Introduction

Abstract

During my second year practicing law, I had the opportunity to depose my first witness. Dressed in a conservative black suit and carrying files and a briefcase, I arrived at the office of opposing counsel. The receptionist directed me to the appropriate conference room, and I soon struck up a conversation with the court reporter about the upcoming deposition. One of the opposing attorneys working on the case came by the office to determine whether the deposition was ready to proceed. He turned toward me and, as I stretched out my hand to introduce myself, he asked: “Are you the court reporter’s sister? Did you come to watch her work?”