« Romain Rolland: "There are no living beings but those who create." | Main | Sensitive Litigation Moment No. 17: Pretend You're Not a Lawyer. Lead. Decide. Recommend. Take a Stand. »
April 30, 2013
Discovery: Who, if anyone, to depose? And how to get ready.
Even for "minimalists", intelligent discovery in a complex business case is hard, especially in its early stages, where you may be working a bit in the dark in the first few depositions.
Even when things go well, litigation is expensive and disruptive in unexpected ways. Seasoned GCs are not impressed that your client has a "good" or even "strong" case on law and facts. They are not likely to think your claim or defense is cool. Frankly, he, or she, wanted, "no case".
Nothing personal--but the client didn't really want to hire you, or anyone. So sorry. The client is not that happy for you.
So how do you make each of the first few depositions a fact-finding and case-building but highly efficient triumph? A success. But success here also meaning not "feeding the monster".
Wait. Do we even need to take this deposition?
Even for "minimalists", intelligent discovery in a complex business case is hard, especially in its early stages, where you may be working a bit in the dark in the first few depositions. You need planning--which trial lawyers do not always love--and not just great instincts. Planning way early and in advance of actual trial is distasteful and downright nerdy to many of us. Planning. It's like reading the directions, or inspecting a rental car. Planning has no glamour.
But do it anyway. Plot. Craft. Write it down. Outline. Plan. This deposition isn't really about you, is it?
Above: Auguste Rodin's first cast of "The Thinker" (Le Penseur), 1902, Bronze and Marble, Musée Rodin, Paris.
Posted by JD Hull at April 30, 2013 12:59 AM