Picture it: deposition day. You’re a lawyer entering a conference room to depose someone in a civil case. You need to know how to build a rapport, ask the right questions, control the narrative and find inconsistencies — skills Wilmington University School of Law students displayed at the first Syracuse Deposition Competition. 

“We want to show others that we are prepared and formidable with regard to the skills needed to succeed in the legal community,” says J.D. candidate Christine Sauers. “It was also an opportunity to stretch ourselves. Deposition skills and techniques are very critical in the profession. It was such a great chance to be exposed to those skills at this point in our education.” 

Syracuse University College of Law hosted the virtual event, and WilmU Law was one of 12 schools competing. 

“We were coached by seasoned professionals. Professors Finkelstein and Richardson graciously shared their time and expertise,” says Dr. Marisa Rauscher, a WilmU Law student and professor of educational psychology at Neumann University. “When game day arrived, Wilmington University Law showed up ready to compete.” 

Dr. Rauscher and her teammates placed third, just missing the semifinals. 

“I’m so proud of our team,” says Kimberly Richardson, a WilmU Law associate professor. “They worked so hard and performed like seasoned attorneys.”  

Legal Education Beyond the Classroom 

Students are eager to learn more and compete again. 

“This experience meant so much to me. It has opened my eyes to what a deposition can look like and what goes into the process prior to the deposition,” says Kendal Parliament, a J.D. candidate. “I also enjoyed receiving feedback from the tenured lawyers and judges who were judging the competition.” 

“It made me feel like a practicing lawyer! It was an exhilarating experience, and I look forward to getting another crack at it soon,” says fellow law student Héctor Torres-Díaz. “WilmU ensures that you get legal and practical experience from Day 1.”