So, You're Getting Deposed in California: Lawyer Tag Team or Solo Act?
Ah, the deposition. The legal equivalent of a pop quiz, only instead of high school algebra, you're being grilled about that time you accidentally dyed the office geranium purple (it looked stressed, okay?). But hey, at least you only have one lawyer to answer to, right? Wrong. Buckle up, buttercup, because California depositions can be a two-attorney tango.
The Lone Wolf vs. The Pack: Attorney Multiplicity in Action
In most California depositions, it's like the Wild West: every attorney representing a party gets to ask questions. So, if it's a three-way throwdown, be prepared for a legal three-peat of interrogation. The good news? This can help ensure all angles are covered. The bad news? You might feel like a parrot repeating the same story three times.
Now, before you envision a lawyer pile-on, there are some unwritten rules:
- Courtesy is key: Attorneys typically take turns, like kids on a jungle gym (hopefully without the shoving).
- One lawyer, one focus: Ideally, each lawyer has a specific area they'll delve into, preventing redundant questioning. Although, there's always that one lawyer who really wants to know why the geranium turned purple.
But Wait, There's More! When Two Lawyers Become a Crowd
While California allows multiple attorneys, it's not a free-for-all. If you have a pack of lawyers circling, you can object! The court will then decide if it's overkill or a legitimate need based on the case's complexity. Here's when a lawyer duo might be acceptable:
- Expertise Extravaganza: Imagine a patent case. Lawyer A might be a copyright wiz, while Lawyer B tackles patents. Two minds (and areas of expertise) are better than one in such situations.
- The Witness Whisperers: Sometimes, a lawyer might tag in a colleague to handle a particularly tricky witness. Think of it as a lawyer relay race – baton pass the questioning for maximum efficiency (and to avoid witness meltdown).
The Bottom Line: Be Prepared, Not Paranoid
So, will you face a lawyer duo at your deposition? It depends. But here's the golden rule: be prepared to answer questions from all sides. Having a lawyer on your side is your best defense. They can advise you on what to expect, object to improper questions, and most importantly, keep those lawyers from turning your deposition into a game of 20 Questions: Geranium Edition.
