2023 NITA Depo School, Atty. Chelsea Connor
On October 6 and 7, 2023, our attorney, Chelsea Connor, received advanced training by participating in and successfully completing the National Institute for Trial Advocacy’s (NITA) Deposition Skills training course in San Diego, California. Throughout the year, NITA hosts its Deposition Skills training course in various locations around the country and online.
NITA’s motto is “learning by doing,” and over her two-day course, Chelsea fully immersed herself in the course and wholly embraced NITA’s motto. During her time in San Diego, Chelsea learned from experienced trial lawyers local to the San Diego area, as well as across the country. The brief lectures and demonstrations taught Chelsea how to do the following:
Use the Funnel Technique to exhaust a witness’s subject knowledge
Identify other potential sources of information
Close off avenues of escape
Work with documents and exhibits to gather information, refresh memory, and impeach
Test potential theories—legal, factual, or persuasive
Deal with opposing counsel’s objections
Manage difficult witnesses, counsel, and clients
Become “comfortable with being uncomfortable” in the unpredictability of a deposition
Additionally, Chelsea was able to connect with other attorneys from California, Colorado, and as far away as Alaska. Chelsea was also able to take some time to enjoy San Diego’s beautiful beaches, friendly locals, idyllic weather, and good food, including both Mexican and seafood. Overall, Chelsea enjoyed her time in San Diego and will utilize her learned skills to better represent her clients.
