Deposition Academy

4/30/2026

Event Details

We’re excited to bring back the IDC Deposition Academy on April 30 at the NIU Conference Center. This hands-on program is built for defense counsel who want real-world deposition experience, not theory. You will work side by side with respected leaders from the Illinois defense bar and get practical coaching you can use immediately in your practice. The Deposition Academy is all about learning by doing. You will ask questions, handle witnesses, and get direct feedback in a supportive setting. Whether this is your first deposition or your fortieth, you will be placed in a small group matched to your experience level so the training feels relevant and worthwhile. You'll leave with sharper skills, greater confidence, and concrete tips you can put to work the very next time you take a deposition. This is the kind of experience most lawyers wish they had earlier in their careers. Register today to secure your spot! Presentations and Breakout Sessions The Academy is a combination of lecture and practical application of deposition techniques. Attendees will benefit from our faculty's depth of experience and learn how to excel at deposition practice when they put their skills to the test in small group breakout sessions.  Faculty Presentation: Basics of Depositions and Deposition Checklists This presentation will include the preliminary instructions, reservation of signature, reservation of rights, and dealing with the time constraints of depositions, as well as an outline of the steps for effectively preparing and conducting a deposition. Faculty Presentation: Handling Objections & Opposing Counsel This presentation will delve into the objections that counsel may raise during a deposition, how to respond to those objections and when to end a deposition and/or contact a judge for an immediate ruling. Faculty Presentation: Personnel & Technology In this presentation, our faculty will discuss the use of court reporters, interpreters, and video in furtherance of the deposition. Breakout Session: Deposition of a Plaintiff In this small group breakout session, Academy students will have the opportunity to practice deposing plaintiffs. Faculty Presentation: Expert Witnesses This presentation will cover the do's and don’ts of expert witnesses, whether retained or opposition. Breakout Session: Deposition of an Expert During this breakout session, Academy students will be given the opportunity practice deposing expert witnesses. Faculty Presentation: Deposition Strategies This presentation will cover the strategies that counsel should consider when in federal and state court. Faculty Presentation: Witness Preparation In this program, our faculty will show students the in’s and out’s of preparing witness. Breakout Session: Preparation for Deposition and Production of Client at Deposition During this breakout session, Academy students will be given the opportunity to practice defending clients at depositions. Registration Registration for this event is as follows:  Private Practice Attorneys, Public Sector Attorneys, Educators, and Students  $250 (Non-Members $400)  Claims Professionals & Corporate or Association Counsel   Complimentary  Discounted registration is available at $175 per person for the 4th and all subsequent registrations from the same organization. Contact the IDC at 800-232-0169 or admin@IDC.law with any questions or to submit your group registration. Enrollment in the Deposition Academy is limited with registration being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee that attendees receive their Academy materials with ample time to prepare for the Academy, and due to the limited enrollment of attendees, early registration is highly recommended. Registrations may be transferred to another registrant with notice. Registration fee refunds must be requested in writing and will be made according to the following schedule: 100% Refund 45 or more days before Academy; 50% Refund 44-16 days before Academy; No Refund 0-15 days before Academy Continuing Legal Education Credit This program has been approved for 7.0 hours of CLE Credit by the Illinois MCLE Board. Sponsors Special thanks to our Deposition Academy Sponsors: