Apart from their assigned mod courses, 1L students may only enroll in courses offered as 1L electives. A complete list of these courses can be found on the 1L Elective Listings page. 1L students must use the 1L class number listed on the course description when enrolling.
246.32 sec. 001 - Introduction to Depositions (Spring 2025)
Instructor: Desiree Nguyen Orth (view instructor's teaching evaluations - degree students only)
View all teaching evaluations for this course - degree students only
Units: 1
Grading Designation: Credit Only
Mode of Instruction: In-Person
Meeting:
Tu 3:35 PM - 5:25 PM
Location: Law 107
From January 14, 2025
To February 25, 2025
Course End: February 25, 2025
Class Number: 33514
Enrollment info:
Enrolled: 20
Waitlisted: 14
Enroll Limit: 20
As of: 11/25 10:05 PM
Generally, less than 3% of civil cases reach a trial verdict. A vast majority of civil cases are disposed of before trial, typically through settlement. Successful settlements are only reached when the parties have shown all their cards to best assess their likely outcome at trial. Depositions are an essential discovery device with the unique ability to ground the parties in the reality of the case and bring them closer to resolution.
This course is a simulation (role-playing) course designed to give students practical skills through doing. Each student will be observed and given feedback by experienced litigators. Evaluation consists of participation in simulations, short writing assignments and a take-home exam. Skills addressed include: 1) preparing for deposition (taking and defending) including planning and identifying percipient witnesses, entity witnesses, and subject matter experts, 2) the practice of taking a deposition, 3) the practice of defending a deposition, 4) ethical lay witness preparation, 5) post-deposition issues such as reading and signing, errata, sham testimony, and (6) using the deposition transcript for your case.
All interested students, whether enrolled or on the waitlist, must attend the first class to be admitted. Any student who does not attend the first class without prior permission from the instructor will be dropped from the class.
Desiree Nguyen Orth is an experienced litigator who has represented consumers as plaintiffs and defendants in both state and federal courts. Her litigation experience has spanned all aspects through trial. She has worked in both private practice and public interest with a deep passion for advocating for disadvantaged communities. Desiree is the Director of the Consumer Justice practice at East Bay Community Law Center where impact litigation is presently at the forefront. Additionally, Desiree leads the policy work of the practice and oversees weekly community clinics. Being part of a young neurodivergent family has honed Desiree's candid approach to providing clear feedback, while being able to provide different pathways to lessons as needed by the student.
Attendance at the first class is mandatory for all currently enrolled and waitlisted students; any currently enrolled or waitlisted students who are not present on the first day of class (without prior permission of the instructor) will be dropped. The instructor will continue to take attendance throughout the add/drop period and anyone who moves off the waitlist into the class must continue to attend or have prior permission of the instructor in order not to be dropped.
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Requirements Satisfaction:
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Exam Notes: (TH) Take-home examination
(Subject to change by faculty member only through the first two weeks of instruction)
Exam Length: 2 hours
Course Category: Simulation Courses
This course is listed in the following sub-categories:
Litigation and Procedure
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Readers:
A reader will be used in this class.
Books:
Instructor has not yet confirmed their textbook order, please check back later.