Facilitator Guide

Using Exhibits in Depositions

Facilitator Guide

Using Exhibits in Depositions

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

What’s covered

Marking and introducing an exhibit
Questioning the witness about the exhibit
Common mistakes with exhibits

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/using-exhibits-in-depositions/attendee

Prepare Yourself

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

Course

Using Exhibits in Depositions

Procedure for proper marking of exhibits, useful questions about exhibits, strategies for selecting documents to mark as exhibits, and common mistakes with exhibits.
Exercise
PDF

During the session

Part 1: Knowledge Check

Ask attendees these questions to ensure they understand the topic:

What’s the first thing you need to do when using an exhibit at a deposition?
What should you put on the record about the exhibit?
What are the different reasons you’d use a document as an exhibit?
What are some common mistakes using exhibits at depositions?

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.