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High-Impact Depositions: From Hitchhiking to Hard Admissions—Lock Testimony, Dismantle Methodologies, Expose Flaws, and Leverage Body Language (Includes 1 Hour of Ethics)

Master deposition strategy, expert witness examination, trust-building nonverbal communication, and essential ethical obligations for effective legal practice.

2025-08-21 13:00:00

3.5 hours

Program Details

2025-08-21 13:00:00

Program Details

2025-08-21 13:00:00

Over 1,000+ webinars

2025-08-21 13:00:00

3.5 hours

Course Overview

Mastering Depositions Through Strategy and Ethics

2025-08-21 13:00:00

Participants will learn proven techniques for taking and defending depositions, examining expert witnesses, and building trust through nonverbal communication. These skills enable more effective witness examination while maintaining strict ethical compliance.

Format

CLE Credit

3.5h CLE Credits

Level

Intermediate

Length

3.5

Key topics that will be covered

01
Information Gathering
Depositions primarily gather information and lock opponents into sworn testimony.
02
Expert Strategy
Use hitchhiking to convert opposing experts or polarize them to extreme positions.
03
Trust Signals
Genuine smiles and open palm gestures trigger oxytocin and signal trustworthiness.
04
Witness Coaching
Preparing witnesses is proper; coaching during testimony is sanctionable misconduct.
05
Communication Ethics
Lack of client communication is the number one ethical complaint across disciplinary boards.
06
Remote Depositions
Remote settings create coaching opportunities requiring expanded instructions and heightened vigilance.

Program schedule

clock 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST

Deposition Dos and Don'ts for Effective Examination

This session explores the fundamental purposes of depositions, including securing witness testimony, clarifying uncertainties, and incorporating documentary evidence. Attendees will learn what depositions are not—neither trial performances nor intimidation tools—and discover practical preparation guidelines for both taking and defending depositions.

Dr. Abbie MaroñoDr. Abbie Maroño
Karen KoehlerKaren Koehler
Gerald A. ConnorGerald A. Connor
David H. PikusDavid H. Pikus
clock 2:10 pm - 3:10 pm EST

Strategic Expert Depositions and Hitchhiking Opportunities

Learn why extreme efficiency in expert depositions is underrated and how to match your deposition style to specific case goals. This session covers targeting expert credentials and biases, analyzing expert communications, and knowing when to utilize hitchhiking to convert opposing experts into supporting witnesses.

Dr. Abbie MaroñoDr. Abbie Maroño
Karen KoehlerKaren Koehler
Gerald A. ConnorGerald A. Connor
David H. PikusDavid H. Pikus
clock 3:20 pm - 3:50 pm EST

Nonverbal Communication Science of Appearing Trustworthy

Discover how your body communicates trust before you speak, with research showing trust judgments occur in just 33 milliseconds. This session examines the science behind posture, gestures, facial expressions, and active listening cues that build cooperation and credibility with clients and witnesses.

Dr. Abbie MaroñoDr. Abbie Maroño
Karen KoehlerKaren Koehler
Gerald A. ConnorGerald A. Connor
David H. PikusDavid H. Pikus
clock 3:50 pm - 5:00 pm EST

Legal Ethics and Remote Deposition Best Practices

This session identifies the Model Rules of Professional Conduct as they relate to depositions, highlighting the critical distinction between proper witness preparation and sanctionable coaching. Attendees will learn essential etiquette tips for smooth depositions and explore recent developments addressing unique challenges in remote deposition settings.

Dr. Abbie MaroñoDr. Abbie Maroño
Karen KoehlerKaren Koehler
Gerald A. ConnorGerald A. Connor
David H. PikusDavid H. Pikus
Dr. Abbie Maroño

Dr. Abbie Maroño

Dr Abbie

Karen Koehler

Karen Koehler

Stritmatter Law

Gerald A. Connor

Gerald A. Connor

Margolis Edelstein

David H. Pikus

David H. Pikus

Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C.

Dr. Abbie Maroño

Dr. Abbie Maroño

Dr Abbie

Dr. Abbie Maroño is a keynote speaker, behavioral scientist, and author specializing in trust, influence, and nonverbal communication. She is known for challenging conventional thinking and translating complex behavioral science into practical insights that audiences can immediately understand and apply. She is the creator of The Upper Hand, a proprietary framework focused on trust, influence, communication, and decision-making. In addition to her speaking and research work, she provides expert witness services in matters involving behavioral analysis, nonverbal communication, and human behavior, including high-profile civil and criminal cases.

Education & Credentials

Dr. Maroño earned her PhD in Psychology and became a Professor of Psychology at the age of 23.

Recognition & Leadership

Dr. Maroño was recognized by the U.S. Department of State for extraordinary ability in behavioral science and was named one of Central Florida's 40 Under 40 by the Orlando Business Journal. The U.S. Secret Service recognized her contributions with an award for outstanding contribution to their forensic services. She is also a bestselling author and TEDx speaker.

