Generally, a deposition occurs in a lawyer’s office or conference room. The lawyer who requested the deposition, the deponent, the deponent’s lawyer, and a court reporter authorized to administer an oath will attend the deposition. Sometimes, a stenographer may also attend to transcribe the deposition, though depositions are often video-recorded these days. Family members or members of the public are not allowed at a deposition. Here are the steps of a deposition: Administration of the oath. The court reporter and/or notary administers the oath in which the deponent swears to tell the truth. Questioning. The lawyer who requested the deposition questions the deponent. They can ask any questions they believe are relevant to understanding the deponent and the case. Break. Depositions generally take a long time. Those under a time limit usually last seven hours, with a one-hour break at some point during the proceedings. Further questioning and/or cross-examination. After the initial questioning is complete, the opposing lawyer may ask questions to help clarify any confusing points. Of course, after this, the initial questioner is allowed to ask more questions in follow-up, if desired. Conclusion. The deposition ends when the lawyers finish questioning or the time limit is up. While lawyers are not allowed to coach deponents on the answers they should provide, they can help you prepare. If you’re called in for a deposition, speak with your lawyer for advice.