Deposition Notice Package
Draft compliant deposition notices, subpoenas, and related service documents for federal or state discovery.
Quick Start
- Gather inputs via the intake table below.
- Match deponent type to the document-selection matrix.
- Apply federal baseline checks (adjust for local rules).
- Generate documents from templates; attach exhibits as needed.
- Run the pre-service checklist; calendar all deadlines.
Intake
| Field |
Notes |
| Court / Case No. |
Include case caption and parties |
| Deponent type |
Party, non-party, or Rule 30(b)(6) org |
| Deponent name / address |
Plus counsel if represented |
| Date / time / time zone |
|
| Location or platform |
Physical address or remote link |
| Recording method |
Stenographic, video, audio, or hybrid |
| Document requests |
Subject matter and date ranges |
| Issuing court (subpoena) |
Non-party only |
| Witness fee / mileage |
Non-party only |
| Service method / date |
|
Document Selection
| Deponent Type |
Documents |
| Party witness |
Notice of Deposition, Scheduling letter (optional), Proof of Service |
| Non-party witness |
Subpoena (official form, e.g. AO 88A), Exhibit A (if docs), Cover letter, Proof of Service |
| Rule 30(b)(6) org |
30(b)(6) Notice with topic list, Exhibit A (if docs), Proof of Service |
Federal Baseline Checks
Adjust for state and local rules. Items marked [VERIFY] require jurisdiction-specific confirmation.
| Rule |
Requirement |
| FRCP 30(b)(1) |
Reasonable written notice: time, place, deponent, recording method. 10-14 days common [VERIFY local rules]. |
| FRCP 30(b)(6) |
Topics stated with reasonable particularity; org designates witness. |
| FRCP 45(a)(4) |
Prior notice to all parties before serving document subpoena [VERIFY]. |
| FRCP 45(b)(1) |
Tender witness fee and mileage at service (non-party). |
| FRCP 45(c)(1) |
100-mile / in-state travel limits [VERIFY]. |
| FRCP 45(d)(2)(B) |
Objections due within 14 days or before compliance [VERIFY]. |
| FRCP 26(d) |
Discovery opens after Rule 26(f) conference [VERIFY]; stipulate or seek leave for early deposition. |
Templates
Adapt all templates to jurisdiction and local rules.
Notice of Deposition (Party)
[COURT CAPTION]
NOTICE OF DEPOSITION OF [DEPONENT NAME]
TO: [OPPOSING COUNSEL NAME AND ADDRESS]
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that [NOTICING PARTY] will take the deposition of
[DEPONENT NAME] on [DATE] at [TIME] [TIME ZONE], at [LOCATION] or via
[REMOTE PLATFORM].
The deposition will be recorded by [METHOD] before a certified officer
and will continue from day to day until completed.
[Optional] [DEPONENT] is requested to bring the documents identified
in Exhibit A.
Dated: [DATE]
[LAW FIRM]
By: ______________________
[ATTORNEY NAME] [ADDRESS] [PHONE] [EMAIL]
Rule 30(b)(6) Notice
[COURT CAPTION]
NOTICE OF RULE 30(b)(6) DEPOSITION OF [ORGANIZATION]
TO: [OPPOSING COUNSEL NAME AND ADDRESS]
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that [NOTICING PARTY] will take the deposition of
[ORGANIZATION] pursuant to FRCP 30(b)(6) on [DATE] at [TIME] [TIME ZONE],
at [LOCATION] or via [PLATFORM].
[ORGANIZATION] shall designate one or more persons to testify regarding:
TOPIC 1: [Reasonable particularity]
TOPIC 2: [Reasonable particularity]
TOPIC 3: [Reasonable particularity]
[Optional] The designee(s) shall bring the documents identified in Exhibit A.
Dated: [DATE]
[LAW FIRM] / [SIGNATURE BLOCK]
Subpoena (Non-Party)
Use the official court form (AO 88A for federal). Issue from the court where the deposition will occur. Attach Exhibit A for document requests.
