Need instant expertise on designated-representative depositions? Need help fast? Grab this field guide and go.From Jim Garrity, the country’s leading deposition expert – and author of the 2019 490-page masterwork, 10,000 Depositions Later: The Premier Litigation Guide to Superior Deposition Practice, also available on Amazon - comes this excellent field guide on “designated representative” depositions. (This manual is actually an excerpt from that practice guide.) They’re often called corporate representative depositions, or simply “30(b)(6)” depositions, referencing the applicable Federal Rule of Civil Procedure. The US Supreme Court adopted the rule creating them in 1970, but there’s still tremendous confusion about what they are and how to take (or defend against) them.Whether you’re an expert needing a refresher or are brand new to the topic – or just want a manual to have handy at depositions – you’ll find huge value.What’s inside? The Five-Minute Guide to FRCP 30(b)(6) Depositions explains their purpose and role in discovery, and the occasions best suited for them. Most critically, Garrity explains how to assemble the perfect 30(b)(6) topic list, which will serve as the responding entity’s marching orders when it prepares its designated representative for your deposition. Garrity includes on-point case citations to address the key drafting issue: Should your topics be hyper-specific, which can lead to very long lists? Or more general, which can result in a shorter topic list, but one that may be too generic to be useful? He also reveals the preliminary questions you should always cover at the start of every 30(b)(6) deposition, and addresses the current state of the law on being able to ask questions that go beyond your listed topics.These discussions will be useful when you’re defending a 30(b)(6) deposition as well. But beyond that, Garrity tells you how to challenge poorly-drafted topic lists, how to choose the person(s) to serve as your designated representative(s), and how to prepare them to be powerful witnesses for the organization.Garrity, a best-selling author on depositions, trial practice, and trial tactics, has appeared as lead trial counsel in more than two thousand federal and state civil cases. He’s been up against the best litigators at hundreds of firms, from the nation’s largest to sole practitioners, and there’s literally no tactic, trick, variation or strategy he hasn’t seen (or used) hundreds of times. His high-volume, multi-state law firm is a veritable laboratory for experimenting with approaches that win – and win, and win. Don’t miss out. Read more

This second edition of The Human Skills: Elicitation and Interviewing is Frank Stopa's latest book in The Human Skills series providing proven techniques for collecting the accurate information you need to make critical decisions. Mr. Stopa's techniques have been used in the domestic and foreign counter terrorism worlds to validate human intelligence sources. They've been used in police interrogations to extract valid admissions from hardened criminals. And, they've been used in the business world to fend off competitors and win business. For over a decade, Mr. Stopa has trained students to maximize their interpersonal information collection skills in the military, law enforcement, intelligence and business worlds. Now you can use his techniques to gather the information you need to succeed!This edition contains additional elicitation and interviewing techniques, exercises which which you can practice and improve your skills, and a section on risk management. Read more

