Associate Attorney Thomas M. Connelly wrote an article titled, “Discovery Deposition: Preparation & Execution” for the Illinois State Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division’s newsletter, YLDNews.
In this article, Tom writes about the most useful discovery tool in pretrial litigation – discovery depositions – while giving insight on how to prepare for depositions and develop a case in your favorable manner. Tom goes on to summarize a typical deposition outline as well as tactics on how to execute your questioning properly.
“Nothing can beat preparation. I still remember my trial advocacy professor saying that you do not need to be the smartest lawyer or the lawyer with the most resources, but you need to be the hardest working lawyer. Hard work and preparation will allow you to take successful depositions that can be used as leverage in settlement discussions or to better prepare you for trial.”
Read the entire “Discovery Deposition: Preparation & Execution” by Thomas M. Connelly, click here.
Tom earned his undergraduate degree in political science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. By spending two years in the business world before law school, Tom developed the negotiation and communication skills required to successfully represent his clients. He then went on to graduate summa cum laude from the Northern Illinois University College of Law, where he served as lead articles editor of the Law Review.
After receiving his law degree, Tom established a successful career as a trial car accident lawyer in Chicago handling personal injury matters involving auto accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and product liability. Since then, Tom has resolved dozens of complex cases and obtained millions in recoveries for his clients, including resolving over 150 cases for victims of defective medical devices and obtaining a $1 million settlement for an Aurora man injured by a negligent truck driver.
Tom was raised on the northside of Chicago and now lives in the Tri-City area. He is passionate about serving the community he lives and works in. Passionate enough so, that he was appointed Alderman of Batavia’s 4th Ward on October 18, 2021. Mr. Connelly will serve until April 2023, representing the best interests of the people of Batavia by proposing and voting on legislation concerning the city.
Click here to read Tom’s bio.