It’s time for another segment of International Deposition Tips with Optima Juris. Kimberlee Castro, Director of Scheduling and Global Deposition Expert, explains the rules and regulations for setting up a U.S. deposition in China. If you are a lawyer, paralegal, or legal professional looking to organize a deposition in China, you will want to watch this…
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Category: Info For Attorneys
Live Coverage of STARCON16
Are you ready for STARCON16? This not-to-be-missed conference, hosted by the Society for the Technological Advancement of Reporting (STAR), brings together the best minds in the court reporting industry for robust seminars and workshops on the development and advancement of technology. As the driving force behind state-of-the-art court reporting technology, STAR provides a platform for members to present their ideas to product manufacturers in one united voice. And you can be…
Continue readingInternational Deposition Tips: How to Swear in a Witness Abroad
We are back for another segment of International Deposition Tips with Optima Juris. In our over fifteen years of experience organizing depositions abroad, the most common question we receive from clients is: We have a foreign witness we need to depose outside the U.S. What should we do to ensure that the oath is administered correctly? Luckily, the…
Continue readingInternational Deposition Tips: Depos in the UK
It’s another segment of International Deposition Tips with Optima Juris. This week, Kimberlee Castro, Director of Scheduling and Global Deposition Expert, shares her helpful tips and knowledge on setting up a U.S. deposition in the United Kingdom. This is a must watch for all lawyers, paralegals, and legal professionals looking to organize a deposition in the…
Continue readingInternational Deposition Tips: First Step to Setting Up a Depo Outside the U.S.
We are very excited to unveil our first video from our brand new video series, International Deposition Tips. The entire Optima Juris team will be sharing insider tips, advice, guides, and information about international depositions in these quick and easy-to-view videos. First up we have Optima Juris CEO, Ian Hardy, explaining the first step to…
Continue readingInternational Depositions: 3 Tips Every Organizer Should Know
Are you ready to pull your hair out trying to figure out how to plan a U.S. depo in another country? Rest assured that international depositions happen all the time and organizing one can be a simple, stress-free process. Simply follow these three essential tips and you can have a tidy and successful deposition abroad – benefiting your clients and your bottom line. Tip 1: Plan ahead Planning an international deposition requires time. We recommended giving yourself a four week leeway. Of course, it’s…
Continue readingVideo: How to Set Up a Deposition in Germany
Global Deposition Expert and Director of Scheduling, Kimberlee Castro, explains how to set up a U.S. deposition in Germany with complete success and minimal stress. Although taking a deposition in Germany can have its challenges, they are 100% possible and Kimberlee personally helps organize them all the time. About Us Optima Juris has been helping…
Continue readingCase Study: Multi-city, multi-day deposition in France
Here at Optima Juris we absolutely love helping our clients find solutions to difficult or challenging international depositions. We recently had a client who needed our help setting up several depositions with interpreters in two locations in France. Of course, we were more than ready to tackle the project. The Challenge: A pharmaceutical company needed…
Continue readingBrexit Not Expected to Affect US Depositions in the United Kingdom
Just days after Britain voted to leave the European Union and shocked the world, the Brexit vote continues to create havoc on global markets as the value of the pound tumbled. The Bank for International Settlements said there is likely to be a “period of uncertainty and adjustment” in the aftermath of Britain’s decision to…
Continue readingDay One: 2016 NCRA Firm Owners Conference
After a long day of travels I have made it to beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico for the 2016 NCRA Firm Owners Conference. The event, which is designed exclusively for owners and managers of court reporting and captioning firms, is being held for the first time in the Caribbean, and I have zero complaints about…
Continue readingDepositions in Kuwait – What You Can and Can't Do
Luckily, depositions of willing witnesses in Kuwait are pretty straight forward and usually do not require any special formalities or involvement of foreign courts. Here is the latest official info on taking depos in Kuwait, taken from the U.S. Department of State website https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/Judicial-Assistance-Country-Information/Kuwait.html: Voluntary depositions may be conducted in Kuwait regardless of the nationality…