From Jim Garrity, the country’s leading expert and strategist on taking and defending depositions in civil, criminal, administrative, and arbitrative proceedings, comes this blockbuster 4th Edition on world-class deposition strategies and tactics. This newest, transformative version of the groundbreaking reference manual and practice guidebook is a must-read for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in the planning, taking and defense of depositions. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this book will give you the tools you need to become a world-class performer.Every chapter from the 3rd Edition has been revised and updated. Entirely new chapters have been added, as well as dozens of new subsections. The 4th Edition also includes 900+ new citations to deposition-specific court rulings, the majority of which were issued since the 3rd Edition was published. And new insights and strategies have been included to address recent rule changes and practice adaptations, such as the increased reliance on (and solutions needed for) live remote video depositions. There is no other resource on the market that even comes close to providing you, the active litigator, with the tools to prevail, and the guidance is heavily backed by citations to leading authorities and actual court decisions.Why do you need this invaluable “user’s manual” to depositions? Because it’s in depositions where you win or lose. Almost no witnesses testify again after their deposition. Study after study shows that less than 5% of all contested legal proceedings wind up in a final hearing or trial. This means that witnesses will only testify once in your proceedings, and that will be in their depositions. So, depositions are, in a real way, the actual trial in more than 95% of all contested proceedings. Depositions are where the most critical evidence is developed. All negotiations to resolve cases of any kind - and subsequent dispositive motion practice if negotiations fail - depend heavily on witness testimony from depositions. That's what lawyers quote to opponents when arguing their case. It's what clients, adjusters, mediators, judges, hearing officers, and arbitrators rely on as well. And, in the rare cases that proceeding to final hearing or trial, it’s deposition testimony that gets used to impeach witnesses (or to replace their testimony entirely, if they’re unavailable).Thus, litigators with exceptional, world-class deposition skills have a huge advantage, in every way.Jim Garrity, the author, has appeared as lead trial counsel in more than two thousand federal and state civil cases and continues to actively practice in a high-volume, multistate, litigation firm. Every tactic and strategy in this book has been tested over and over, and fine-tuned as needed. There are no war stories or wasted words in this practice guide. It is a cover-to-cover field guide to taking and defending depositions, overflowing with insight and analysis on every step of the process. Garrity’s personal deposition experience now far exceeds the 10,000 mentioned in the title, but for business reasons, his publisher did not want him to update the series’ numerical reference. He’s been up against the best litigators at hundreds of firms, from the nation’s largest to sole practitioners, and there’s literally no tactic, trick, variation, or strategy he hasn’t seen hundreds of times. Indeed, one federal judge, commenting in open court, observed that Garrity “has pulled multiple rabbits out of multiple hats,” meaning he wins cases against inconceivable odds. How? Because of his extraordinary deposition skills.Depositions are the decisive factor in nearly all settlements and trials. You cannot achieve excellent outcomes if you cannot prevail in your depositions. Get your copy today and unlock the secrets to true best-in-class deposition skills. Read more

Winning at Deposition won the highest award available for legal publications: ACLEA's Award for Professional Excellence. The book won first prize from a field of over 300 entries submitted by continuing legal education publishers from across the USA. Written by the best-selling author of Turning Points at Trial, this book shows beginning and experienced attorneys how to win at deposition every time. With the first chapter explaining all the ins and outs of taking and defending a deposition, the remainder of the book reveals strategies that will help every lawyer vastly improve his deposition skills. Discover why much of the conventional wisdom about depositions is completely wrong, learn how to beat an expert witness every time, get innovative advice on witness preparation, and master the secrets that guarantee success with argumentative lawyers and lying witnesses. Unlike any other book, this one teaches from transcripts and videos of actual depositions. You will learn from the skillful techniques---and memorable failures---that occurred at the most famous depositions of all time, those of President Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, and O.J. Simpson. It's all here, clearly explained in an easy-to-understand format. In addition, the book provides detailed analysis of video depositions located at the book's website www.winningatdeposition.com. Read more

This book collects a great deal of advice about what to do and not to do at a deposition. It prepares the witness for many of the common occurrences at a deposition. The book's scope goes well beyond the two basic rules that every witness should know: tell the truth, but volunteer nothing. It covers many other topics such as identifying and dealing with confusing questions, abusive conduct, and interruptions. Also discussed is the little known but widely used tactic of trial lawyers to use the foibles of your memory against you. What you think you know, but don't, can hurt you. The book explains your counter-tactic: talk less. Many examples and a self-test are given to illustrate the concepts. This book is designed for lay witnesses in any type of civil lawsuit. Young attorneys should benefit from it too. They can quickly learn lessons which experience will slowly teach them. Read more

