[CLC-Discussion] Corporate Representative - hearsay

[Mahlon Barlow]

Fla.R.Civ.Pro. 1.310 governing depositions provides that in the case of a corporate entity the person designated by the entity shall testify about matters "known or reasonably available to the organization."    The corporation has a duty to produce a knowledgeable person.   In the case of matters involving a former employee of the organization, that could necessitate an inquiry of the former employee re historical matters so as to gain the necessary "institutional knowledge" to testify.

It occurs to me that inherent within this procedural process is the need to convey factual/historical information to a corporate representative so that rep can testify as to the information known or available to the organization (similar to conveying factual information to an expert).  I cannot find direction from a court as to the application of the hearsay rule in such circumstances.

Has anyone run into hearsay problems with respect to the designated representative inquiring of other employees/former employees?   If so, how was it resolved?   Thanks in advance.

P.S. - If this is a ridiculously stupid question then I am asking it on behalf of Neal Sivyer.


Mahlon H. ("Tripp") Barlow
Sivyer Barlow & Watson, P.A.
401 East Jackson Street, Suite 2225 Tampa, Florida 33602
(813) 221-4242 - phone
(813) 227-8598 - fax  mbarlow at sbwlegal.com<mailto:mbarlow at sbwlegal.com>

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