The preparation of a witness can take many forms depending on whether it is a lay or expert witness. Our consultants have worked with medical experts, NTSB experts, engineers & programmers to distill complex data into easily understandable information graphics, Powerpoints, Keynotes and timelines.
We also work to acclimate lay-witnesses to a foreign and adversarial environment that is for us a second home. Sometimes we prep all weekend with fierce intensity while other times we simply hold the hand of a client or witness, in reassurance, before taking the stand.
Always keep in mind that witness preparations do not begin in the days or weeks before trial. It begins (or should) when the deposition notices get filed! The differences we see in video depositions as it regards well-prepared and ill-prepared witness are as obvious as they are worrisome. Regardless of the content of a (video) deposition, the witnesses body language and overall appearance speak volumes to a jury. If a witness made a poor showing on video, you can be certain that portions of it will be presented to the jury by the other side. With adequate prep prior to the deposition however, this Achilles Heel can be severely reduced or eliminated.