Although global travel has essentially been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still plan ahead for your next deposition abroad so you hit the ground running. We’re bringing you spotlights on some unique cities and countries around the globe so that your next deposition can go smoothly once things are back to normal. We previously did a spotlight on depositions in Slovakia, and today we’re taking a look at Modugno, Italy.
A view of Modugno, Italy
International Deposition Spotlight: Modugno, Italy
We pride ourselves on being able to schedule depositions anywhere the law permits – from Tokyo to London and everywhere in-between. While most international depositions are taken in the populous capitals of Europe and Asia, we are also well-equipped to schedule jobs in small towns. While a bit more challenging to arrange, these are some of our most memorable depositions as they provide one-of-a-kind settings. Working in Modugno, Italy is a particularly strong example of our ability to make it happen in a sleepy town while enjoying the local flavor.
As with all depositions in Italy, U.S. citizens may be deposed without restrictions or special requirements on the grounds that their testimony is voluntary and not coerced. Prior permission is required, however, if the deponent is an Italian or third-party national. Information on this process can be found on the U.S. State Department’s website and The Hague Evidence Convention’s website.
Two of the most important factors to consider when scheduling depositions in small towns are the deposition location and travel for the team. Small towns, naturally, will not have the robust facilities commonly found in big cities. Dedicated videoconferencing facilities are exceptionally rare, so it is best to have all participants appear on location or utilizing mobile videoconferencing – a common, effective solution. Fortunately, most hotels have strong, stable internet connections, even in small towns.
Speaking of hotels, it is important to consider the travel required for the court reporter and any other team members. Depositions in small towns should be scheduled as far in advance as possible to ensure that travel can be booked at a reasonable price. A last-minute deposition in an obscure village cannot move forward if the reporter has nowhere to sleep, after all!
Fortunately, when scheduling depositions in Modugno, we were able to arrange hotel stays for our reporter and videographers at the same hotel that hosted the deposition space. The space itself was a wine cellar dating back to the 12th century – certainly not your typical location for a deposition! The room was a fusion of old and new; with ethernet cords and stenographer machines adjacent to wine barrels and centuries-old bricks. With such a limited selection of deposition venues in small areas, we pride ourselves on our creative solutions to matters that we sometimes take for granted in big cities!
Though depositions in obscure venues pose unique challenges, they are not insurmountable. Depositions such as the ones we have scheduled in Modugno require creative solutions to our usual scheduling process, but the end results are the same: smooth, reliable depositions in one-of-a-kind locations.
Planet Depos has been covering depositions around the world for over a decade. With court reporters, videographers, and interpreters everywhere, we can cover proceedings anywhere it is legal to do so, in cities big or small. For more information on international depositions, or to schedule contact international@planetdepos.com or schedule online.