Law Humor

By Judge Jerry Buchmeyer

From Robert J. Malinak of Houston (Baker & Botts), this excerpt from a deposition in a case involving the alleged wrongful termination of an insurance company. The witness, an employee of the agency, was represented by Richard Tate of San Antonio (Kendrick & Pipkin). Robert's questions are "probing" the plaintiff's damage claims.

Q. You are still compensated on a percentage of your commissions?

A. Yes.

Q. What was your 1991 compensation?

A. Let me get my years straight here.

Q. Last year.

A. Last year. My compensation?

Q. Your compensation. How much you had to report to the IRS.

A. To IRS to pay taxes on, I believe it was $116,000.

Q. How about '90, do you remember that?

A. I can take a stab.

Mr. Tate: Don't speculate.

Q. Again, I wouldn't hold you to it. I am just trying to get a general feel for where you were going and where you were coming from. I don't want to subpoena your tax return. I'm not interested in a precise number.

A. Can I get a drink?

Full post as published by Say What! on January 07, 2008 (boomark / email).