You’ve been a little uneasy since you received the notice that your deposition has been scheduled. You called your attorney to notify him of the subpoena, and he’s meeting with you to help you prepare for the various questions you will be asked during the deposition. However, you can’t help but be anxious that even with all the “prep work,” you’ll get stage fright on the day of the deposition. How can you be prepared to answer questions if the opposing attorney can ask you anything he wants?

Key Things to Remember As You Prepare for a Deposition in D.C.

• Focus on the facts. Your attorney will ask you questions that are relevant to the case, such as dates, figures, and circumstances surrounding your claim. He may also organize the facts of your case in a way that makes it easy for the judge and jury to follow. You should try your best to memorize exact figures so that you can be 100 percent sure of your answer on deposition day; this will make it easier to avoid phrases like “I think” or “it’s roughly this amount,” which can make you seem unreliable to the court.
• Plan for a long day. Depositions can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, and there is no way to predict how long you may be deposed. Wear comfortable but professional attire, and pack a snack in case you get hungry. Shifting in your seat or becoming irritable when your blood sugar gets low can affect your answers.
• Don’t be a robot. While you should memorize facts, you should not attempt to memorize exact phrases in answers to questions, for a few reasons. First, the opposing attorney may not ask a question in the same way as your attorney, and your prepared answer could be misconstrued. Second, you are likely to become flustered if the attorney asks a question you didn’t anticipate. Third, fully-scripted answers will often sound rehearsed, risking your credibility with the jury.
• Listen to your attorney. You should rely on your lawyer’s counsel during the deposition. If he advises you not to answer a question, do not answer it. If you have been asked a question that you don’t want to answer, ask to speak to your attorney for options.

If you are uncertain about going to the opposing attorney’s office to give your deposition, we offer a neutral location for all of our customers to record video depositions, centrally located in Old Town, Alexandria. Visit our video depositions page to find out how we may be of service.

Your counsel has given you plenty of good advice on preparing for your legal deposition. You know that you must be polite and respectful, avoid interruptions, and speak clearly on the details of your story. But now that you have prepared your testimony, you’re wondering how else you will be judged in the courtroom—and one of the biggest factors influencing the jury will be your appearance.

While how you look and what you wear doesn’t necessarily tell the jury everything about you, your appearance will nevertheless play a significant role in how you are perceived.

Important Guidelines on What to Wear to an Upcoming Deposition:

Tips for Men

• Start fresh. Your hair should be neatly brushed and any facial hair should be shaved or trimmed. Avoid using too much cologne or wearing jewelry. If in doubt about their appropriateness, remove any piercings and cover any tattoos.
• Think business casual. In most cases, slacks (black, brown, or khaki) and a long-sleeved dress shirt are the best option for a deposition.
• Not too casual. Do not wear jeans, shorts, sneakers, sandals, or head wear. Long pants, dress shoes, and a belt or suspenders are top choices.
• Size matters. Your clothing should be clean and fit well. Avoid anything too tight or too baggy.
• If in doubt, wear a suit. Suits are always acceptable attire for men in court. Make sure the jacket and pants match and the shirt and tie are not too loud or distracting.

Tips for Women

• Keep it conservative. To keep the amount of visible skin to a minimum, avoid spaghetti straps, off-the-shoulder tops, or thin materials. Women opting to wear dresses or skirts should also wear pantyhose.
• Consider pants. A women’s suit or slacks and a blouse may be a better choice for women who are not comfortable in dresses.
• Avoid distractions. Your clothing, hair, makeup, nail polish, and accessories should all be neat and muted in color. Anything flashy or provocative can distract the jury from your testimony.
• Choose sensible footwear. Always wear flat or low-heeled shoes, avoiding high heels, sandals, and open-toed shoes.

Above all, remember that you want to be taken seriously and make a good impression. If your outfit does not inspire confidence and trust in the mirror, it’s not going to do it in the courtroom.

For more tips on preparing for your deposition, browse our related links or visit our video depositions page to find out if you could benefit from our testimony recording services.