Continue readingBackstage at the NCRA Firm Owners Conference
Every year court reporting executives come together to discuss innovation and the future of the court reporting industry at the NCRA Firm Owners Executive Conference. This is one of NCRA’s most prestigious events and the largest gathering of court reporting firm owners and managers in the world. Optima Juris President and Founder, Ian Hardy, will…
Continue readingInfographic: 5 Tips for Swearing In a Witness Abroad
Have a witness you need to depose in a foreign country? Wondering how you can administer the oath correctly? There are a number of possible solutions available for swearing in a witness outside of the U.S. Our quick and easy infographic provides some practical suggestions based on our extensive experience scheduling depositions abroad. Need More?…
Continue readingSpotlight: Meet Walter Chiriboga, our Exclusive U.S. Court Reporter in Mexico
The Optima Juris family is growing and we are very excited to introduce you to our latest team addition, Walter Chiriboga. Walter is a retired United States Marine, die-hard Yankees and Jets fan, and a U.S. court reporter based in Mexico. As a certified court reporter with over 19 years of experience, Walter will be working…
Continue readingOptima Juris 2015 Year in Review
It was another fantastic year for Optima Juris with depositions around the world, amazing clients, and lots and lots of fun. Check out what we got up to in 2015. Optima Juris has been helping law offices across the globe find the highest quality certified court reporters, legal videographers, and interpreters for over 15 years. If…
Continue readingGiving to Charities | The True Meaning of the Holiday Season
The holidays are here and it is the perfect time to reflect on what this time of year is truly all about. While decorations, festive dinners, and non-stop shopping sprees are icons of the season, connecting with people is at the core of what makes any holiday special. Giving to those in need brings us all…
Continue readingDid You Know? Thanksgiving Fun Facts Infographic
Thanksgiving is almost here and that means time for family, feasting, watching football, and shopping until you drop. As we here at Optima Juris get prepared to say our thanks for this wonderful year, we thought you might enjoy these fun facts about Thanksgiving. Optima Juris has been helping law offices across the globe find the…
Continue readingInfographic: Mini Guide to Interpretation for International Depositions
Interpreters play a huge role in most international depositions. The right interpreter can be the difference between success and disaster, so it is important to understand interpreting basics. Here is our mini guide to interpretation for international depositions. Optima Juris has been helping law offices across the globe find the highest quality certified interpreters for…
Continue readingInfographic: Insider's Guide to Depositions in China
Are depositions in China possible? We get asked this question all the time and while it may look impossible, you can get the deposition you need from a witness who resides in China. Click on the infographic below to see our Insider’s Guide to Depositions in China and feel free to contact us with any questions you may…
Continue readingInfographic: Labor Day Fun Facts
Optima Juris would like to celebrate this Labor Day with an appreciative thank you to all the hardworking lawyers, paralegals, secretaries, and countless legal professionals here in the United States and throughout the world. Enjoy the infographic below highlighting a selection of interesting & fun Labor Day facts. We would also like to thank all…
Continue readingInfographic: 3 Key Factors for a Successful Deposition in Germany
Planning a deposition in Germany can sometimes seem a little overwhelming. With all the rules and regulations it is easy to get lost in the mix. But have no fear! At Optima Juris we have been successfully organizing depositions in Germany for the past 15 years and we know what it takes to make a…
Continue readingObtaining Discovery Abroad with Virtual Presence Technology
Technology is all around us – connecting us closer to the world than ever before. In recent years, the use of teleconferencing technology to depose a foreign witness has become a smart financial choice to offset rising legal business travel expenses. Of course, nothing beats physically being present; and thanks to videoconferencing advancements and high-bandwidth…
Continue readingTipping Etiquette for International Depositions
Awareness about the tipping customs in foreign locales can come in handy, especially when traveling for an international deposition. While it’s difficult to cover the tipping etiquette of all countries in a single post, here are some we think you’ll find useful when budgeting for your next international deposition. AFRICA MOROCCO At restaurants 10% is…
