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Travel Tips for International Depositions

by | May 12, 2015 | 0 Comments

International depositions require seamless coordination, flawless organization, and good timing.  Advanced planning and attention to detail are essential to ensure a successful outcome.  When traveling internationally for depositions, it is imperative that you be prepared and organized so that you can keep the focus on your case.  To ensure you can do just that, we suggest the checklist outlined below to keep the travel part simple.

Check your passport!  Generally speaking, when traveling internationally, it is best to have at least 6 months’ validity on your passport past your planned return date.  Also, make sure you have at least two blank pages for any entry/exit stamps.  A good rule of thumb to avoid any processing delays is to check your passport’s expiration date as soon as you start discussing deposition dates with opposing counsel.

Check visa requirements!  If a visa is required, you may be able to obtain the visa upon arrival, but some countries do require that you obtain your visa at an embassy prior to your arrival.  The application process time varies as well.  The State Department’s website provides visa and additional useful information for travelers (including travel alerts and warnings).

Check the weather!  It may be sunny and 75° in the United States, but hot and unbearably humid in Seoul, for example.  Be prepared (and appropriately packed!) by checking the weather – Weather Online UK provides worldwide weather maps and forecasts.  You can also get general climate information online; World Travel Guide gives a good general view of climates all over the world.

Check local currency/exchange!  World Travel Guide is again a good resource to check for this information.  You will want to know if using your credit card is an option, where you can change money, access ATMs which will accept your credit card, etc.  You can obtain information on the current exchange rate at Oanda.  You should also notify your bank that you will be traveling and to expect to see transactions from that country so that they don’t block legitimate charges.

Reserve your flight/hotel accommodations!  If you are working with an experienced international court reporting firm like Planet Depos, you may decide to use their hotel recommendations.  At this stage, you just need to ensure you have all your materials to depose your witness, grab your passport, visa (if needed), packed suitcase, and go.  Bon voyage!

For additional information on international depositions, please contact Planet Depos at 888-433-3767, or via email at international@planetdepos.com.

Planning Depositions in Spellbinding Italy

by | May 7, 2015 | 0 Comments

Italy is famed for her contributions to art throughout the ages (the David, the Sistine Chapel, the Mona Lisa, to name but a few), as well as her savory cuisine and the hospitality of her people.  Italy’s natural beauty, from Capri’s magnificent Blue Grotto to the Appenines running down central Italy from North to South, beckons to travelers around the world.  Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan are all favorite tourist destinations, historical treasure troves of gorgeous architecture representative of every major artistic movement.  Italy is certainly a destination high on many bucket lists.

Perhaps it is business that brings you to Italy – the home of a witness that you need to depose?

Voluntary depositions may be taken of willing witnesses in Italy, either on notice or pursuant to a court order before any United States Consular Officer.  According to the U.S. State Department’s site, consular involvement is optional for all depositions taking place in Italy.  See U.S. State Dept – Depositions in Italy for additional information regarding consular involvement in depositions in Italy.  It is always wise to check this site when you are scheduling a deposition abroad, as it has vital information pertaining to the legality of taking depositions in different countries.

A consular officer of the U.S. or a private attorney can take the voluntary deposition of a U.S. citizen in Italy without prior permission.  A U.S. consular officer or a private attorney can take the voluntary deposition of an Italian or third-country national, but would first have to secure the permission of the Court of Appeals with jurisdiction over the deponent.  Depositions can be taken at the U.S. Embassy in Rome or appropriate U.S. consulate (see U.S. Embassy – Rome to make arrangements), or at another location, such as a law office or hotel.

You should be able to rely on your court reporting firm to reserve a conference room for you at a hotel, if needed, and also to recommend a hotel for your own accommodations.  Rome or Florence can comfortably host your depositions — with luxurious hotels, to say nothing of sensational dining options.  Both cities burst with tourist attractions, and are easily accessible through international airports.  Both are also quite walkable (but watch out for motorists!).  In fact, it is highly recommended that you avoid the metro in Rome, as Rome’s pickpockets are notoriously sly and the metro is a favorite spot for them.

