What is a deposition, and what is the role of the paralegal?

Answer

Deposition

The deposition defined is “Procedure in which one party’s attorney orally questions an opposing party or a nonparty witness who has sworn under oath to answer all questions truthfully and accurately to the best of his or her knowledge and ability.”

Who must be present at the deposition: deposing attorney, opposing party, attorney for opposing party, and court reporter or videographer.

Paralegals Role

  • Prepare a notice of deposition
  • Determine client’s availability
  • Forward notice to all counsel and pro se parties
  • Determine availability of conference room
  • Contact opposing attorney or paralegal to reserve a date for deposition
  • Make arrangements for a court reporter or videographer
  • Prepares documents to bring nonparty witness to deposition
  • Prepares subpoena for a nonparty witness and arranges pickup by sheriff
  • Attend deposition and take notes, if requested by supervising attorney

Paralegal Guide

https://guides.rasmussen.edu/justicestudies/paralegal

References

Luppino, G. A., & FitzGerald Miller, J. (2020). Family law and practice. (5th ed.). Pearson. https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780135208885/cfi/6/6!/4/2/2/2@0:0

Topics

  • Last Updated Feb 12, 2024
  • Views 494
  • Answered By Kerry Louvier

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