Most experienced litigators have at least one horror story of a deposition that went poorly. It usually starts with an opposing attorney with an ax to grind or one that is determined to prove to their client that they are an especially “zealous advocate.” However, attorneys can forget that, although depositions may be held in informal settings, the rules of decorum and professionalism still apply in full force.

Courts will not hesitate to sanction attorneys who engage in conduct during depositions that would never be tolerated in the courtroom. In particular, as reflected by a number of recent decisions in California, courts do not look kindly upon conduct that demonstrates a lack of respect for opposing counsel.