A comprehensive guide to mastering the art of cross-examination for both new and experienced lawyers.Acclaimed legal expert Shane Read, graduate of Yale University and the University of Texas School of Law, has won the Association of Continuing Legal Education's top honor for Professional Excellence. He is the only author to win this prestigious award twice.This guidebook and its corresponding website, which includes instructional videos, is the only resource needed for both novice and seasoned attorneys to master persuasive cross-examinations and modern (2024) strategies for unparalleled success in trials and depositions.This book is designed to equip you with the entire skill set needed to navigate challenging witness testimonies effectively. It debunks common misconceptions and provides attorneys with the opportunity to learn from the best in the field. This is the only resource that dissects successful strategies used by renowned cross-examiners like Mark Lanier and David Boies through a detailed analysis of their most notable cases.Including real-world examples from high-profile trials such as:George ZimmermanO.J. SimpsonThe Proposition 8 civil trialWith profound lessons on both triumphs and pitfalls experienced in those trials.Readers have total access to crucial additional tips and insights through the companion website, where you can view videos of the cross-examinations discussed in the book. Whether you're a recent law school graduate or a seasoned attorney, this resource is indispensable for honing your cross-examination skills and achieving victory in litigation.Invest in yourself and take the step to becoming an exceptional trial advocate. Master the art of cross-examination today with this definitive guide.Website: www.winningatcross.com"Finally, someone has challenged some of the long-standing myths of cross-examination and brought the art into the 21st Century." --Dicky Grigg, Past President, International Academy of Trial Lawyer Read more

Where civilization ends savagery begins...In their third narrative investigating the unsolved murder of JonBenet Ramsey the two bestselling authors of The Craven Silence 2 have uncovered some startling new evidence. Is another boy from the Boulder neighborhood involved in the Christmas 1996 incident besides Burke? Why was an aborted 911 call made from the Ramsey residence on December 23rd? Was John Ramsey having an affair?Van der Leek and Wilson unravel secret after secret to uncover what lies beneath The Craven Silence. Read more

Take the fear and mystery out of your depositionNolo’s Deposition Handbook is a must-read for anyone taking, defending, or facing a deposition. You’ll find all the information and instructions you need, whether or not a lawyer is representing you. Packed with concrete suggestions and examples, this book explains how to arrange a convenient date, prepare for the deposition, and respond to questions with confidence. Best of all, you’ll learn the three “golden rules” for answering questions, and the trick questions lawyers often use to influence testimony. Nolo’s Deposition Handbook is an excellent resource for: eyewitnesses expert witnesses parties to a lawsuit people who represent themselves in court lawyers, law students, and legal assistants, and anyone participating in a deposition conducted over theInternet.The 8th edition is updated to include information onelectronic discovery and the latest statutes, court cases, and federal rules,and provides information on how to set up and conduct a deposition remotely,using a computer. Read more

"10 Easy Ways To Spot A Liar” discusses the best techniques in detecting deception. These ten techniques are from Mark's book "Don't Be Deceived." It has been estimated that in a single day most people tell about 20 lies. Some of these lies may be trivial white lies told simply to be polite. However, some people lie in an effort to take advantage of you. Knowing how to spot a liar can help you avoid trouble. Without the aid of a machine, there are only three methods you can use to detect deception. You can analyze the words people use, read their body language, or examine their handwriting. “10 Easy Ways To Spot A Liar” highlights the best techniques from all three of these areas. These ten easy to learn techniques will greatly enhance your ability to spot a liar.For more techniques and an in depth look at detecting deception, consider reading "Don’t Be Deceived." Read more

Rumor has it Burke Ramsey killed his sister. Once again dark stormclouds have been milling in the media around the Ramsey family. If the rumors are true has the 20 year old mystery finally been solved? Are we really any closer to understanding why the six year old beauty queen was murdered, precisely where in the Ramsey home and exactly how? In this sequel to the bestsellingTHE CRAVEN SILENCE true crime maestros van der Leek and Wilson shine a light where none have dared before. The authors peel back layer upon layer of misdirection obscuring the raw eddies of child psychology. What do the foremost experts on human anthropology say about aggression in children? This second narrative in a series of three exposes countless contradictions in the statements of those first suspected of the crime. Were those initial suspicions valid after all, and if so, what is left, where is left for this "unsolved" case to go? Read more