Professional Involvement

Dr. Maroño has trained representatives from 29 U.S. federal agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security, as well as senior leadership at INTERPOL. As a Forbes contributor, Court TV contributor, and media commentator, her work has been featured on BBC News, Fox News, WIRED, Reuters, Forbes Breaking News, Apple News, and many more outlets.

Experience

Dr. Maroño serves as an expert witness specializing in nonverbal communication and behavioral analysis, providing expert opinions and testimony in cases ranging from attempted homicide to high-profile civil matters, including cases involving A-list celebrities. Her expertise includes analyzing body language, assessing behavioral consistency, and evaluating post-trauma responses to provide clear, evidence-based insights in both federal and civil court cases. Through her work, she addresses conference audiences, develops leaders, and strengthens organizational performance with science-backed insights on communication, leadership, and trust.
Karen Koehler

Karen Koehler

Stritmatter Law

Karen Koehler is the managing partner of the Stritmatter Firm in Washington State with a 40-year career that includes significant trial victories and cases that have changed State Law.

Recognition & Leadership

Past president of the Washington State Assn for Justice, trial lawyer of the year award from Washington State Assn for Justice, trial lawyer of the year award from the Marvin Belli Assn.

Professional Involvement

Past president of the Washington State Assn for Justice.

Experience

40 year career including significant trial victories such as the $123M verdict in Dihn et al v. Ride the Ducks (2019), a $44M verdict in a motorcycle v. vehicle crash (2022), a wrongful death by murder case featured on a TV crime show, and Ethel Adams v. Farmers which resulted in the legislature passing the Ethel Adams Act.
Gerald A. Connor

Gerald A. Connor

Margolis Edelstein

Gerald A. Connor is a partner and trial attorney focusing on casualty litigation, ranging from automobile and general liability claims to products liability, construction litigation, and workers’ compensation claims. He also has extensive experience in commercial litigation, insurance coverage and First Party claims, and employment law.

Education & Credentials

B.A. degree from the University of Pennsylvania; J.D. degree from Widener University School of Law

Professional Involvement

Member of the Lackawanna County and Pennsylvania bar associations; frequent lecturer at both the State and National level.

Experience

Has handled dozens of trials, administrative hearings, and arbitrations to verdict, and is active at the appellate level in both state and federal court. Works at Margolis Edelstein's Scranton, Pennsylvania office, a full-service multi-state litigation provider to the insurance industry, major corporations, and governmental entities.
David H. Pikus

David H. Pikus

Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C.

David H. Pikus is a principal at Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C., practicing in New York City and New Jersey offices, with over 43 years of experience as a litigator across a broad spectrum of civil cases.

Education & Credentials

Graduate of Princeton University. Graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law.

Recognition & Leadership

Special Master of the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

Experience

Over 43 years as a litigator conducting depositions spanning commercial litigation, family and estate proceedings, bankruptcy examinations, securities, intellectual property, banking, shareholder litigation, administrative law and public utility and energy regulation. Previously co-headed the litigation department at one of New York's largest law firms.
Dr. Abbie Maroño

Dr. Abbie Maroño

Dr Abbie

Dr. Abbie Maroño is a keynote speaker, behavioral scientist, and author specializing in trust, influence, and nonverbal communication. She is known for challenging conventional thinking and translating complex behavioral science into practical insights that audiences can immediately understand and apply. She is the creator of The Upper Hand, a proprietary framework focused on trust, influence, communication, and decision-making. In addition to her speaking and research work, she provides expert witness services in matters involving behavioral analysis, nonverbal communication, and human behavior, including high-profile civil and criminal cases.

Education & Credentials

Dr. Maroño earned her PhD in Psychology and became a Professor of Psychology at the age of 23.

Recognition & Leadership

Dr. Maroño was recognized by the U.S. Department of State for extraordinary ability in behavioral science and was named one of Central Florida's 40 Under 40 by the Orlando Business Journal. The U.S. Secret Service recognized her contributions with an award for outstanding contribution to their forensic services. She is also a bestselling author and TEDx speaker.

Professional Involvement

Dr. Maroño has trained representatives from 29 U.S. federal agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security, as well as senior leadership at INTERPOL. As a Forbes contributor, Court TV contributor, and media commentator, her work has been featured on BBC News, Fox News, WIRED, Reuters, Forbes Breaking News, Apple News, and many more outlets.