For more information on depositions in Italy or elsewhere in Europe, please contact Planet Depos at 888.433.3767, or by emailing international@planetdepos.com.

Meet the “Pink Ladies” of Oshika, Japan

by | Apr 7, 2015 | 0 Comments

By Tom Feissner

Each day, hundreds of women living along Japan’s Oshika Peninsula can be seen going to work in bright pink kappa emblazoned with heart-shaped Union Jacks. Kappas are a type of heavy-duty overall that have been used by Japanese fishermen for generations to protect themselves from the harsh environment of the sea. Without kappa, the men and women of Oshika’s many fishing villages would be unable to earn a living. The story of how the kappa of Oshika got their distinctive profile is the story of one woman’s compassion and determination to make a difference in the lives of people in distress.

The story begins on March 11, 2011, when a magnitude nine earthquake struck off the east coast of Honshu, the main island of Japan, causing a terrifying tsunami that devastated much of the country’s Tohoku region and resulted in the disaster at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. Those affected by the catastrophe lost their homes, their loved ones, and their livelihoods. The Oshika Peninsula, home to many small fishing communities of Miyagi Prefecture, was the closest part of Honshu to the epicenter of the earthquake. Four years later, the hardest-hit prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima continue their struggle to recover despite the government’s intensive reconstruction efforts.

In order to help the residents of this region reclaim their livelihoods and rebuild what was once a thriving part of the Japanese fishing industry, British author, lecturer, and entrepreneur Caroline Pover founded the Pink Ladies of Oshika Project. Having lived in Japan for many years, Caroline was especially touched by the plight of the women of Oshika and their families. She reasoned that disaster relief does not need to be costly to be effective, and so she came up with the idea of providing kappa to the women of Oshika as a way for individuals to reach out and provide assistance directly to those afflicted by the tsunami. According to Caroline, “This cheerful work wear gives something extremely practical to the people in the area, directly supporting their working lives.” The pink color of the kappa, she explains, “make(s) people smile, whether you are the person wearing one, or someone catching a glimpse of a Pink Lady hard at work.” The Pink Lady Project has been so successful that HRH Prince William made a special effort to meet the Pink Ladies and recognize Caroline for her efforts on his recent trip to Japan.

Just like Caroline Pover, we at Planet Depos believe there’s always a better way to get the job done, and we’re constantly striving to find new ways to make the litigation process more productive while minimizing costs. We provide the most comprehensive suite of litigation support services available, including realtime court reporting, live streaming video, and electronic document management to attorneys throughout the United States and around the world.

We further believe that no firm can truly be considered a leader in the service industry unless it is committed to serving the needs of its community as well as the needs of its clients. With court reporting and video teams located in Taipei, Seoul, Osaka, and Tokyo, Planet Depos – American Realtime considers itself an integral part of the Asian community. As such, we are proud to be the latest in the long list of sponsors who have provided kappa to women of Oshika, Japan.

To learn more about the Pink Ladies of Oshika Project, or to become a sponsor, click here:

http://www.carolinepover.info/2015/02/the-pink-ladies-of-oshika/

Safety Considerations When Covering Depositions and Arbitrations Abroad

by | Mar 24, 2015 | 0 Comments

By Neal Price

Recently, The Economist – Intelligence Unit, released a report entitled “The Safe Cities Index 2015: Assessing Urban Security in the Digital Age.”  It’s a very interesting read that reviews four different categories of safety and security to determine a ranking for the cities of the world – Digital Security, Health Security, Infrastructure Security, and Personal Safety.  After compiling all of the data and analyzing it, The Economist found Tokyo, Japan to be the safest city in the world.

