The discovery process takes some time to get all of the details. However, you want to make sure everything sounds crystal clear to help you in case things go to trial. Outlining your pre-trial statement can give you an edge in the long run. Here are some tips to help you write quality deposition summaries.
Go Through the Entire Transcript
One of the methods to help you prepare for deposition summaries is to read the transcripts. Don’t skip any details because you might miss a statement to use for your argument. Understanding the context of the deposition helps you get the minute details.
Maybe a witness stuttered or neglected to give a straightforward answer in specific parts of the deposition. It can help you find some weaknesses in the argument if you decide to cross-reference things. You may want to point this out in court to see how they react.
It could give you the upper hand to find some fallacies in the opposing testimony.
Identify the Key Points
A deposition summary also helps you identify the key points. The more you write depositions, the better you’ll get at finding the meat and potatoes of witness statements. It can get trying going through the grunt work.
However, you want to pay close attention to things that matter, such as dates, times, places, and faces. Make sure everything is related to each other to create something valuable that you can present to the judge and jury.
Also, learn how to truncate a ten-page transcript into two. You want everything to sound concise and make it easier to reference to counter your opponent in court.
Have a Good Presentation
A solid presentation makes things look good, and it’s easier to find various points. You want all of the information organized in a way to help create a flow. Formatting a few details, mixed with the date, witness names, and summary of the events to help you be more consistent.
Additionally, you can start putting names with faces if it becomes a lawsuit. You might call out someone for negligence, and the witness saw a distinct birthmark on the person’s face at fault. This identifier can be crucial for showing the court who was involved in the accident.
Write a concise deposition to help you keep an accurate log of the crucial details in the case.
