Trial is so expensive nowadays that the deposition is now the most important discovery device where you, in essence, “try” your case in front of the opposing parties and obtain critical information about your opponent, witnesses and case. Ultimately, your ability to depose a witness effectively to discover helpful or damaging information about the case has a huge impact on your chances for success and the results that you achieve for your client.
Join Roy Comer, a trial lawyer with over 35 years of experience, for a highly informative and practical presentation on how to prepare and defend your clients in depositions. The main topics discussed by Mr. Comer include the four key aspects of depositions, the goals of preparation, protecting the client, preparing the witness for the deposition, special issues related to videotaped depositions, the four cautions about protecting the witness during the deposition, the ground rules and transcript mechanics. Additional subjects covered by Mr. Comer include clear & succinct testimony, dealing with the client?s emotions & beliefs, refreshing the client?s recollection, structuring the client’s testimony, instructing the client on how to be the best possible witness, training the client to understand the meaning of properly stated objections, cautions for the attorney regarding objections, taking a break when you have a rambling, exhausted or confused client, how to practice with the client for video depositions, the correct physical & mental approach, “overprotecting” your client, conferring with your client “off the record” during the deposition, the proper manner of objecting, instructing the client not to answer, the ordering of questioning & questions, reading, correcting & signing the transcript and the post-deposition client debriefing.
For over thirty-five years Roy L. Comer has been dedicated to handling damage cases, including catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from automobile, truck, motorcycle, medical negligence, defective products, and dangerous premises claims. In addition, Mr. Comer has represented individuals and medium-sized businesses in real estate, landlord-tenant, insurance and contract disputes. Defending these types of claims has provided Mr. Comer with further insight into how insurance companies approach these claims. Mr. Comer’s clients depend on his broad experience, coupled with the highest legal, professional and empathic standards.