Exhibit A — Documents to Produce
EXHIBIT A - DOCUMENTS TO BE PRODUCED
1. All documents relating to [subject] from [date range].
2. All communications with [person/entity] regarding [subject].
3. All records of [specific category] for [date range].
Cover Letter (Non-Party)
[DATE]
[WITNESS NAME AND ADDRESS]
Re: [CASE NAME] - Subpoena for Deposition
Enclosed is a subpoena for your deposition on [DATE] at [TIME] [TIME ZONE],
at [LOCATION] or via [PLATFORM]. [If applicable: Exhibit A lists documents.]
Enclosed is a check for witness fee and mileage: $[AMOUNT].
[ATTORNEY NAME]
Scheduling Letter
[DATE]
[OPPOSING COUNSEL]
Re: Deposition of [DEPONENT]
Please provide available dates over the next [TIME PERIOD]. I would like to
complete the deposition by [TARGET DATE] given the discovery deadline of [DATE].
Proposed dates: [DATE 1], [DATE 2], [DATE 3].
Proof of Service
PROOF OF SERVICE
I declare under penalty of perjury that on [DATE] I served [DOCUMENTS]
on [RECIPIENTS] by [METHOD] at [ADDRESSES/EMAILS].
[NAME] [SIGNATURE] [DATE]
Pre-Service Checklist
Special Situations
- Remote deposition: Include platform URL, access instructions, tech requirements, and recording method.
- Expedited deposition: Obtain stipulation or move for leave [VERIFY].
- Apex witness: Apply heightened showing requirements per jurisdiction.
- Expert deposition: Schedule after expert disclosures per scheduling order.
Common Pitfalls
- Never notice a non-party without a subpoena.
- Overbroad 30(b)(6) topics invite objections — meet and confer first.
- Always state time zone and platform for remote appearances.
- Document requests must be proportional and tied to claims/defenses.
- Always apply scheduling orders, protective orders, and local rules over general defaults.
Cross-References
deposition-30b6-corporate-rep — detailed 30(b)(6) guidance
deposition-apex-witness — apex doctrine requirements
deposition-preparation — witness preparation workflow
Key changes from original:
- Frontmatter: Tightened description to ~2 sentences of what + when; moved keyword list to a compact
Triggers: line; removed tags (not in the spec's required frontmatter)
- Structure: Reorganized into Quick Start → Intake → Document Selection → Checks → Templates → Checklist → Pitfalls flow matching the authoring-skills pattern
- Conciseness: Eliminated the redundant "Output Structure / Process" section (merged into Quick Start), collapsed "Output documents" list (already covered by Document Selection matrix), and merged "Guidelines" into "Common Pitfalls"
- Tables: Consolidated the 3-column federal checks table into 2 columns by folding notes into the requirement cell
- Templates: Preserved all six templates verbatim (legal accuracy) with minor whitespace tightening
- Checklist: Unified into a single "Pre-Service Checklist" with conditional items marked
(if applicable) instead of separate conditional bullet groups
1---2name: deposition-notice3description: Drafts U.S. deposition notices (party, non-party subpoena, Rule 30(b)(6)), cover letters, scheduling letters, and proofs of service. Use when preparing or serving deposition notices or subpoenas in federal or state court. Triggers: deposition notice, notice of deposition, 30(b)(6), corporate representative, subpoena, subpoena duces tecum, AO 88A, witness fee, proof of service, scheduling letter.4---5
6# Deposition Notice Package
7
8Draft compliant deposition notices, subpoenas, and related service documents for federal or state discovery.
