Facilitator Guide

Taking an Expert Deposition

Facilitator Guide

Taking an Expert Deposition

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

What’s covered

Expert deposition procedure
The purpose of taking an expert deposition
Preparing to take an expert deposition
Things to cover at the deposition
Strategy and questioning techniques 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/taking-an-expert-deposition/attendee

Prepare Yourself

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

Course

Taking an Expert Deposition

Discussion of how to take an expert deposition, including rules and procedure, preparing for the deposition, challenging an expert’s opinions, strategic considerations, and questioning techniques.
Exercise
PDF

During the session

Part 1: Knowledge Check

Ask attendees these questions to ensure they understand the topic:

What procedures are followed prior to an expert’s deposition?
Why might you not want to depose an expert before trial?
How would you prepare for an expert deposition?
What kinds of things would you cover at an expert deposition?
What strategies would you consider when approaching deposition questioning for an expert witness?

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.