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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    3

    Default Representing Yourself At A Deposition

    My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: California.

    I have a current case against a large defense contractor for discrimination, harrassment, retaliation, gender and age bias. Set for trial in Federal court in Sept 08. My current lawyer has resigned do to the case being moved to Federal court and the travel time it would take (long story) this has left me without a lawyer and I have a deposition to attend in 2 wks. I'm having a problem with finding an attorney who wants to take the case on short notice. I have a really solid case and its frustrating that I'm not getting any call backs or emails so I can let them know the strength of my case. Bottom line is I might have to attend the deposition representing myself (which I am at this point). I'm not a lawyer by no means, but sharp and professional in other areas. I'm extremely concerned that I'm going to do something wrong or basically not be as prepared as I should be. Can anyone please give me any advise? I'm basically on overload reading this and that and more confused than ever.
    Questions Do I have to give a witnesses name to the other lawyers? she still works there and this is going to put her in a bad spot to come forward and tell what she knows. She's willing to but I can tell its really causing her trumoil and I understand since they can make her life very hard at work. It involves her current boss and HR. Can I protect her name from being released? Something like "the whisleblowers act"?

    Do I have to give every bit of evidence to them I have such as emails and other corropondence? they have asked for everything to be photocopied and brought concerning my allegations.

    I would be greatly thankful for any advise you could give me,

    Judy

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Posts
    200

    Default Re: Representing Yourself At A Deposition

    Have you notified the Court that you have lost your attorney and are having difficulty finding one because of the nearness of your court date? If not, you need to do so and ask for a new trial date that should allow you to obtain legal representation. If granted, the deposition can be rescheduled.

    The only advice I can give is that you should find competent experienced legal counsel to represent you in any court, particularly federal court. The very basic nature of your questions indicate that you don't have the knowledge to adequately represent yourself in court.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Representing Yourself At A Deposition

    Thank you for your response. The defendent filed a motion to dismiss which I responded with an opposition to the motion and won. Since the case has been in court for two years already she only gave me a small extention. I need to be prepared to face the deposition myself if I cannot find a lawyer which I'm trying to do. judy

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: Representing Yourself At A Deposition

    Check with a law school library in your area - you may be able to access a handbook or guide to deposition practice - there are some detailed books on deposition practice, but you may be able to find a more understandable summary in a book on pretrial practice in civil litigation. If you're lucky, you'll find a helpful librarian who can help you find what you need. There are publications from organizations like NITA, that are general or federal in focus. With the switch to federal court, you may want to take a look at some of their less expensive products - but they are also probably available in a law school library.

    Really, you need a lawyer, but if all else fails that's where I would start.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Representing Yourself At A Deposition

    Thank you Arron

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Posts
    200

    Default Re: Representing Yourself At A Deposition

    No, I think he was suggesting that if she doesn't have a lawyer, she shouldn't be in federal district court. It's difficult to win a discrimination lawsuit with an experienced competent lawyer. It's almost impossible to win one without one.

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