Continue readingOrganizing a U.S. Deposition in India
India is an enormous and varied country with a plenitude of languages, culinary taste and history. As an emerging global powerhouse, India is on track to overtake China as the world’s largest economy by 2030, and projected to grow more than 30 percent in the information technology sector by the end of 2015. As India’s…
Continue readingFor Attorneys: Top 7 International Golf Courses
After a long day of international deposition proceedings, it’s great to rejuvenate mentally with one of life’s many pleasures, golfing. Hitting the links is not only a proven stress reliever, but playing in majestically landscaped courses can provide an experience to retune all your senses. With 15 years of providing international deposition services, we know…
Continue reading5 Helpful Tips to Working With an Interpreter for an International Deposition
Language barriers are often a hurdle when dealing with litigation abroad. Finding the right interpreter for your law firm to handle these language differences can mean the difference between success and disaster. An experienced, professionally certified interpreter can ensure that your international deposition runs as smoothly and headache-free as possible. Here are 5 tips to…
Continue readingThe Insider’s Guide to Depositions in China
China is one of those countries where lots of questions about setting-up a depo frequently pop-up in my inbox. Although not the friendliest to U.S. depositions taking place on their soil, there are a few ways to get the testimony you need from a witness who resides in China. 1. Basics in China Law Even…
Continue reading3 Key Factors For Successful Depositions in Germany
Although organizing depositions in Germany can have its challenges, we have found that by taking the right steps you can be sure to make it a success. Follow these basic guidelines and your next deposition in Germany will run as smoothly as it would in the U.S. Start Planning Early for Depositions in Germany If…
Continue readingOptions for Deposing a Witness in Brazil
When most people think of Brazil they think of beautiful beaches and the colors of Carnival. When I think of Brazil I think of tricky depositions and creative thinking. Brazil currently forbids the taking of depositions for use in U.S. courts. Although this can sound like a no win situation there are options to getting…
Continue readingFor Attorneys: How to Get the Best Transcript When Conducting an International Deposition
Creating a good record is essential in any deposition, but when conducting a deposition in another country it is absolutely imperative that you achieve a clear and accurate transcript for your case. For depos in foreign countries, the clarity of the record is often complicated by witnesses with strong accents, the difficulties of working with…
Continue readingHow to Look Good While Traveling for an International Deposition – Part 2
In Part 1 of our article “How to Look Good While Traveling for an International Deposition” we went over how to prepare for your flight and what you should wear. But what about when you are on the plane? Check out our in-flight tips on how to look and feel your best when traveling for…
Continue readingHow to Look Good While Traveling for an International Deposition – Part 1
U.S. depositions can take place in any city and country around the world! While traveling to new and exotic places can be fun and exciting, looking and feeling great while doing so can often feel like a lost art form. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you look your best when traveling…
Continue readingInternational Deposition Travel Tips: How to Avoid Jet Lag
If you are an attorney, paralegal, or court reporter traveling for a deposition being held in a country half way around the globe, chances are that you will have a problem adjusting to the new time zone. Jet lag can be a real burden, especially when you know your depo will be require you to…
Continue readingPlanning an International Deposition – Guidelines for Attorneys Part 2
In Part 1 of our article “Planning an International Deposition – Guidelines for Attorneys” we discussed how to handle setting up a deposition abroad with a willing witness. But what if you have an unwilling witness that must be compelled to appear? There are mechanisms in place to facilitate this under international law, which…
Continue readingPlanning an International Deposition – Guidelines for Attorneys – Part I
Depending on the country in which the foreign witness is located, setting up a deposition abroad in a civil or commercial matter may be easier than you think. This article provides some general guidelines for U.S. attorneys who wish to organize the depositions of foreign-based witnesses. Step 1: Review the Relevant Code of Civil Procedure…