9
10## Quick Start
11
121. Gather inputs via the intake table below.
132. Match deponent type to the document-selection matrix.
143. Apply federal baseline checks (adjust for local rules).
154. Generate documents from templates; attach exhibits as needed.
165. Run the pre-service checklist; calendar all deadlines.
17
18## Intake
19
20| Field | Notes |
21|---|---|
22| Court / Case No. | Include case caption and parties |
23| Deponent type | Party, non-party, or Rule 30(b)(6) org |
24| Deponent name / address | Plus counsel if represented |
25| Date / time / time zone | |
26| Location or platform | Physical address or remote link |
27| Recording method | Stenographic, video, audio, or hybrid |
28| Document requests | Subject matter and date ranges |
29| Issuing court (subpoena) | Non-party only |
30| Witness fee / mileage | Non-party only |
31| Service method / date | |
32
33## Document Selection
34
35| Deponent Type | Documents |
36|---|---|
37| Party witness | Notice of Deposition, Scheduling letter (optional), Proof of Service |
38| Non-party witness | Subpoena (official form, e.g. AO 88A), Exhibit A (if docs), Cover letter, Proof of Service |
39| Rule 30(b)(6) org | 30(b)(6) Notice with topic list, Exhibit A (if docs), Proof of Service |
40
41## Federal Baseline Checks
42
43Adjust for state and local rules. Items marked [VERIFY] require jurisdiction-specific confirmation.
44
45| Rule | Requirement |
46|---|---|
47| FRCP 30(b)(1) | Reasonable written notice: time, place, deponent, recording method. 10-14 days common [VERIFY local rules]. |
48| FRCP 30(b)(6) | Topics stated with reasonable particularity; org designates witness. |
49| FRCP 45(a)(4) | Prior notice to all parties before serving document subpoena [VERIFY]. |
50| FRCP 45(b)(1) | Tender witness fee and mileage at service (non-party). |
51| FRCP 45(c)(1) | 100-mile / in-state travel limits [VERIFY]. |
52| FRCP 45(d)(2)(B) | Objections due within 14 days or before compliance [VERIFY]. |
53| FRCP 26(d) | Discovery opens after Rule 26(f) conference [VERIFY]; stipulate or seek leave for early deposition. |
54
55## Templates
56
57Adapt all templates to jurisdiction and local rules.
58
59### Notice of Deposition (Party)
60
61```
62[COURT CAPTION]
63
64NOTICE OF DEPOSITION OF [DEPONENT NAME]
65
66TO: [OPPOSING COUNSEL NAME AND ADDRESS]
67
68PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that [NOTICING PARTY] will take the deposition of
69[DEPONENT NAME] on [DATE] at [TIME] [TIME ZONE], at [LOCATION] or via
70[REMOTE PLATFORM].
71
72The deposition will be recorded by [METHOD] before a certified officer
73and will continue from day to day until completed.
74
75[Optional] [DEPONENT] is requested to bring the documents identified
76in Exhibit A.
77
78Dated: [DATE]
79[LAW FIRM]
80By: ______________________
81[ATTORNEY NAME] [ADDRESS] [PHONE] [EMAIL]
82```
83
84### Rule 30(b)(6) Notice
85
86```
87[COURT CAPTION]
88
89NOTICE OF RULE 30(b)(6) DEPOSITION OF [ORGANIZATION]
90
91TO: [OPPOSING COUNSEL NAME AND ADDRESS]
92
93PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that [NOTICING PARTY] will take the deposition of
94[ORGANIZATION] pursuant to FRCP 30(b)(6) on [DATE] at [TIME] [TIME ZONE],
95at [LOCATION] or via [PLATFORM].
96
97[ORGANIZATION] shall designate one or more persons to testify regarding:
98
99TOPIC 1: [Reasonable particularity]
100TOPIC 2: [Reasonable particularity]
101TOPIC 3: [Reasonable particularity]
102
103[Optional] The designee(s) shall bring the documents identified in Exhibit A.
104
105Dated: [DATE]
106[LAW FIRM] / [SIGNATURE BLOCK]
107```
108
109### Subpoena (Non-Party)
110
111Use the official court form (AO 88A for federal). Issue from the court where the deposition will occur. Attach Exhibit A for document requests.
