Being a Reader at a Trial

[Becca Wong]

Hi All:

I've been asked to be a "reader" in a custody trial and this is a first for me.  The child specialist/evaluator has done her eval and will be deposed next week.  She is unavailable on the trial dates a couple of weeks later and one of the attys wants the evaluator's deposition responses read into the record.  They want the responses read with feeling and emotion as when the evaluator spoke them in the depo - not just a cold reading.  I will not be questioned - I just read.  No idea how long.

Has anyone ever had experience with anything like this?

What do I charge?   

 

Thanks ---

Becca

Becca Wong Family Law & Mediation LLC

3300 Edinborough Way, Suite 550

Edina, MN 55435

612-300-1911

beccaw...@gmail.com

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[Pam Rochlin]

Hi Becca.

I often have people “read” expert depositions to save the cost of having to videotape their testimony and playback at trial.  Or I do it if I think the deponent won’t appear well to the jury. 

I usually chose people I know to read back the deposition in front of the jury, rather than hiring an “actor” (as I’ve heard people do). 

Basically, I want the person who reads the depo to be as familiar with the depo as possible, so that it doesn’t sound like its being “read.”  Also, I want the reader to use inflections, etc. in a way that would be most helpful to my case.   As long as you go over it a few times so that you feel comfortable, I’m sure you will do great.

 

The fact that you were asked to read the depo is a huge compliment – it means that whoever asked you thinks you will present very well to the jury, and that you will do a good job for him or her.

 

As for the costs, I usually have people close to me do  it – and they do it for free.  So I’m not much help there.

 

Good luck!

pam

 

Pamela Rochlin

Rochlin Law Firm, Ltd.

Representing injury victims throughout Minnesota

5200 Willson Road, Suite 412

Edina, MN 55424

www.rochlinlaw.com

952-836-2727

Rule 114 Qualified Mediator

 

 

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