What is the 7 hour deposition rule?

Asked by: Prof. Minerva Thiel Sr.  |  Last update: June 30, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (50 votes)

Unless otherwise stipulated or ordered by the court, a deposition is limited to 1 day of 7 hours. The court must allow additional time consistent with Rule 26(b)(1) and (2) if needed to fairly examine the deponent or if the deponent, another person, or any other circumstance impedes or delays the examination.

What is the 7 hour rule?

The 7 hour rule is a sales and marketing strategy introduced by Daniel Priestley in his book “Oversubscribed”. The core premise is that, it takes 7 hours of cumulative interaction time between a lead and a company to build the necessary trust, understanding and desire to want to buy your product or service.

How long after deposition can I settle?

Depending on the specifics of your case, it can take days, weeks, or months after a deposition to reach a settlement agreement. Sometimes, a settlement cannot be reached, and the case must proceed to trial, where a judge or jury makes the final decision.

What should you not say during a deposition?

3 attorney answers
  • 1. The question has already been asked and answered
  • 2. Harassing the Witness
  • 3. Calls for speculation
  • 4. Overbroad
  • 5. Vague
  • 6. Not warranted by existing law
  • 7. Improper purpose (to harass witness)
  • 8. Irrelevant inquiry

What is the hourly rate for a deposition?

$2000 to $3000 is a standard starting rate. Rates for chart review and report preparations average $300- $400 per hour. Average rates for deposition and testifying at trial are slightly higher at $400 to $500 per hour. Many experts will require a minimum charge for trial.

When Opposing Attorney Interferes With A Deposition Exercise Your Rights. Invoke The 7-Hour Rule.

18 related questions found

Is there a 7 hour limit for depositions?

2025.290. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), or by any court order, including a case management order, a deposition examination of the witness by all counsel, other than the witness' counsel of record, shall be limited to seven hours of total testimony.

How long are most depositions?

Common Length of Depositions

Depositions typically last between two to seven hours. For complex cases, they may extend over several days.

Is it OK to cry during a deposition?

If you have been severely traumatized and have become depressed as a result of that trauma, it is expected that you will act depressed and perhaps cry, if appropriate, at your deposition.

How to win in a deposition?

Deposition Tips
  1. Be prepared. ...
  2. Think before answering. ...
  3. Never volunteer information. ...
  4. Make sure you understand the question. ...
  5. You must tell the truth. ...
  6. Don't get rattled or upset. ...
  7. Don't guess. ...
  8. If you do not remember, say so.

Can you decline to give a deposition?

Generally, you can't refuse to give a deposition. The parties have a legal right to question witnesses under oath, including opposing parties in the litigation. However, even though you can't outright refuse to give a deposition, you can object to specific questions.

How close to trial can you settle?

Cases may settle very early in the case, at a settlement conference, at mediation, at the eve of trial, or even in the middle of trial. Deciding whether to settle is a calculated risk. You must consider the upside of guaranteed money versus the possibility of less or no money.

What comes next after a deposition?

Once a deposition is concluded, the court reporter will prepare a transcript of the proceeding, which is a detailed written record of everything said. This transcript is provided to all parties involved.

How do I get out of a deposition?

Participants in a deposition, whether they are witnesses or attorneys, generally cannot leave the deposition at will; they must have valid legal grounds. Such grounds include: Health emergency: If a deponent or attorney faces a sudden health issue.

What is the 52 hour rule?

Weekly Work Limit: 52 Hours

Despite the 40-hour workweek cap, South Korea's labor law permits employees to work more than 8 hours in a day without violating the law, as long as the total weekly working hours do not exceed 52 hours. This system gives businesses flexibility.

What is the 23 hour rule?

The 23-Hour Observation After Surgery: What to Expect? Patients undergoing surgery might also require a 23-hour observation period post-procedure. This allows doctors to monitor the patient's recovery, assess the immediate postoperative condition, and determine whether additional hospital care is necessary.

What not to say during a deposition?

Deposition DON'Ts:
  • Guess or speculate. “I don't know” or “I can't remember” is acceptable.
  • Be anxious or stressed out. It will affect what you say and how you appear.
  • Be defensive or angry. Never argue with the attorney.
  • Offer information not requested. ...
  • Talk too much or ramble. ...
  • Talk too little. ...
  • Be too extreme.

Do cases usually settle after deposition?

After a deposition, settlement can happen in days, weeks, or months, depending on your case specifics. If a settlement isn't reached, the case may go to trial, where a judge or jury decides. However, most personal injury cases settle before trial.

Can I answer "I don't remember" in a deposition?

A deposition is not a test. You don't get credit for guessing. If you don't remember the facts that would answer a particular question, just say, “I don't remember.” If you are not absolutely certain about your answer, qualify your answer with something like, “To the best of my recollection right now …”

How do you defend yourself in a deposition?

If you're defending a deposition, you need to anticipate what opposing counsel is going to ask and where you are likely to have to make objections. Once you understand the case and the purpose of the deposition, it's important to try to understand opposing counsel's reputation and style.

Can you refuse to talk in a deposition?

Yes, you can refuse to answer a question during a deposition if it is protected by privilege (e.g., attorney-client privilege) or if it is irrelevant, harassing, or abusive. Your attorney can advise you on when it is appropriate to refuse.

What is most likely to happen during deposition?

Typically, the deposition is requested by one party to get information from the other party, the other parties' witnesses, or third party witnesses. All parties can ask questions, but usually one party asks hours of questions while the other party saves their questions for trial.

Does a deposition mean going to trial?

Regardless of the fact depositions and testimony are important, in some cases they may not be necessary. In fact, participating in a deposition doesn't necessarily mean your case will go to trial.

How often do insurance companies settle before deposition?

The answer: quite often. In fact, how often insurance companies settle before deposition is a common question among those involved in legal disputes. Insurers often settle early to avoid the expenses and risks of a trial. Factors like strong evidence, high damages, and case complexity play significant roles.

What is the 7 hour rule for depositions?

Unless otherwise stipulated or ordered by the court, a deposition is limited to 1 day of 7 hours. The court must allow additional time consistent with Rule 26(b)(1) and (2) if needed to fairly examine the deponent or if the deponent, another person, or any other circumstance impedes or delays the examination.