Continue readingDeposing a Willing Witness in New Zealand
Even though they are not a party to the Hague Evidence Convention, New Zealand does allow the deposition of willing witnesses without any special formalities or involvement of foreign courts. Here is the official statement from the U.S. Department of State website about taking voluntary depositions of willing witnesses in New Zealand https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/Judicial-Assistance-Country-Information/NewZealand0.html: Voluntary depositions…
Continue readingInternational Depositions 101: A Preview
Optima Juris President Ian Hardy will be presenting his exclusive seminar, “International Depositions 101,” at the NCRA Convention & Expo this Friday 8/1/14. We are so excited about this event that we wanted to give you a little preview of what’s in store: Where do international depos happen? Everywhere in the world! Some spots, however,…
Continue readingCountdown to the NCRA Convention & Expo
Optima Juris is proud to be an NCRA member and the only 100% American international deposition agency* As a California registered company, run from Los Angeles, we pride ourselves on providing American high standards of service, all over the world. Your requests are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Beware of…
Continue readingTaking Voluntary Depositions of Willing Witnesses in Turkey
Need to depose a willing witness in Turkey? You are in luck. Turkey is a signatory to the Hague Evidence Convention and in general you can depose willing witnesses without any special formalities or involvement of foreign courts. Below, is the latest official info on taking depos in Turkey, taken from the U.S. Department of…
Continue readingDepositions in 2014 | What's in Store?
Optima Juris is coming to the NCRA Convention & Expo! In a few weeks, July 31 – August 3, 2014, the NCRA will be hosting its annual Convention & Expo in San Francisco. This much talked about event is the largest annual gathering of court reporters, captioners, CART providers, scopists, legal videographers, trial presenters, and other…
Continue readingDeposing a Willing Witness in the Philippines
Although not a party to the Hague Evidence Convention, the Philippines allows the deposition of willing witnesses without any special formalities or involvement of foreign courts. Here is the official statement from the U.S. Department of State website about taking voluntary depositions of willing witnesses in the Philippines https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/Judicial-Assistance-Country-Information/Philippines.html: Philippine authorities have advised the U.S….
Continue readingHow to Depose Willing Witnesses in Finland
Finland is one of the easier, less restrictive places to schedule a deposition. As a signatory to the Hague Evidence Convention, you can depose willing witnesses in Finland without any special formalities or involvement of foreign courts. Here is the latest official info on taking depos in Finland, taken from the U.S. Department of State…
Continue readingDeposing a Witness in Spain | What You Need to Know
As with other European countries, Spain is a relatively easy place to schedule a deposition. Because it is a signatory to the Hague Evidence Convention, in general, you can depose willing witnesses without any special formalities or involvement of foreign courts. Below, please find the latest official info on taking depos in Spain, taken from…
Continue readingCan I Depose a Willing Witness in Thailand?
Although not a party to the Hague Evidence Convention, Thailand allows the deposition of willing witnesses without any special formalities or involvement of foreign courts. Here at Optima Juris, we arrange depositions regularly in Thailand and are pleased to report a 100% success rate. This is the official statement from the U.S. Department of State…
Continue readingAfrica Court Reporter Regional Resource
Depending on your deposition country, Africa can be among the most challenging destinations for deposition work. The situation varies widely from country to country, and can shift over time; so please contact us for country-specific details. But don’t worry: depositions do happen here and we organize a great many of them every year. Currency In…
Continue readingThe Lowdown on Depositions in Europe: Part 3 of 3
In Part 1 of 3 in this article series we presented you with an overview of subject of organizing and conduction U.S. depositions in Europe. Click here to read The Lowdown on Depositions: Part 1 of 3 In Part 2 of 3 in the article series we go into detail about the legal steps that are required…
Continue readingThe Lowdown on Depositions in Europe: Part 2 of 3
In Part 1 of 3 in this article series we presented you with an overview of subject of organizing and conduction U.S. depositions in Europe. Click here to read The Lowdown on Depositions: Part 1 of 3 In this article we go into detail about the legal steps that are required to complete the international deposition…
