Most lawyers treat the admonition at the start of a deposition like a formality. It’s not. It’s one of the most powerful tools you have if you actually use it.
You are locking the witness into rules that you can enforce for the rest of the deposition. Answer the question asked. Don’t guess. If you don’t understand, say it. If you need a break, ask for one. Those aren’t just guidelines, they’re commitments.
Because once they agree to those rules, every “I don’t know” turns into something meaningful. Every evasive answer becomes a problem. Every attempt to clean it up later gets boxed in.
That’s how you turn “I don’t know” into dynamite. That’s how you set up motions to exclude. That’s how you control the record.
Use the admonition like a sword, not a script. Come on, now 💪🏼🔥
Mike.Alder
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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Mike.Alder, Education, Sherman Oaks, CA.
Discipline doesn’t start when disaster hits. It starts long before.
I sat down with Brian Trascher, Vice President of the United Cajun Navy, to talk about leadership under real pressure, not theory. When things go wrong, no one is coming to save you. Preparation is the difference.
Full episode is live. Link in bio.
03/18/2025
Looking to grow?👇
Understand success and happiness aren’t the same. Find what truly fulfills you.
Connect with me on LinkedIn for more daily motivation🚀
03/10/2025
Miss my latest episode of AlderTalk? 👀 I talked about…
✅ How Uber & Lyft UM/UIM coverage actually works
✅ The biggest mistakes lawyers make with Uber/Lyft
✅ Why arbitration is non-negotiable—and how to compel it
✅ How insurers engage in bad faith tactics (and how to hold them accountable)
Link in my bio for the full episode — or just visit YouTube.com/ 🔗⚖️ And don’t forget to subscribe! 💪🏼
02/14/2025
📣 ATTENTION LAW STUDENTS! Want to meet Mike and join the annual BroCation retreat .ranch in Covington, Louisiana February 27th - March 2nd? 👀
Swipe to learn more, and if you’re a current law student, click the link in bio + enter for a chance to win! 🔗💪🏼🚀
02/11/2025
Is Your Lawyer Asking the Right Questions? 👀⚖️
Uber and Lyft love to claim their drivers are independent contractors—which means they try to dodge responsibility when something goes wrong.
But here’s the truth: these companies control almost everything about how their drivers operate.
They:
✅ Handle all customer interactions and billing
✅ Track where drivers go and how much they work
✅ Enforce strict rules, even deciding who stays on the platform
✅ Control nearly every aspect of the job
Yet, some lawyers hesitate to challenge Uber and Lyft on this. They accept lower insurance limits instead of digging deeper. A good lawyer knows how to connect the dots, ask the right questions, and prove who’s really responsible.
If you’re dealing with an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t settle for less. Make sure your lawyer knows how to fight back.
I break it all down in my latest video—watch the full version on AlderTalk by visiting YouTube.com/AlderTalk or by clicking the link in my bio. Come on now! 💪🏼🚀⚖️
02/03/2025
Start your morning with purpose! Dive into these 6 steps to amplify your success and make every moment count. 💪
01/27/2025
📣Discipline and resolve have momentum - both ways📣
Focus on the process of consistent, ordinary behavior over time. Executing routines to create habits that push your limits will grow your mind and body. You got this — c’mon now!💪
01/22/2025
GoFundMe accounts can definitely be incredibly helpful! But please be careful as to what’s listed as the reason for raising money — do NOT list as rebuilding expenses!!!
01/13/2025
SWPE RIGHT! 👉 LA FIRE UPDATE — BEWARE OF PRICE GOUGING! Swipe to take a look at the cease and desist document we’re sending to businesses trying to take advantage of the Los Angeles fire victims. It’s unbelievable and unacceptable business would try to take advantage of the devastating situation.
Share this post to spread the word! And if you’re price gouging, we’re coming for you!
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Sherman Oaks, CA