5 Simple Tips to Make Foreign Depositions Successful

By: Colleen Jilio-Ryan | Posted in: Deposition

Taking depositions can be difficult. When you are dealing with foreign depositions, they come with their own set of unique challenges. With the following tips, you can make your foreign deposition a successful one.

1. Know the culture – There is enough stress in the situation itself without adding more. Learn the most important social requirements of the person you are working with. Things like the distance away, which involve handing over paper to a person, and many other things you don’t think about can make a big difference.

2. Hire an interpreter – Knowing the language is one thing, but the interpreter will need to know the dialect and legal terms. Legalese is a language all its own. When you add a foreign language to the picture, things can get misinterpreted easily if the interpreter is not well-versed in all three areas.

3. Have a willing witness – Trying to get a deposition from someone who isn’t willing to talk will make things nearly impossible. Make sure your witness is relaxed and willing to work with you.

4. Know the laws – Legalities regarding depositions vary across borders. It is essential that you not only know what local laws are in place, but that you also know what possible loopholes you can use.

5. Enlist help – If you are unable to get to your witness or bring him to you, reach out to someone who has ready access to the area and witness. Sometimes that can make the difference between actually getting the deposition or coming up empty-handed.