Continue readingThe Lowdown on Depositions in Europe: Part 1 of 3
Do you have an upcoming deposition to plan in Europe, or are you considering conducting one there in the future? This article contains an insider’s overview of the U.S. deposition scene in Europe, offering some useful tips and tricks, as well as some warnings about pitfalls to avoid. Please read on for all the details…
Continue readingThe Definitive FAQ for Taking U.S. Depositions Abroad, Part II
This is the second part of The Definitive FAQ for Taking U.S. Depositions Abroad article. You can find Part I here. If you have any questions about this subject feel free to leave a comment or reply to us on our Optima Juris Facebook Page 6. Will legal video shot in a foreign country play correctly…
Continue readingLegal Industry iPad 2 Apps – A Comprehensive List
Top iPad Apps Throughout the week we have tweeted, posted on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Tumblr some really impressive iPad 2 apps that can be of real use for Attorneys, Paralegals, Court Reporters or Legal Videographers. Instead of letting this list get lost in the socialshpere we put it all together for you in a comprehensive…
Continue readingTop 17 iPad 2 Apps for the Legal Industry (Attorneys and Court Reporters)
Top 17 iPad 2 Apps for the Legal Industry In celebration of the launch of Optima Juris we are giving away a brand new iPad 2. If you want to enter just go to our Optima Juris Facebook Page and sign up to WIN! With this in mind we put together a list a Top iPad…
Continue readingTechnology and International Depositions, Part I
Like every other field of human endeavor, technology plays un undeniable role in how U.S. depositions are conducted abroad. This article is the first in a series where we’ll explore how technology can be harnessed to make foreign depositions easier and less expensive. Low Tech but Still Useful: Telephonic Depositions One of the main costs…
Continue readingSwearing in Witnesses Abroad: A Primer
In our twelve years of experience organizing depositions abroad, the most common question my agency receives from clients is as follows: We have a foreign witness we need to depose outside the U.S. What should we do to ensure that the oath is administered correctly? Luckily, the answer to that question is probably less complicated…
Continue readingHow to Conduct a Deposition Abroad
Attorneys: get ready! In our globalized world, more and more cases involve testimony from witnesses residing abroad. When this happens, you may find yourself getting geared up to take that flight into a foreign country, with the aim of nailing that crucial testimony for your matter pending in a U.S. jurisdiction. What are the steps…
Continue readingThe Lowdown on Depositions in Africa
Depending on your deposition country, Africa can be among the most challenging destinations for deposition work. The situation varies widely from country to country, and can shift over time; so please contact us for country-specific details. But don’t worry: depositions do happen here and we organize a great many of them every year. Here is…
Continue readingYour Guide To Enjoying Global Depositions
The Joy of Doing Global Depositions Let’s face it: global depos can be hard to do. Those of us who do them for a living know that arranging depositions abroad entails a lot of preparation, along with a fair share of stressful moments. In the midst of all the hard work, however, there’s one thing…
Continue readingWhen Arranging Your Global Depo, Don’t Forget To Plan For Exhibits! Part II
Continuing from Part I. In Part II discusses several answers to the question of dealing with moving your mountains of exhibits, depending on the kind of country you’re working in, the relative quantity of exhibit pages, and your budget. Here are the different options: 1) Bring Your Exhibits on the Plane It’s simple: you pack…
Continue readingWhen Arranging Your Global Depo, Don’t Forget To Plan For Exhibits! Part I
It’s happening: you have an important deposition scheduled to take place in a foreign country, and you’ve wisely followed all of the advice on this blog. You’ve found a great local court reporter, with experience working in the country of your deposition. You’ve acted far in advance to line up travel for the attorneys: visas,…
Continue readingWhat You Should Know About The Hague Evidence Convention, Signatory Countries
Depending on the nature of your case, one important factor in deciding how best to organize your deposition abroad is to determine whether the country you’ll need to depose your witness in is a party to the Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters, more commonly known as the Hague…
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