At Video Depositions, Even a Glass of Water Can be Trouble

Drinking water is poured into a glass
One of my favorite discovery tools is the video deposition.  I take video depositions of virtually every witness in every case. I show video excerpts at almost every trial. Most of us at one point or another in our legal  careers will have a client whose deposition is taken and simultaneously recorded on video. Of course, it’s important to prepare the client for the types of questions that might be asked and to understand, generally, how a deposition works. But, ...

In Cross-Examination, Using the Right Tone is a Key to a Win

boss screaming at small businessman
I’ve never met a trial lawyer that dislikes cross-examination. Cross-examination provides an opportunity to question evidence put forth by the opposing party. A strong cross-examination can make or break a case.  Jurors wait for cross-examination. They’ve seen television shows with dramatic cross examinations:  a witness testifies…then, the attorney pounces! As trial attorneys, we spend a good bit of our preparation time thinking about how we will pounce.  One difficulty attorneys face carrying out strong cross-examination is how to use the ...