legal issues: depositions

Legal Issues: DepositionsMary Penny ThompsonDENR General Counsel

Case Timeline(with no extensions)From Petition to Hearing5 monthsFrom Hearing to FAD10 monthsAppeals process Years

Types of Depositions

1.Individual

2.Agency

SubpoenasWho Issues One?What Does It Require?When Does It Arrive?Where Is It Served?Why me?

Bonus: Who do you call?Double Bonus: How can I negotiate?

PreparationMaterialsAttorneyOpposing CounselJudgeObjectionsTop Ten Tips

Top Ten Tips1. Truth = Knowledge

2. Stop, Listen and ThinkTop Ten Tips

3. Look at DocumentsTop Ten Tips

4. Clarify the Context of ConversationsTop Ten Tips

Top Ten Tips5. Summarize First

Top Ten Tips6. Never Characterize Your Testimony

Top Ten Tips7. Be Cool

Top Ten Tips8. Stick to Your AnswerAs I said before...

Top Ten Tips9. Beware the After Lunch or Late Afternoon Let Down

Top Ten Tips10. Do Not Expect to Testify Without the Other Side Scoring Points

Top Ten TipsTruth = KnowledgeStop, Listen and ThinkLook at DocumentsClarify the Context of ConversationsSummarize FirstNever Characterize Your TestimonyBe CoolStick to Your AnswerBeware the After Lunch or Late Afternoon Let DownDo Not Expect to Testify Without the Other Side Scoring Points

Post Mortem CorrectionRedirectTranscript ReviewOther TestimonyAffidavit

Mary Penny Thompson

DENR General Counsel(919) 715-0691 mary.p.thompson@ncdenr.gov

**************