Depositions abroad require a little extra patience, time and, sometimes, creativity to coordinate. Working with an international court reporting agency for your depositions in Europe makes the process less daunting, more manageable, and your trip to Europe more enjoyable! Read on for a few tips on taking depositions in Europe.
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Can you even take a deposition? Countries which always (or nearly always) require travel for your willing witness include:
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Russia (Finland is an excellent nearby option, as you can depose a willing witness of any nationality here, with no restrictions or burdensome requirements)
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Denmark (Netherlands makes a perfect alternative, for the same reasons Finland is a good option for your Russian witness)
2. Know Your Hague: Is your depo destination a party to The Hague Evidence Convention? Most of the European countries that leap to mind are: France, Germany, and the U.K. The Hague Evidence Convention often means prior permission is required from that country’s Hague Central Authority for citizens of the respective country, or third-party nationals, though not U.S. citizens. Check with your court reporting agency if you are unsure of any special Hague Evidence Convention requirements. They can walk you through it.
3. Location Matters: Are you required to take depositions on U.S. Embassy/Consulate grounds? Germany does require that all depositions take place at the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. France also requires depositions take place on U.S. Embassy grounds, but regularly allows exceptions due to lack of space availability at the various Embassies.
4. Book your interpreter early! Interpreters throughout Europe are in high demand and book far in advance.
5. Book your reporter and videographer early, too! Court reporting teams in Europe tend to be booked weeks in advance. This is
particularly true in the U.K., so it is best to finalize dates early and lock in your team in advance. Flexibility on dates is helpful as well.
6. Consider videoconferencing or even mobile videoconferencing to save on cost to your client. Videoconferencing of any kind is not an option for depositions held on U.S. Embassy or Consulate grounds, however. Check with your court reporting agency to see if videoconferencing is an option worth exploring.
7. Check your passport! It is always recommended that you have at least 6 months’ validity from your departure date on your passport for any international travel.
8. Check out your destination! In the event you will have some leisure time, you may want to consider asking the court reporter for tips on restaurants, historical and cultural hotspots or just unique places to visit during your trip. You’re in Europe, for crying out loud. Make the most of it!
