Client Interviewing and Depositions (H. H*cht)

The course covers techniques used in interviewing a client as well as taking and defending at a deposition. Skills addressed in the interviewing segment include: preliminary problem identification, chronological overview, case analysis, and concluding the interview. Skills addressed in the deposition segment include: preparing the fact (lay) witness to testify, starting the deposition, gathering information (discovery), gaining admissions, handling documents, defending your witness, preparing and examining expert witnesses, dealing with obstreperous counsel and problem witnesses, and using depositions at trial. The course will be taught using a combination of simulation exercises ("learning by doing"), demonstrations, and lectures. The exercises will be conducted in a variety of formats: in pairs, in triads with the third student as a "peer observer," and in small groups with experienced lawyers (guest practitioners) as observers. This is a credit/no credit course.