While ranked as safe cities, you will still want to be as prepared as possible for any situation that may arise.  For instance, with Tokyo and Osaka located on the Ring of Fire and on the North Pacific Ocean, both are prone to earthquakes, volcanoes, and typhoons.  Hong Kong has recently experienced demonstrations that practically shut down portions of the downtown area causing major impacts on travel in the already bustling city.  What is a U.S. citizen to do if they are found in the crosshairs of a natural disaster or in the event of civil unrest when they are outside of the United States?  Where do they go?  Who can help?  The U.S. State Department has important tools for the traveler who is conscious about safety and security.

State Department Travel Warnings and Alerts – The U.S. State Department / Bureau of Consular Affairs lists travel warnings on their website in list form.  You can sort the list by country, by date, by the type of warning, or you can enter the specific country you will be visiting to see if there are any warnings or alerts.  When you click on the warning or alert, you will be taken to another page that explains the warning, gives a state-by-state breakdown, and also gives you additional resources, such as the locations for the U.S. Embassy in the given country, as well as the Consulates.  This is a treasure trove of information that is regularly updated, so check it often before you travel.

STEP – “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program” – The U.S. State Department also has a free subscription service where you can enroll to receive these warnings and alerts via email while you are traveling.  It is very simple to enroll in the STEP program.  Simply create an account, login and enter your upcoming trip details.  You can even include the trip details for multiple people who might be traveling together on the same trip.  The State Department sends travelers very specific information during the trip regarding the part of the country visited, which provides an additional layer of comfort for one’s safety and security.  The information regarding your trip is also sent to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate so that they may contact you in the event of an emergency.

So, when preparing to head off into the great unknown with nothing more than your suitcase and laptop bag, you’ll want to check ahead for any travel warnings, enroll in the STEP program, and let the State Department know where you’ll be and how you can be found just in case something unforeseen happens.  Safe travels – and Bon voyage!  一路順風 ごきげんよう！잘다녀오십시오!

For more information on taking depositions in Asia, please visit – https://planetdepos.com/locations/asia/

For more information on taking depositions in Europe, please visit – https://planetdepos.com/locations/europe/

Working in and Exploring Hong Kong

by | Mar 19, 2015 | 0 Comments

By Zach Hone

Working in and exploring the city of Hong Kong, located on the Southern coast of China, provides an interesting environment in which to conduct litigation matters, as well as a multitude of explorative experiences.

Although it is party to The Hague Evidence Convention, Mainland China prohibits the taking of depositions. As such, Hong Kong is logistically the most ideal city to depose witnesses who reside and work in Mainland China. Hong Kong has a plethora of international law firms and state-of-the-art conference facilities, giving lawyers options for where and how they conduct depositions, whether it is in person or via videoconference, renting out a fully staffed conference facility or partnering with a law firm.

The Planet Depos – American Realtime team has great passion for learning, exploring, and photographing cities in which we work. Through our own personal experiences, we would like to share some of the most interesting and exciting aspects of exploring Hong Kong.

The Top 3 Get-Away Attractions

Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden

The best way to travel here is via MTR, Hong Kong’s public railway transportation system. You can either buy an Octopus card or a one-way ticket to Diamond Hill on the Green Line. The process of purchasing and navigating is both straightforward and easy to manage. As you get off at Diamond Hill, there will be signs directing you to Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden, which should be about a 5-minute walk.

Chi Lin Nunnery is a Buddhist Temple complex established in 1934 and renovated in the Tang dynasty style in the 1990s. The buildings are wood framed without the use of iron nails. You will view immaculate gardens, temple halls, the Shakyamuni Buddha and other bodhisattvas.

Nan Lian Garden is an extremely well-kept garden area that is eloquently appointed. Each tree, branch, rock, and waterway is precisely placed and altered to specific methods. Beautiful and artfully done, you will be amazed as you walk through this masterpiece.

Tian Tian Buddha

Travel to the Big Buddha by MTR where you will exit the last stop called Tung Chung, off the Orange line. From there we recommend taking the cable car to view the statue of the Buddha up-close. The clear, glass-bottom cable car, which takes 25 minutes to reach the top, is a beautiful way to get a view of the natural side of Hong Kong. As you reach the peak, you will be amazed by the large brown statue out in the distance. It is then an awe-inspiring walk up to the base of the Buddha.