“…where does the urge to kill come from and how do we get it if we don’t have it?...”The first narrative in The Day After Christmas Trilogy focuses on the events immediately following the discovery of JonBenét Ramsey’s small blonde six year old corpse.In this narrative the bestselling authors of The Craven Silence Trilogy attempt to prove the seemingly impossible. Three prime errors in the JonBenét Ramsey canon are examined, interrogated and if these popular true crime maestros are to be believed, rectified. The implications of these amendments to the canon are profound, hence a second Trilogy.“In our first book of The Day After Christmas series we will attempt to show why the murder weapon is significant, and why mistakes in this area have seriously undermined all investigations thus far into this case. The black baseball bat is not only not a baseball bat, what’s more, it belonged not to Burke Ramsey but to another member of the Ramsey household. The broken window was not broken months before the murder. In this narrative we attempt to show why that is, and why it wasn’t broken by John Ramsey. By the end of this narrative we address exactly where JonBenét was murdered.” Read more

Most of the legal action surrounding the unsolved JonBenét Ramsey case has nothing to do with prosecuting the case. The premise of the second book in The Day After Christmas trilogy surgically removes the peripheral noise. "What do we see? We see a case that involves a trifecta typical to the true crime genre. Sex, money and prestige underpin the triumvirate of power, and somehow this crime is a manifestation of all three. Thus far we have dabbled in the prestige but we’ve virtually not touched on sex and money. In this narrative we will deal with sex. What impact did sex have on the murder and cover-up of JonBenét?" Read more

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Master the Art of Witness Preparation – A Must-Read for Trial AttorneysPreparing witnesses for deposition and trial is a critical skill for any attorney, and Preparing Witnesses to Give Effective Testimony delivers expert guidance from experienced litigation psychologists. This essential handbook provides practical, field-tested strategies to enhance witness confidence, credibility, and effectiveness on the stand.Inside, you’ll discover:✅ Proven techniques for assessing and improving witness performance✅ Key steps for structuring effective preparation sessions✅ Strategies for managing memory, recall, and courtroom anxiety✅ Solutions for handling difficult or uncooperative witnesses✅ Checklists, real-world examples, and expert insightsWith insights drawn from preparing over 1,700 witnesses, Angela Dodge, Ph.D., shares the tools attorneys need to navigate witness preparation with precision and confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned litigator or a new attorney, this book is an indispensable resource for maximizing your witness’s impact in court.A companion handbook for witnesses is also available.Order your copy today and elevate your trial preparation skills! Read more

Effective Discovery: Techniques and Strategies That Work is a comprehensive practical guide to "paper" discovery and related undertakings—discovery conferences, plans, reports, and orders; disclosures; interrogatories; requests for production; physical and mental exams; requests for admission; electronic discovery; motions; and subpoenas. This informative and eminently readable text takes litigators through the stages of discovery, addressing: discover objectives, planning, strategies, ethics, and rules; when and how to use discovery devices alone and in combination; how to assess which discovery devices will work best in your circumstances; how to draft discovery designed to get needed information; how to respond when the other side is evading—or refusing—your discovery; proportionality—assessing when enough is enough, too much, or not nearly enough; what judges want and don’t want—and the Laws of Unintended Consequences and What Goes Around, Comes Around. The book is a companion to NITA’s best-selling The Effective Deposition. Together, the two volumes provide an in-depth guide to discovery in all its forms. Read more

The role and goals of deposition practice in modern litigation is ever evolving as is the technology utilized to execute them. As Anthony J. Bocchino and David A. Sonenshein note, the disappearance of the civil jury in favor of case disposition via motions practice, ADR and negotiation. . The authors offer a new paradigm for conceiving of, preparing for, taking and defending deposition using modern technology and provide examples on executing this most important of discovery devices to meet the demands of contemporary litigation. Bocchino and Sonenshein examine several key components of the deposition and its transformation: The factors that have led to major changes The uses of deposition testimony in modern litigation The developing of case theory on the legal, factual and persuasive levels for efficient and economic use of depositions Exploration of fact gathering systems to insure completeness of information Using depositions for theory testing and the obtaining of admissions The keys to deposition preparation The importance of witness preparation The need to insure that all facts that support case theory are divulged by witnesses who are deposed by the opposing party The step-by-step process of a modern deposition The substantive issues in obtaining witness testimony, and techniques necessary in fact gathering The tactical and form issues in obtaining witness testimony, and techniques in fact gathering The techniques of defending depositions The importance of defending counsel to question witnesses deposed by opponent to insure complete divulging of favorable information The best uses of technology in preparation for, taking and defending depositions using real- time transcription devices with digital video recording of the depositions of all important witnesses The special issues involved in the use of expert witnesses in litigation and the unique techniques for conducting expert depositions. The importance of the Rule 30(b)(6) deposition as a discovery device and for the purpose of obtaining admissions Bocchino and Sonenshein’s exploration of the law demonstrates the need for innovation in civil litigation. Depositions must be complete, comprehensive and persuasive.. Read more

