Description

Deposition… It's an art! Whether you’re a criminal defense lawyer, entertainment lawyer, or any lawyer in between, it’s vital to constantly hone your deposition skills.

Today on Hot Docket, you’ll learn the art of deposition from Joseph Gates, Owner and Trial Lawyer at Gates Law Firm, PLLC in Little Rock, Arkansas. Joseph specializes in Personal Injury, Car Wreck, Trucking/18 Wheeler Collisions, Products Liability, and Traumatic Brain Injury cases.

He’s here to share the best ways to improve your depo skills, common deposition mistakes you should avoid, the pros and cons of Zoom depos, tips for getting referrals, and more!

Then… Today’s game is Fact or Fiction! Is it illegal to mispronounce Arkansas? Tune in to find out (or else)!

In this episode of Hot Docket, Bobby, Andrew, and Joseph discuss:

• What’s unique about the Arkansas legal market?
• How to get better at deposition as a trial lawyer
• Common deposition mistakes you should avoid
• Joseph’s #1 key to success as a trial attorney
• How deposition differs case to case
• Pros and cons of Zoom depositions
• How product liability cases are a catalyst for change
• Effective strategies for networking and getting more referrals as a trial attorney

Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firms:

• Trying and failing is one of the best ways to improve your deposition skills. Collaborating with others and learning new techniques will also help you get better at depositions.
• You need a plan for your deposition before you walk in the door.
• While being good at your job is the best way to get a referral, joining groups and associations for attorneys and getting involved in your community will help you build new relationships and gain new clients.
• Deposition through Zoom may be appropriate for less catastrophic cases, especially if the defendant/plaintiff lives out of state, but for more catastrophic cases, it’s wiser to be in the room for the deposition.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website - https://www.gateslawpllc.com
• Social - IG: @mginjuryfirm FB: /GatesLawPLLC LinkedIn: /in/joseph-gates-gateslawpllc
• Tools/Resources - 
  • Advanced Depositions Strategy and Practice by Phillip Miller & Paul  Scoptur
  • American Association for Justice
  • Arkansas Trial Lawyers
  • Listen to Ep 2 with Eric Baum

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to The Hot Docket Podcast with Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!