Our Services
Our Services
We Employ a Framework for Edge and Reptile Risks
The rules have changed—it’s time your prep strategy did, too. Give your team the tools to recognize and resist Reptile questions.
1
Early Idenitification of Reptile Risk
2
Deposition and Testimony Awareness
3
Retraining the Witness
4
Reframe Witness Thought Process
5
Specialized Approach for High-Exposure Matters
Which Strategy Method is Right for My Witness?
Our practice group offers services that will include 1, 2, 3, or 4-Session Deposition Preparations with the witness and their assigned attorney. The witness’s level of expertise in deposition will help determine the number of sessions that would be required to properly prepare them for the reptile deposition.
1. Session Strategy
2-3 Hours
Session 1 is dedicated to obtaining a comprehensive background on the witness and the incident about which they will testify. This session will include instructions on recognizing general reptilian tactics and questions and how to effectively respond to such questions during their deposition. The witness will also receive techniques to remain focused, confident, and comfortable during the deposition. Preparation will involve retraining the witness to avoid automatic “yes/no” responses, understanding the rationale behind not using such responses, the harm it could potentially cause to the case, and educating the witness on the underlying purpose of these types of questions. By the end of this session, the witness should be very familiar with the case facts and general reptile questions.
2. Session Strategy
2-3 Hours
Session 2 dives deeper into reptilian training with the goal of changing the witness’s thought process in responding to reptilian questions. Session 2 will start with a review of the general reptile questions previously covered in Session 1 and an introduction to more specific reptile questions. The main focus in Session 2 is training the witness to recognize when they are being guided towards compromising, dead-end, and unproductive responses and when the witness is giving up sound bites that can harm their case. The witness will go through a reptile preparation practice that includes a repeated reptilian-styled cross-examination. By the end of this session, the witness should be more comfortable with their role and confident in delivering their responses in an adversarial setting.
3. Session Strategy
2-3 Hours
Session 3 is designed for high-exposure cases involving wrongful death, severe bodily injury, amputation, moderate TBI, or paraplegia. It is also well-suited for corporate representative depositions and other high- exposure matters. Session 3 involves a mock deposition and going over the witness’s answers to that cross-examination. The team, in coordination with the handling attorney, will evaluate the witness’s body language, reactions to specific questions, and monitor indications of cognitive fatigue or brain fog. This session will also cover general deposition expectations including etiquette, appropriate attire, understanding of objections made by their attorney, and the use of proper vernacular during their deposition. By the conclusion of this session, the witness should feel at ease and confident in their ability to testify and will be trained to recognize reptilian questions and provide thoughtful, articulate answers.
4. Session Strategy
2-3 Hours
Session 4 is specifically tailored for corporate representative depositions and witnesses involved in high- exposure cases that need an additional day of preparation due to the complexity of the case, the level of exposure, and/or the extent of information that the representative must be proficient in to perform successfully during deposition. This session will emphasize the corporation’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations as well as its internal policies, procedures, manuals, and books, and any other relevant documents pertinent to the issues at bar. This session will provide an opportunity for further practice with reptilian-style questioning and allow for the addressing of any issues identified during the mock deposition in Session 3. Additionally, a second mock deposition may be conducted to identify and address any remaining concerns prior to the formal deposition.
Let's Get
Started
Protect your case and uphold the integrity of the courtroom —contact Reverse the Reptile today to learn how our proven strategies can help you neutralize reptile tactics and restore balance to your trial. Complete the form or call us now at (407) 652-4605.
