Facilitator Guide

Defending an Expert Deposition

Facilitator Guide

Defending an Expert Deposition

Topic: Experts
Duration: 1 hr
Format: Remote or in person

What’s covered

Things to do before you prep an expert witness for deposition
Prepping the expert on deposition strategy
Prepping the expert on the substance of their testimony
Defending the expert at the deposition

Before the session

Prepare the Attendees

Send the attendees an invitation for the session. Include this link, which has the videos and exercise they’ll need to prepare.

https://www.hotshotlegal.com/trainings/defending-an-expert-deposition/attendee

Prepare Yourself

Watch the videos and read the exercise so you’re familiar with the Hotshot material.

Course

Defending an Expert Deposition

Discussion of how to defend an expert deposition, including how to prepare for the expert witness prep, prepping the expert on deposition strategy, areas to focus on during the prep, objections, and redirect.
Exercise
PDF

During the session

Part 1: Knowledge Check

Ask attendees these questions to ensure they understand the topic:

What are some things you should do in advance of your prep meeting with an expert?
What tips should you give an expert for how to handle the deposition?
What topics do you need to cover with your expert at a prep session?
How is defending an expert witness different from defending a fact witness?
What should you pay attention to at the expert’s deposition?

Part 2: Group Exercise

Lead a group discussion based on the exercise. To encourage collaboration, divide the attendees into groups to discuss the exercise, then have a representative from each group summarize their views to the larger group. Call on people to share their thoughts and ask others to respond.

Tip for remote sessions: use your web conferencing system’s breakout room feature to divide people into groups.

Part 3: War Stories and Firm Specifics

Share your own experiences and guidance, including:

Anecdotes and war stories (e.g., about a near-disaster or a tough negotiation)
General practice tips (dos and don’ts)
Firm-specific guidance and practices

After the session

To continue their learning, attendees can check out related courses in Hotshot’s Depositions topic.

About Hotshot

Hotshot helps lawyers develop their legal, business, and technology skills through short videos, quizzes, and summaries, and we help law firms and law schools plan and deliver engaging training programs. Our customers include Am Law 200 firms, top law schools, and regional and international firms.