Experience

Dr. Maroño serves as an expert witness specializing in nonverbal communication and behavioral analysis, providing expert opinions and testimony in cases ranging from attempted homicide to high-profile civil matters, including cases involving A-list celebrities. Her expertise includes analyzing body language, assessing behavioral consistency, and evaluating post-trauma responses to provide clear, evidence-based insights in both federal and civil court cases. Through her work, she addresses conference audiences, develops leaders, and strengthens organizational performance with science-backed insights on communication, leadership, and trust.
Karen Koehler

Karen Koehler

Stritmatter Law

Karen Koehler is the managing partner of the Stritmatter Firm in Washington State with a 40-year career that includes significant trial victories and cases that have changed State Law.

Recognition & Leadership

Past president of the Washington State Assn for Justice, trial lawyer of the year award from Washington State Assn for Justice, trial lawyer of the year award from the Marvin Belli Assn.

Professional Involvement

Past president of the Washington State Assn for Justice.

Experience

40 year career including significant trial victories such as the $123M verdict in Dihn et al v. Ride the Ducks (2019), a $44M verdict in a motorcycle v. vehicle crash (2022), a wrongful death by murder case featured on a TV crime show, and Ethel Adams v. Farmers which resulted in the legislature passing the Ethel Adams Act.
Gerald A. Connor

Gerald A. Connor

Margolis Edelstein

Gerald A. Connor is a partner and trial attorney focusing on casualty litigation, ranging from automobile and general liability claims to products liability, construction litigation, and workers’ compensation claims. He also has extensive experience in commercial litigation, insurance coverage and First Party claims, and employment law.

Education & Credentials

B.A. degree from the University of Pennsylvania; J.D. degree from Widener University School of Law

Professional Involvement

Member of the Lackawanna County and Pennsylvania bar associations; frequent lecturer at both the State and National level.

Experience

Has handled dozens of trials, administrative hearings, and arbitrations to verdict, and is active at the appellate level in both state and federal court. Works at Margolis Edelstein's Scranton, Pennsylvania office, a full-service multi-state litigation provider to the insurance industry, major corporations, and governmental entities.
David H. Pikus

David H. Pikus

Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C.

David H. Pikus is a principal at Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C., practicing in New York City and New Jersey offices, with over 43 years of experience as a litigator across a broad spectrum of civil cases.

Education & Credentials

Graduate of Princeton University. Graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law.

Recognition & Leadership

Special Master of the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

Experience

Over 43 years as a litigator conducting depositions spanning commercial litigation, family and estate proceedings, bankruptcy examinations, securities, intellectual property, banking, shareholder litigation, administrative law and public utility and energy regulation. Previously co-headed the litigation department at one of New York's largest law firms.

Credits by state

AK2.5
AL2.5
AR2.5
AZ2.5
CA2.5
CO2.5
CT2.5
DC3.5
DE2.5
FL2.5
GA2.5
HI2.5
IA2.5
ID2.5
IL2.5
IN2.5
KS2.5
KY2.5
LA2.5
MA3.5
MD3.5
ME2.5
MI3.5
MN2.5
MO3.0
MS2.5
MT2.5
NC2.5
ND2.5
NE2.5
NH150.0
NJ2.5
NM2.5
NV2.5
NY2.5
OH2.5
OK3.0
OR2.5
PA2.5
RI3.0
SC2.5
SD3.5
TN2.5
TX2.5
UT2.5
VA2.5
VT2.5
WA2.5
WI4.0
WV3.0
WY2.5

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

10,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

1000+

Live stream programs

24/7

Access to live webinars & recordings

70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

MCLE Credits

Alabama
Pending
Alaska
Approved
Arizona
Approved
Arkansas
Approved
California
Approved
Colorado
Pending
Connecticut
Approved
Delaware
Approved
District of Columbia
No Required
Florida
Approved
Georgia
Approved
Hawaii
Approved
Idaho
Pending
Illinois
Approved
Indiana
Pending
Iowa
Pending
Kansas
Approved
Kentucky
Pending
Louisiana
Pending
Maine
Pending
Maryland
No Required
Massachusetts
No Required
Michigan
No Required
Minnesota
Approved
Mississippi
Pending
Missouri
Approved
Montana
Pending
Nebraska
Pending
Nevada
Approved
New Hampshire
Approved
New Jersey
Approved
New Mexico
Approved
New York
Approved
North Carolina
Pending
North Dakota
Approved
Ohio
Approved
Oklahoma
Pending
Oregon
Pending
Pennsylvania
Approved
Rhode Island
Pending
South Carolina
Pending
South Dakota
No Required
Tennessee
Approved
Texas
Pending
Utah
Pending
Vermont
Approved
Virginia
Not Eligible
Washington
Approved
West Virginia
Pending
Wisconsin
Approved
Wyoming
Pending

Alabama

Requirements

The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.  

Formats

  • Attorneys can earn unlimited “live” credit through live seminars, live webcasts, and co-sponsored locations with MyLAWCLE-Alabama approved programs
  • Attorneys are limited to 6 credits per compliance period of “online” programs through MyLAwCLE On-Demand programs