How to Excel During Depositions: Techniques for Experts That Work

Authors Steven Babitsky and James Mangraviti have penned an eminently practical guidebook for the expert witness. Whether you are a "newbie" just starting out or a seasoned veteran of depositions, this book offers dozens of tips that will help you when you sit in the proverbial hot seat. A recurring theme is that there is no substitute for preparation. This time investment should be made easier by knowing that this will pay off during the deposition. The examples are top-heavy with medical/physician vignettes, but this is a minor quibble. The book has some handy Appendices, including a checklist for expert witnesses. I read this book as I prepped for a 30(b)6 deposition - clearly a slightly different context -- and much of the advice is sound here as well. Anyone who does expert witness work or considering doing so should have this book on their bookshelf!! A five-star book!

This book touts itself to be an excellent resource, and it is. It is a follow up to a previous legal resource book entitled How to Excel During Cross-Examination. The authors discuss numerous subjects that are germane to expert witnesses. Subjects included in this book range from answering questions correctly to how to set your fee schedule. In addition to providing helpful information on the aspects of the expert witness profession, the authors have included a deposition checklist, 150 examples of questions and answers from depositions, and select Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. It is a must for the beginner as well as the established expert witness.