Evasive Witnesses: Concrete Steps to Minimize Evasion - On Demand CLE

Join Phillip Miller, nationally recognized trial attorney and coauthor of Advanced Depositions Strategy and Practice, in a webinar designed to give you the tools you need to effectively deal with evasive responses in depositions. There are consequences if you cannot break through evasive responses, and sometimes those consequences can be severe and affect your ability to build a persuasive case. Miler will guide you through the range of evasive answers you should expect and discuss effective tools to help counter each kind of evasion. You should assume that every witness has been prepped by opposing counsel to be evasive. You may include instructions in your own preparation that will cause witnesses to be evasive or scripted around key areas, including rehearsal of the kinds of questions to expect, and examples of “good” answers from a lawyer’s perspective. There are also some witnesses who don’t need coaching to be evasive, and may be witnesses you expect to be favorable or neutral. This fast paced agenda will cover the kinds of evasive responses to anticipate in depositions and tools that will allow you to break through those responses. In this deposition CLE, Miller will discuss: Categories of evasion, including both the common and extreme Using control to make evasive responses difficult Specific evasive responses and counters, including “I don’t remember” “I’m not sure” “What do you mean by (word used by questioner)” (word quibbling) “Not always” “I don’t remember” “It depends” “I’d need more information” “Not necessarily” “I couldn’t speculate” “That’s all I remember at this time” Click here for Access Instructions for On Demand Progams. Each user must register individually as they will need their own login to access the program and comply with CLE requirements. Need accreditation in another jurisdiction? Fill out this form and note Course No.260519D00. Shop all Continuing Legal Education videos for lawyers.