Taking the CEO's Deposition
Last week a federal judge in Galveston ordered the CEO of British Petroleum, Lord Browne to give his deposition in connection with the case arising out of the explosion at the BP refinery in Texas City. The explosion resulted in 15 deaths and numerous injuries. Lawsuits arising out of the accident are pending in both the State Courts of Galveston County, Texas and the Federal Court in located in Galveston.
The attempt to take the deposition of a high ranking official of a publicly traded company is not an uncommon strategy. While I cannot comment on the reasons that Lord Browne's deposition is being sought, it can often be utilized for publicity purposes or simply to make life difficult for the defendant and its lawyers. The philosophy being that if the CEO is made to appear and answer questions, he will be more inclined
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