6.9

Depositions

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INTRODUCTION

As this section discusses, paralegals may not ask questions at a deposition. But you can prepare draft questions for your attorney, set up the deposition, and summarize (or digest) a deposition transcript. You can even attend the deposition, if your attorney allows it.

Lecture Notes . . .

A deposition is the oral questioning of a witness under oath, usually done outside the court room. Depositions are unique in one aspect: While most forms of discovery are between parties, depositions may involve witnesses who are not parties to the action. If the deponent is also a party to the action, that person becomes a "witness" for the purpose of the deposition. Paralegals may assist attorneys in preparing questions for depositions, but more often, the paralegal may have to break down a deposition transcript to a more readable form. This is called a deposition summary, or deposition digest.

Read these pages carefully. They will provide you with much assistance in understanding the deposition process.

Assignment: Deposition Digest
Read the transcript, then summarize the deposition as shown in the manual. Remember not to repeat dialogue. An average page should be summarized in about 3 sentences, if possible.

Reminder: Keep track of your billable hours!

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Reference

Reference

Depostions





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Commonly Asked Questions . . .

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