To All Members of the State Bar of South Dakota

The popular Deposition Academy returns in 2022 for members of the South Dakota Bar. The third Deposition Academy is being held on Wednesday, July 13 through Friday, July 15 at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law.

Mastery of the skills needed to gather information, gain admissions, and test theories is essential to a successful trial practice. The Deposition Academy is designed to provide the tools any lawyer needs to confirm facts they know, validate facts they think they know, and learn facts they need to prove their case.

The Deposition Academy is a learning by experience course. Participants in the program will hear about techniques used in taking and defending depositions, see demonstrations by experienced trial lawyers, and then actually practice those skills in a simulated deposition setting. During each workshop, participants will perform and practice skills essential to effective deposition taking or defending and then receive suggestions from experienced members of the faculty that will allow them to enhance their skills. Each workshop adds skills so that by the conclusion of the Academy participants will have built new techniques, enhanced existing skills, and gained confidence.

During the program you will learn a technique that allows you to wring every last bit of information from a witness. You will master techniques developed by The National Institute for Trial Advocacy that include “The Funnel Technique” and “Getting a List.” We will also spend time practicing techniques to defend your client’s interests in a deposition and how to prepare a witness for their deposition.

New to the 2022 version of the Deposition Academy is information and ideas on the process of creating an outline for deposing a witness. There are subtle differences and important additions counsel should consider when the process moves online. This includes additional questions asked during the commitment stage and how exhibits will be distributed and used.

The process of building a top-notch team of instructors is currently underway. The State Bar Trial Academy Committee is working to select a team of women and men who are the best and brightest of the South Dakota Trial Bar. The team will include lawyers who represent plaintiffs and defendants and practice in both large and small firms. The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law is again providing both space and logistical support for the Academy. The partnership of the Bar Association, the law school, and the South Dakota Chapter of ABOTA, ensures a high-quality course that is open to all.

Joining the program as Program Director and Team Leader will be Mark S. Caldwell. Mr. Caldwell has long been associated with advocacy programs in South Dakota, having designed both trial and deposition courses offered over the years. He is a former employee of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and continues to serve as both a Program Director and instructor for many NITA courses. He was the first Program Director for NITA’s Deposition Skills course and has served in that role for close to thirty years. He has been recognized by the receipt of NITA awards for his service to the organization and his creativity. Mr. Caldwell is also a past recipient of The Lifetime Achievement for Excellence in Teaching Advocacy by Stetson University College of Law. Mr. Caldwell will offer many of the presentations during the Academy and will assist other instructors in their teaching duties. The combination of a national instructor and local faculty knowledge of how depositions in South Dakota are taken promises a rewarding experience to participants.

The tuition for the 2022 Deposition Academy is $1,000. Enrollment in the program is limited to twenty-four (24) participants. Early registration is advised to ensure you have a place in the course. Past programs have filled quickly.

The Trial Academy Committee is aware of the challenges presented by COVID-19. The program will follow all federal and local rules to ensure the safety of participants and instructors.

Join us in July for a program that will help complete your tools in taking and defending depositions.

South Dakota State Bar Trial Academy Committee

Thomas J. Welk

Melanie Carpenter

Stephanie Pochop

Clint Sargent

Reed Rasmussen

Heather Lammers Bogard

Click here to download the 2022 Deposition Academy Registration Form