Lamma Island

Take the ferry at Pier 4 on Hong Kong Island to Yung Shue Wan. This 30-minute ferry ride allows the rider to see amazing views of the world-renowned Hong Kong cityscape. Grab a seat outside and take it all in. Once you dock on the island, follow the path through this quaint little town where there are plenty of great places to grab a bite. You can then continue on and take a hike up and through the hillsides where you will take in beautiful coastal views. A good place to target your hike is Lo So Shing Beach to grab a bit of sun and sand.

For more information on Hong Kong – https://planetdepos.com/locations/hong-kong/.

China Begins Issuing 10-year Visas

by | Dec 21, 2014 | 0 Comments

By Neal Price

For many years, U.S.-China relations have been strained; however, with President Obama’s recent trip to the Asia-Pacific region, tensions seem to be easing.  Evidence of this upturn in relations comes as China began issuing 10-year visas on November 11, 2014, at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Visa Office in Washington, D.C.  Under the agreement that was reached, most short-term business and tourist visas will be issued for 10 years.  This new agreement comes after 72-hour visa-free travel was allowed to major Chinese cities beginning in early 2013.  The “U.S. estimates that as a result of these visa changes, up to 7.3 million Chinese visitors are projected to visit by 2021, contributing about $85 billion per year to the American economy and supporting 440,000 new American jobs.”

Although the visas will be valid for 10 years, this in no way means that the strenuous visa process will be any easier. The documents required for visa processing are as follows:

  • Passport
  • Passport Photo
  • Visa Application Form
  • Flight Itinerary
  • $140.00 USD

The Chinese Embassy will not allow visa applications to be sent via mail service; therefore, the applications must be delivered to the nearest Consulate in your jurisdiction by hand.  It is our understanding that the visa will be valid even if the passport expires.  When traveling to China with the visa in an expired passport, simply bring it and the valid passport, and Chinese immigration should allow entrance.

China is a party to The Hague Evidence Convention; however, depositions are prohibited.  According to the State Department’s website, “Participation in such activity could result in the arrest, detention or deportation of the American attorneys and other participants;” however,

depositions of Chinese Nationals can be taken in Hong Kong or Taiwan.  Although depositions cannot be taken in Mainland China, site inspections can and do proceed within the country.  With proper planning, you might be one of the very first people with a brand new 10-year visa to China.

For more information on depositions in China, or to schedule your site inspection, contact our International Scheduling team at international@planetdepos.com or 888-433-3767.  We stand ready to assist you.

A Thousand Paper Cranes for Peace

by | Dec 2, 2014 | 0 Comments

By Renee Kelch, RPR, CLR

However much you think you know about something, you never really fully understand it until you see it firsthand.  This fact became evident to me on my first trip to Hiroshima in October.  I had seen the photographs of the “Atomic Bomb Dome” and read accounts of the devastation in textbooks, but until I saw the artifacts of war with my own eyes, I didn’t have nearly the complete story.  I knew, of course, of the ravages of war, but when I walked the historical parks of Hiroshima and saw the vibrancy of this city of over a million people – a center of Japanese culture, cuisine, and education – I understood the reality of the city beyond its place in history.

I had seen news reports of the young girl, Sadako, who died of leukemia at age 12, ten years after being exposed to the bomb’s radiation.  I knew something of Sadako’s “1,000 origami cranes for peace,” but I did not know her full story until I visited Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima.  The crane is a mystical animal in Japan that is said to live for a thousand years.  According to an ancient Japanese story, anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish.

The museum contains photographs of Sadako, and alongside her story is a display of some of the origami cranes that she folded.  A statue of Sadako at the park is inscribed, “This is our cry. This is our prayer. Peace in the world.”

To this day, children from around the world send origami cranes to Hiroshima, where they are displayed in the Peace Memorial Park.  Seeing these artifacts in person lent them a power and a presence of Sadako – and her 1,000 cranes – as a symbol of innocent victims of war that is not transmitted through distant images alone.

