What would you want to know as a first-time deponent?

For attorneys, paralegals, and court reporters, depositions are a standard part of the discovery process for a new case but for a first-time deponent, it can be intimidating. If you’ve been called, we recommend these tips to ease the feelings of overwhelm.

Dress to impress even if you don’t want to be giving a deposition. 

It only takes seven seconds for you to make a first impression. No matter how big or how small the case, how you present yourself matters.

Whether you’re a first-time deponent or seasoned Minneapolis expert witness, we recommend leaving the t-shirt and jeans at home and opt instead for business attire. Business casual dress pants, collared shirt, sport coat, and polished shoes for men, and skirt or dress pants and blouse, or dress, and closed toed dress shoes for women. How you look and feel will impact how you deliver your testimony and the perception the attorney(s) has of you.

Remember that while you aren’t in a courtroom, you are under oath.

No matter how you’re dressed or how little you want to be giving a deposition, you are under oath. It is important to tell the truth as you know it. It’s also good if the attorney who has called you can interview you prior to the deposition date. It will help you prepare and be more comfortable on the actual day.

You might not understand the question or know the answer. And that’s okay.   

As a first-time deponent, you might feel pressure to answer questions you don’t fully understand or give answers to questions that weren’t asked. Take your time to listen and think about your answer before speaking.

“Do you know what time the event in question took place?”

The answer is either yes or no.

The attorney needs to ask the questions that they want the answers to.

“What time did the event in question take place?” is a better question.

If you aren’t sure or don’t know, “I don’t know,” is a perfectly acceptable response as long as it is the truth.

Asking for clarification is also acceptable.

Speak the truth and speak clearly.

Remember, the purpose of the deposition is to simply understand what you know about a particular event. While there are times when there isn’t opportunity to talk to a first-time deponent prior to deposition, we hope you understand a little more about what is expected.