Karen Fahr - November 28, 2018

Scheduling a court reporter in Italy for a U.S. deposition is fairly easy. However, we have a few recommendations to help streamline the process. Check out our latest infographic with the top six guidelines you should know before scheduling your depo in Italy.

Infographic: How to schedule a court reporter in Italy for a U.S. deposition

The Quick Rundown

1. Are their any deposition restrictions in Italy?
Good news – US depositions in Italy are permissible and in general, you can depose willing witnesses in Italy without any special formalities or involvement of foreign courts.

2. Can we choose the venue? Depositions in Italy can take place at the venue of your choosing, whether that be a hotel, law firm office, conference room, or videoconferencing facility.

3. How fast can we schedule a local court reporter in Italy for a U.S. deposition in Italy? Give yourself a minimum of 3-4 weeks to plan. The further you plan ahead, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to locate and book the right professionals for your deposition.

4. Options: Should the attorney attend the depo in-person or remotely? Thanks to better internet connectivity worldwide and the rise of web-based video conferencing programs, many new options have arisen for conducting international depositions. Although it is always best (and highly recommended) to have all parties present with the witness for the most reliable and clearest record, there are several different cost effective approaches that can also be taken. We highly recommend reading our blog article, International Depositions: What Are Your Options to see which choice best fits your firm.

5. Travel Tips for Italy

Visa Requirements: Attorney(s) with U.S. passport may enter Italy for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa.
Major Airport: Rome International Airport, FCO
No Dairy After Noon? Cappuccinos are customary in the morning, but Italians refrain from dairy post noon! Remember to order an espresso instead.
Bella Vista: For the best view of the city climb the 320 steps to the top of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

6. Every Situation, Covered. Optima Juris works with elite court reporters and legal professionals across the globe to make sure your deposition is in the right hands. Our local court reporters in Italy are trained and experienced in taking testimony for U.S depositions.