When a case abroad turns on documents, data, or testimony located in the United States, 28 U.S.C. § 1782 is often the fastest route to that evidence. But it has to be filed in a U.S. federal court by U.S. counsel. We serve as that counsel — working alongside you, the foreign lawyer who owns the matter.
Why refer the U.S. side to us
- We focus on § 1782. Identifying the right district, building the application, filing, and defending it on a motion to quash is what this practice does.
- You keep your client. We act as U.S. co-counsel on the discovery application. The underlying matter, and the client relationship, remain yours.
- We move fast. § 1782 applications are often filed ex parte and can be authorized in weeks. We treat them with the urgency cross-border matters demand.
- We speak your language as lawyers. Clear scope, a tight subpoena, and a declaration that fits your foreign proceeding — coordinated with you across time zones.
How co-counsel works
- You bring the matter. Tell us the foreign proceeding (court, government/regulatory, or contemplated), what evidence you need, and who in the U.S. holds it.
- We assess fit. We confirm § 1782 is available — the right kind of tribunal (post-ZF Automotive), an "interested person," and a target "found" in a U.S. district — and flag the Intel considerations.
- We build and file. We prepare the petition, coordinate the supporting declaration with you, draft a narrowly targeted subpoena, and file in the correct district — usually ex parte.
- We carry it through. We serve the subpoena, respond to any motion to quash, and deliver the produced evidence back to you for use in your proceeding.
What we handle, end to end
- District selection and target analysis ("resides or is found");
- The § 1782 petition and memorandum;
- Coordination of the supporting declaration with foreign counsel;
- A proposed order and a narrowly drawn subpoena (documents or deposition);
- Ex parte filing and service;
- Opposition to motions to quash or modify;
- Delivery of the produced documents, data, or testimony to you.
Fee arrangements
We offer flexible arrangements — typically a flat fee or hourly engagement for the § 1782 application, scoped to the matter. Referral and co-counsel arrangements are available where permitted, and any division of fees is handled in writing and consistent with the applicable rules of professional conduct, with client consent. We'll agree the structure with you up front, before any work begins.
Have a matter that may need U.S. evidence?
Send us the basics of your foreign proceeding and what you're trying to obtain. We'll give you a candid read on § 1782 and how we'd handle it as your co-counsel.
Discuss a referral Email us directlyUseful background: The Complete Guide to § 1782 · How an application is filed · § 1782 vs. letters rogatory · What's changed since ZF
This page is attorney advertising and provides general information for lawyers considering U.S. co-counsel for a § 1782 application; it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client or co-counsel relationship, which arise only from a signed engagement. Any division of fees between lawyers not in the same firm will comply with the applicable rules of professional conduct (including client consent and a writing where required). Get My Discovery is a d/b/a of the Law Office of Derek J. Soltis, attorney admitted in New York (Reg. #5175971). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.