The Rubber Duck Project Comes to Seoul

by | Nov 4, 2014 | 0 Comments

Rubber Duck Project by Thomas K. Feissner, CLVS

Rubber Duck Project by Thomas K. Feissner, CLVS

Seokchon Lake in Seoul, South Korea is the latest stop on The Rubber Duck Project’s world tour, and the Planet Depos – American Realtime Asia Team was on hand this week to find out what was causing all the excitement.

Conceived by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman in 2007, The Rubber Duck Project consists of a series of immense floating sculptures that culminate in the largest rubber duck in the world, measuring 85 x 66 x 105 ft. and weighing in at a hefty 1,300 lbs.

More than just a stunt for the Guinness Book of World Records, the purpose of The Rubber Duck Project is to “heal wounds” and “relieve tension” wherever it goes by tapping into everyone’s childhood memories.  According to Hofman’s website:  “The Rubber Duck knows no frontiers, it doesn’t discriminate [against] people and doesn’t have a political connotation.”

The Rubber Duck Project is on display in Seoul from October 14 through November 14, 2014.

The Rubber Duck Project is on display in Seoul from October 14 through November 14, 2014.

In keeping with its theme of “Spreading Joy Around the World,” The Rubber Duck Project has traveled to cities including Amsterdam, Osaka, Sydney, Sao Paulo, Hong Kong, Pittsburgh, Beijing, Los Angeles and Vancouver in an effort to accomplish its mission.

Like The Rubber Duck Project, Planet Depos travels around the globe in order to accomplish its mission of providing the latest in realtime court reporting, live streaming testimony and videography services to attorneys no matter where in the world they happen to be.

To find out how Planet Depos can make it happen for you, call (888) 433-3767 or contact us at international@planetdepos.com

Celebrating Scholarship at the Tenjin Matsuri Parade

by | Aug 26, 2014 | 0 Comments

Renee Kelch of Planet Depos – American Realtime, and her husband Ken, celebrated the Tenjin Matsuri festival in Osaka, Japan on July 25.

As Renee described it, “The festivities were so beautiful and the atmosphere so exciting, that we not only photographed it, but also joined in the procession as it headed to the Ogawa River.”

The shrine that Renee and Ken photographed here weighs approximately 2,000 pounds.  Many of the 3,000 people who participated in the parade dressed in the Imperial court style of the 8th – 12th Centuries. It was a parade of intense beauty.

Once the parade reached the Ogawa River, the participants boarded boats at Tenmabashi Bridge and sailed upstream. The festival was capped off by a gigantic 2-hour fireworks display up and down the river.

The Tenjin Matsuri festival is one of the three greatest festivals of Japan, and has been held annually in Osaka for over 1,000 years. It honors the deity of scholarship, Sugawara Michizane.

Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival Heralds Time of Rededication

by | May 15, 2014 | 0 Comments

Seoul-Lotus-Lantern-Festival-300x224Each spring, the life and example of Gautama Buddha are celebrated throughout Asia. In Korea, this celebration is best exemplified by the annual Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival.  This three-day event is a flurry of colorful parades and lively events that literally bring the city to a standstill.  More than a giant party, it is also an opportunity for the followers of Buddhism to rededicate themselves to the tenets of their faith. Buddhism dictates that, in the lighting of a lotus lantern, one commits to doing good in the world and being a proverbial light in the darkness.

We at Planet Depos take inspiration from Gautama Buddha and his mission as we rededicate ourselves to the tenets of our profession.  The most solemn of these tenets is ensuring the integrity of the record.  Only by maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards in the court reporting industry can this be accomplished. Planet Depos would therefore like to take this opportunity to renew our commitment to providing the very best in court reporting, videography, and litigation support services throughout the United States, Asia and the world.

(Photos by Tom Feissner, Certified Legal Video Specialist, Planet Depos, Seoul, South Korea.)

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