Karen Fahr - August 15, 2023

When it comes to getting ready for a deposition in Italy, it’s always a good idea to take some steps to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you’re planning to attend the deposition in person or remotely, you can do a few things to make the process easier and less stressful. With a little preparation and some helpful tips, you can feel confident and well-prepared for your deposition in Italy.

Carefully review the Italy guidelines and regulations established by the government for conducting depositions outside of the United States.

When taking a deposition from a willing witness in Italy, there are two procedures available. The first one is to have it be taken under Articles 15 through 18 of the Convention and is most often used for US citizens. This procedure allows a consular officer from the United States to take the witness’s testimony or a commissioner appointed by the American court, such as a private American attorney. In this case, no prior permission is required for depositions of American citizens, while the commissioner must arrange through local counsel for permission of the Court of Appeals in Italy, having jurisdiction over the deponent to take the testimony of non-U.S. citizens. The other procedure available to litigants under the Convention, Article 17, permits a commissioner (for example, a private American attorney) appointed by the American court to take the testimony of a witness of any nationality without compulsion.

If counsel intends to utilize videotape equipment for the purpose of recording the deposition, it is important to remember that special customs clearances must be obtained from appropriate Italian customs authorities. It is also necessary to ensure that American equipment is compatible with Italian electrical currents.

(source: Travel.State.Gov: Italy Judicial Assistance Information)

Organizing a US deposition in Italy may seem like a daunting task, but generally, it can be done without involving foreign courts or going through any special formalities. However, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure that all necessary preparations are taken care of in advance. This includes securing a venue, booking a local court reporter, and making all other arrangements needed for a smooth deposition.

Although Optima Juris has a court reporter located in Italy, it is important to plan ahead and confirm the deposition date. Due to the high demand for international court reporters, it’s advisable to schedule the reporter at least two weeks in advance to avoid any potential complications or scheduling conflicts.

If an attorney wants to conduct a deposition in Italy, it could be beneficial to hire a reliable legal provider like Optima Juris. Our expertise lies in international depositions, and we offer services for remote, hybrid, or in-person proceedings. With our assistance, attorneys can confidently navigate the ever-changing procedures and regulations of international depositions. We provide highly trained court reporters to create transcripts and skilled remote depo hosts to manage displays, mark exhibits, manage breakout rooms, and monitor connections for seamless proceedings. Additionally, we offer on-demand interpreters, document translators, and legal videographers for video court reporting.

Optima Juris is the ultimate choice for international deposition services. Our team has a thorough understanding of the unique requirements of legal professionals. We provide efficient and affordable deposition services in Italy.