Events

Taking & Defending Depositions: Strategic Tips & Techniques

June 2, 2021
NYC Bar Webinar

Herrick partner Shivani Poddar served as faculty for a CLE webinar from the New York City Bar, "Taking & Defending Depositions: Strategic Tips & Techniques." Depositions are one of the most crucial and challenging stages of litigation. They permit a skilled examiner to fill in critical gaps in the documentary record, elicit vital judicial admissions that can shape the outcome of dispositive motions and trials, and provide keen insights into how witnesses will likely react to the crucible of cross-examination at trial and how such witnesses will be perceived by others, principally the jury or a judge in a bench trial. In many cases, depositions will make or break a case. Shivani was part of a panel of skilled and experienced and diverse litigators for a discussion of strategies and techniques for maximizing effectiveness at preparing for, taking, and defending depositions.

This presentation covered:

  • Review of deposition notice/subpoena
  • Witness Prep
  • Review of documents & prior testimony
  • Education of witnesses
  • Note-taking & other crutches for the witness
  • Highlighting of privilege issues