Catch a Liar uses Psychological Narrative Analysis (PNA) to study word choices and grammar structures people choose when they communicate. PNA is a new, innovative technique that identifies specific words, speech patterns, and grammar structures that reveal a person’s behavioral characteristics and veracity. Both truthful and deceptive people use the same grammar rules to construct sentences. PNA identifies and exploits these differences. Read more

In his latest collection of essays for forensic psychologists, Stanley L. Brodsky extends the lessons of his popular Testifying in Court series by focusing on the cross-examination, the trial phase that expert witnesses dread most. A leading teacher, scholar, and expert witness, Dr. Brodsky offers lessons and advice from the trenches to defuse the vulnerability psychologists may feel on the witness stand.More than 50 brief essays, each summarized by a maxim, teach readers about the typical techniques attorneys use to challenge experts' credibility and the basis of their opinions. Pointers on preparation and effective narrative style are included, backed by findings from the emerging literature on the assessment of expert testimony. Read more

Killer Queens is a new series of historical fiction books based on true stories. The series explores the world of murder in the gay community, whether the victims or the killers themselves and sometimes both, are homosexual. Book 2 of the series focuses on the serial killer of at least 27 young men and boys in Germany in the post-World War 1 era. At the center of this murder case were Fritz Haarmann and Hans Grans, who were lovers while committing these murders. It wasn't until the skulls and bones started washing ashore from the Leine River in Hanover that Germany realized they had a cold-blooded serial killer in their country. Unlike Leopold and Loeb murder case covered in Book 1, where the dominance shifted from one to the other, Fritz Haarmann was the dominant partner in this case. He carried out each of the murders and dismemberment of the bodies himself, even though he claimed that Grans chose who was to be murdered in court. As you read the exploration of the case in this book, ask yourself, did Haarmann murder each victim to keep his lover Hans Grans to stay with him? Did Grans decide who it was that was to be murdered? The evidence on this case will keep you on the edge of your seat, trying to determine who was really behind these gruesome murders. Read more

Primarily to bare witness is to communicate. The meaning taken in communication is how it is received... not how it was intended. Interactions should be marked by civility, reasoned discourse, and mutual respect. Hostile personal attacks, will not be tolerated by a judge or jury. There is no restriction of the disclosure of feeling or strong opinion, but all disclosure should display your best manners... leave your “edge” and “attitude” elsewhere. Irony, sarcasm, and any such “nuanced” affective intention may work well in the courtroom but, communicates very poorly in a text based medium such as deposition.Legal proceedings make everyone nervous. Remembering this will help you to be a better witness and help you avoid embarrassing yourself or damaging your case.There are many differences between a deposition and courtroom testimony. A deposition is a fishing expedition and any or all things may be questioned. Courtroom testimony may only consist of information that is relevant or likely to lead to relevant evidence. Each should be thought of and prepared for separately even though you may experience both during one case.This book was written for the person facing deposition or court for the first time or again after a long absence from the courtroom. There is a great deal of difference between an appearance for deposition and one for court. They are neither inclusive or exclusive of each other and preparation for each is essential.The same remarkably friendly opposition attorney you face at deposition may treat you brutally in cross examination at court. This book will prepare you for the Professional Litigator or the Mad Dog approach.There are many books written for attorneys on how to effectively question a witness but there is very little information available on how to competently answer the questions. The information available has been written by and for attorneys and expert witnesses, for whom the courtroom has become a second home. This book is specifically written for the layperson by a layperson with a great deal of help from the pros!Whether you are testifying in court for your own case, on behalf of a friend, the company you work for, or in case you must appear because you have been served a subpoena witness’ Guide will help you. Read more