Rachel Lary Breaks Down CEO Depositions and the Apex Doctrine on Emerging Litigation Podcast

July 31, 2025

Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC partner Rachel M. Lary was featured on the Emerging Litigation Podcast, where she shared insights on CEO depositions and the Apex Doctrine, a legal principle that protects high-ranking executives from being deposed unless they have unique, firsthand knowledge relevant to a case.

Drawing on her 20 years of litigation experience, Lary discussed:

• The key factors courts consider when deciding if a CEO’s deposition is warranted
• How plaintiffs may use deposition requests as leverage in corporate disputes
• Trends and recent rulings shaping the application of the Apex Doctrine across the U.S.

“The Apex Doctrine isn’t about shielding executives from accountability,” Lary said. “It’s about ensuring depositions are fair, efficient and focused on those with actual knowledge.”

Listen to the full episode here or wherever you get your podcasts.

Lary is a national litigator and partner in Lightfoot’s Product Liability and Business Litigation practice groups. She serves as trusted counsel to Fortune 500 companies and other clients, focusing on high-stakes product liability, medical malpractice and commercial litigation disputes.