A deposition can be a stressful process, but what happens afterwards?

To put your minds a bit more at ease, here are a few things that commonly take place after a deposition concludes:

A Transcript Is Prepared

During your deposition, you may have noticed the court reporter diligently typing away at something that looked similar to a QWERTY keyboard. This was actually a stenography device that allows the court reporter to quickly type everything that was said in a deposition in a form of shorthand. After the deposition, the court reporter then takes the pages of shorthand and transcribes them into English. This transcript may take a few weeks to produce.

Parties Review, Revise the Transcript

All parties to a case will then eventually receive copies of your deposition via discovery. You, your lawyer, and the other parties will have time to review the transcript for any mistakes or inconsistencies – either in the transcript or in what you testified to. If, upon reviewing your transcript, you believe you’ve misstated something or the court reporter misquoted you, speak with your attorney.

Your Lawyer Will Evaluate Your Depo

Lawyers spend many hours poring over the details of depositions; they even have special software which makes deposition review easier.

Your Deposition Can Be Used in Court

Your deposition may be used in court pleadings as a factual basis for certain allegations. It may also be used during a trial in order to impeach a witness or contradict his or her testimony.

One final point to keep in mind: When a deposition becomes part of a public court record, it may be accessible well after your case is over. Just ask Paula Deen.

Related Resources:

  • Find Personal Injury Lawyers Near You (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
  • Involved in Litigation: Your Deposition Quiz (FindLaw)
  • 5 Tips If You’re Subpoenaed for a Deposition (FindLaw’s Law and Daily Life)
  • Lil Wayne’s Deposition: An All-Timer for Any Attorney (FindLaw’s Strategist)

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