Primer on Taking and Defending Depositions

Sponsored by the Idaho State Bar Young Lawyers and Litigation Sections

Length Approx: 2.5 hrs

2.5 CLE credits – NAC Approved

Cost:  $125

Depositions are where cases are won, lost, or irreversibly shaped, and yet many attorneys learn them by trial and error. This practical, nuts-and-bolts CLE is designed to sharpen one of a litigator’s most powerful tools: the deposition.

Whether you’re taking testimony or defending a witness, this program walks through the full lifecycle of a deposition, from strategic preparation to effective execution. Presenters will cover how to prepare yourself and your witnesses for success, including techniques for managing difficult personalities, controlling the narrative, and protecting the record. You’ll also learn best practices for taking depositions that advance your case theory, lock in testimony, and set up dispositive motions for trial.

Just as importantly, presenters will focus on defending depositions: when to object, when to stay quiet, and how to handle aggressive or acrimonious opposing counsel without escalating the conflict or harming your client. Real-world examples and practical tips will help you navigate high-pressure situations with confidence and professionalism.

If you litigate, depositions are not optional, they are essential. This CLE will give you concrete tools you can use immediately to conduct smarter, more effective depositions and to defend your clients when it matters most.

The CLE presenters are:

Kim J. Trout, Trout & Jones, PLLC

Peter C. Erbland, Lake City Law Group PLLC