Facts To Know When Summarizing Depositions

Attorneys depend on the deposition given by the witnesses to help plead clients’ cases. Therefore, it is crucial to understand what deposition summaries entail and how to write them excellently.

Here are essential facts to know about deposition summaries.

Types of Deposition Summaries

There are five ways of summarizing depositions, and you need to be conversant with other methods, not just one format. The narrative summary is one common version, where you examine the witness testimony and present all the facts as a narrative.

Next, the chronological summary involves the sequential arrangement of facts pivotally, while in topic-by-topic deposition summaries, you align the points in terms of page, topic, and summary.

Finally, the page-line entails labeling the case in terms of pages and line, which is almost similar to a page summary, but the difference is that the latter use pages only to number items.

Contents of a Deposition Summary

The objective is to break down your deposition transcript into a summarized version without losing the content. The facts in the file should convey all the key information, highlighting specific details according to the witness’ account.

It is essential to avoid interpreting the transcript on your terms or adding any personal opinions. You transfer the content objectively and relate it to the case’s legal theories and related lawsuits.

Deposition Summaries Services

One of the best aspects of summarizing depositions is that you don’t have to do the tedious work alone. The process can take hours you can otherwise spend preparing for the case and handling related matters.

Professionals can help you create quality deposition summaries that you can use for your trials. Outsourcing experts has several upsides evident by how many law firms are moving from writing summaries in-house.

With an expert handling the task, you save time and money. The staff can handle other case-related duties, which will pay off during trial.

Digesting a Deposition

When summarizing depositions, you will need the transcript from the courtroom first. Reading and understanding all the information in the document and any related aspect of the case is essential.

You will also read through the transcript as you note the vital points in the main deposition. The goal is to highlight the key issues valuable to the case while leaving out unnecessary information. Ensure that you make the points objective and proofread while checking for errors.

Before You Start Summarizing Depositions

Depositions are not attorneys’ opinions but actual testimonies from witnesses during court hearings. Therefore, it is vital to know how to write summaries by picking the relevant details while leaving out unnecessary information. Remember that it should be accurate and in the right format because it can make or break a case.

Author bio- Sheila LaCivita got paralegal degree with distinction from UCLA and has been helping lawyers with deposition summaries. She wants to share her knowledge and experience with others.