The Deposition Handbook

Dennis R. Suplee, David B. Markowitz, Nicole Reimann, R. Kyle Busse, Alison R. Gutierrez

Format: Paperback
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Many cases that settle are won or lost in deposition, and even those cases that make it to trial often rely on the testimony gained from deponents. Through its discussion of the various objectives, strategies, tactics, mechanics, and problems in taking depositions, The Deposition Handbook is widely regarded as the definitive text on taking and defending a deposition. 

In the newest edition, authors Dennis Suplee and Nicole Reimann have brought in David B. Markowitz, R. Kyle Busse, and Alison R. Gutierrez to add insights from their own practices as well as the deposition experiences of lawyers from their firms, professional colleagues, and even adversaries, to bring additional insights, strategies, and practical examples covering a huge range of topics as well as significant developments in case law and rule changes.

Not only do the authors walk beginning attorneys through the nuts and bolts of how to approach and take a deposition (including how to successfully prepare and defend a client), but they also delve into many of the deeper and more nuanced issues experienced trial lawyers face in more complicated cases. Some of the more notable updates include:

  • A free-standing chapter written by David Markowitz on effective deposition questioning
  • An expanded discussion of remote depositions and the changes adopted since COVID-19
  • An analysis of the first change to Rule 30(b)(6) in fifty years
  • A more current and expanded discussion of the case law that has developed since Hall v. Clinton Precision
  • Whether courts are permitting counsel to play video depositions during their opening statements
  • How courts are interpreting the language of Rule 30(e), saying that the deponent can make “changes in form or substance” to their deposition answers, and whether a deponent can change the substance of their deposition testimony after the fact
  • A detailed discussion of a so-called sham affidavit–an affidavit contrary to the affiant’s deposition testimony that is submitted in opposition to a motion for summary judgment
  • An expanded treatment of the sanctions that may be imposed on lawyers who violate traditional protocols and disrupt the truth-seeking purpose of depositions
  • And more

The Deposition Handbook provides specific techniques for eliciting information, guidelines for video depositions, case studies, checklists, numerous examples, rules of conduct, and sample questions you can immediately adopt in your next case. This user-friendly and comprehensive guide offers expert analysis of the strategies and tactics you need to successfully handle your depositions.

You’ll also get examples and detailed discussions covering:

  • Whether counsel may interview an adverse party’s current or former employees
  • Private conferences between the deponent and counsel during the course of the deposition
  • The pros and cons of “the usual stipulations”
  • Questioning techniques
  • How to effectively prepare your clients and witnesses to testify
  • What factors to consider when deciding whether to prepare the witness to do more than just answer the question

Written from the litigator’s perspective, this text delivers insights into how you can obtain case-winning answers from your deponents. If you are looking for a comprehensive desk reference for your office, this book is a treasure of information.

Your eBooks are now accessible from your Trial Guides account! Click here for step by step instructions.

Do you want the eBook and print book? After you complete your purchase of the print book you will receive a coupon code via email to purchase the eBook for $20.

Paperback: 770 pages; 6th edition (2023); ISBN: 978-1-951962-58-6
Publisher: Trial Guides, LLC

Preface to Sixth Edition

Acknowledgments

  1. Depositions: Disadvantages, Goals, and Alternatives
  2. Interviewing Witnesses
  3. Role of Depositions in the Discovery Plan
  4. Scheduling the Deposition and Choosing the Mode
  5. Preparing for the Deposition
  6. The Rule 30(b)(6) Deposition
  7. Goals
  8. Deposition Dynamics: Dealing with the Other Side
  9. How to Ask the Perfect Question
  10. Strategy and Tactics
  11. Beginning the Deposition
  12. The Hall Case and Depositions
  13. Conducting the Deposition
  14. Exhibits, Documents, and Drawings
  15. Objections and Instructions Not to Answer
  16. Winding Up the Deposition
  17. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Applicable to Depositions
  18. Video Deposition Basics
  19. Setting the Stage
  20. Remote Depositions
  21. Using Video Depositions at Trial
  22. Preparing for Expert Depositions
  23. Conducting Expert Depositions
  24. Preparing the Deponent: Gathering Facts
  25. Preparing the Deponent: Testifying
  26. Defending the Deponent at the Deposition
  27. Using Deposition Transcripts
  28. Sanctions for Deposition Abuses
  29. Ethics in Deposition Practice

Appendices

Index

What Legal Leaders Are Saying

This is the definitive work on depositions. Comprehensive, readable, and incisive, with legal analysis, practical insights, and useful checklists, forms and sample questions. This is an invaluable addition to any litigator's library. You will be a better lawyer after reading it.

— Greg Joseph, past president of the American College of Trial Lawyers, past chair of the ABA Section of Litigation, and a nationally recognized expert on practice and procedure
4.5 out of 5 stars 10 total reviews
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Michael S. 🇺🇸
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Great resource
Very helpful
Published date
09/05/24
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Eric G. 🇺🇸
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Solid info and organization.
This book gives good organization and foundation info needed for depositions.
Published date
07/18/24
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Jose V.
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Learn valuable ropes of trial advocacy without the hard knocks
I just started reading this manual and am extremely pleased with my purchase. Looking back, it's both sad and frustrating that I didn't have access to this kind of resource during my initial years as a trial attorney; I had to learn many lessons the hard...
Published date
04/17/24
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Ronald I. 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
Great!
Great!
Published date
03/19/24
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Joseph M. 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
Deposition Handbook Review - Great
Very detailed guide on depositions- a must have for my library
Published date
01/03/22
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