opposing counsel?

There are many reasons for lawyers to take legal depositions. Here are just a few. Rules. The most prominent reason someone has to give a deposition is because a lawyer is not allowed to simply call up a witness for the other side and start asking questions.

How do you question the opposing party in a deposition?

Rather, the party seeking to block the deposition of its counsel must show good cause pursuant to Rule 26(c) to limit or preclude such a deposition, measured by: (1) the relative quality of information in the attorney’s knowledge, that is, whether the burden of the deposition would be disproportional to the discovering party’s needs; (2) the availability of information from other …

What is a deposition in court?

Sep 24, 2013 · By actually doing so at depositions, then at trial you will be properly armed and therefore able to actually adhere to the rule never ask a question to which you do not know the answer to. You can pick and choose the areas of cross examination from the deposition transcript and you will always be armed with the knowledge of the answer previously given.

Is a deposition serious?

Whether you are a plaintiff, defendant, or just a witness who received a subpoena to testify in the mail, a deposition is serious business.Apr 29, 2021

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

Is a deposition considered litigation?

These proceedings are called "depositions" and are one of the most powerful litigation tools available to a litigant in an American trial. Most civil cases are won or lost not in court but during depositions.

How stressful is a deposition?

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.Sep 30, 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.

How does a deposition differ from an actual trial?

While some states have a different process for trial depositions and depositions for discovery, the basic difference is that discovery depositions aim to find out what a witness knows and how his testimony will appear to the court, while trial depositions are taken because a witness may be unavailable to testify in ...

What's the point of a deposition?

The deposition has two purposes: To find out what the witness knows and to preserve that witness' testimony. The intent is to allow the parties to learn all of the facts before the trial, so that no one is surprised once that witness is on the stand.Apr 2, 2019

Is deposition a chemical?

In chemistry, deposition occurs when molecules settle out of a solution. Deposition can be viewed as a reverse process to dissolution or particle re-entrainment. It is a phase change from the gaseous state to a solid, without passing through the liquid state, also called re-sublimation.

Neil Pedersen

Once you have diligently tried to set up a mutually agreeable time for the deposition to no avail, you can unilaterally set the deposition. Be prepared for some game playing after you do so, but at least you are setting up the right to compel the deposition...

Frank Wei-Hong Chen

You don't indicate whether or not you've already noticed the deposition. Assuming you have not, you should just unilaterally set a deposition date, and then serve the Notice of Taking Deposition. If the deponent fails to appear, then you can file a motion to compel attendance at deposition.

Mark Allen Massey

Our law offices prefer to treat opposing counsel, whether attorneys or pro per opponents, with respect - at least initially. We have found that the manner in which we have treated opposing counsel particularly, has been returned in kind, for the most part.

Catherine Elizabeth Bennett

My colleagues are correct--just select a date, time, and place that comports with the discovery act and mail a notice of deposition. If you have complied with the requirements of notice, the deposition (technically) should go forward on the date you select.

How much notice do you need to give for a deposition?

If you are an attorney, setting the deposition without coordinating with opposing counsel may be allowed where you provide 30 days notice but it is unprofessional.

Can you schedule a deposition without a lawyer?

It is not a good idea to schedule a deposition without making sure the other lawyer can attend. If you do not pick a mutually convenient date/time for the deposition, the other lawyer can object OR can re-depose the witness, and no one wants that. As a courtesy and to make sure things go smoothly, get the other lawyer involved.#N#More

Can you set a date for a subpoena?

Depending on the jurisdiction you are in, if you are subpoenaing a non-party you can set the date, so long as opposing counsel has adequate notice. Make sure you follow the statute on service of the notice of the deposition.#N#I wish you the best of luck.

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.