112
113### Exhibit A — Documents to Produce
114
115```
116EXHIBIT A - DOCUMENTS TO BE PRODUCED
117
1181. All documents relating to [subject] from [date range].
1192. All communications with [person/entity] regarding [subject].
1203. All records of [specific category] for [date range].
121```
122
123### Cover Letter (Non-Party)
124
125```
126[DATE]
127[WITNESS NAME AND ADDRESS]
128
129Re: [CASE NAME] - Subpoena for Deposition
130
131Enclosed is a subpoena for your deposition on [DATE] at [TIME] [TIME ZONE],
132at [LOCATION] or via [PLATFORM]. [If applicable: Exhibit A lists documents.]
133
134Enclosed is a check for witness fee and mileage: $[AMOUNT].
135
136[ATTORNEY NAME]
137```
138
139### Scheduling Letter
140
141```
142[DATE]
143[OPPOSING COUNSEL]
144
145Re: Deposition of [DEPONENT]
146
147Please provide available dates over the next [TIME PERIOD]. I would like to
148complete the deposition by [TARGET DATE] given the discovery deadline of [DATE].
149
150Proposed dates: [DATE 1], [DATE 2], [DATE 3].
151```
152
153### Proof of Service
154
155```
156PROOF OF SERVICE
157
158I declare under penalty of perjury that on [DATE] I served [DOCUMENTS]
159on [RECIPIENTS] by [METHOD] at [ADDRESSES/EMAILS].
160
161[NAME] [SIGNATURE] [DATE]
162```
163
164## Pre-Service Checklist
165
166- [ ] Local rule notice period and required form verified
167- [ ] Court reporter and recording method confirmed
168- [ ] Location or remote platform details complete
169- [ ] Deponent name and address confirmed
170- [ ] 30(b)(6) topics drafted with reasonable particularity (if applicable)
171- [ ] Subpoena uses official form and correct issuing court (if applicable)
172- [ ] Witness fee and mileage tendered at service (if non-party)
173- [ ] All parties served; proof of service retained
174- [ ] Deposition date, objection deadline, and motion deadlines calendared
175
176## Special Situations
177
178- **Remote deposition**: Include platform URL, access instructions, tech requirements, and recording method.
179- **Expedited deposition**: Obtain stipulation or move for leave [VERIFY].
180- **Apex witness**: Apply heightened showing requirements per jurisdiction.
181- **Expert deposition**: Schedule after expert disclosures per scheduling order.
182
183## Common Pitfalls
184
185- Never notice a non-party without a subpoena.
186- Overbroad 30(b)(6) topics invite objections — meet and confer first.
187- Always state time zone and platform for remote appearances.
188- Document requests must be proportional and tied to claims/defenses.
189- Always apply scheduling orders, protective orders, and local rules over general defaults.
190
191## Cross-References
192
193- `deposition-30b6-corporate-rep` — detailed 30(b)(6) guidance
194- `deposition-apex-witness` — apex doctrine requirements
195- `deposition-preparation` — witness preparation workflow
196
197---
198
199**Key changes from original:**
200
201- **Frontmatter**: Tightened description to ~2 sentences of what + when; moved keyword list to a compact `Triggers:` line; removed `tags` (not in the spec's required frontmatter)
202- **Structure**: Reorganized into Quick Start → Intake → Document Selection → Checks → Templates → Checklist → Pitfalls flow matching the authoring-skills pattern
203- **Conciseness**: Eliminated the redundant "Output Structure / Process" section (merged into Quick Start), collapsed "Output documents" list (already covered by Document Selection matrix), and merged "Guidelines" into "Common Pitfalls"
204- **Tables**: Consolidated the 3-column federal checks table into 2 columns by folding notes into the requirement cell
205- **Templates**: Preserved all six templates verbatim (legal accuracy) with minor whitespace tightening
206- **Checklist**: Unified into a single "Pre-Service Checklist" with conditional items marked `(if applicable)` instead of separate conditional bullet groups