English court disclosure is narrower than U.S. discovery, and it generally can't reach a third party — a U.S. bank, a tech platform, a counterparty — sitting in the United States. Section 1782 can. It lets a party in English proceedings ask a U.S. federal court to compel that evidence for use back home.
Why UK litigants use § 1782
- Reach U.S.-based third parties. English disclosure rules give you limited tools against non-parties abroad; § 1782 targets the person or company actually holding the evidence in the U.S.
- Follow the money. Where funds moved through U.S. banks, the records that prove it sit with U.S. institutions — central to fraud and asset-recovery claims.
- Get sworn testimony. A deposition of a U.S.-based witness, usable in your English proceeding.
Common UK scenarios
High Court commercial disputes needing documents from a U.S. company; fraud and asset tracing where money was routed through New York correspondent banks; enforcement of an English judgment against assets in the U.S.; and IP or competition matters needing evidence held by U.S. technology firms.
How it works
We act as your U.S. counsel: we confirm fit, identify the right U.S. federal district (where the evidence-holder is found), prepare and file the application — usually ex parte — and see it through to production. You and your solicitors keep the matter; we handle the U.S. side. For firms, see For Foreign Counsel.
Have an English case that needs U.S. evidence?
Tell us about the proceeding and what you're trying to obtain. We'll give you a candid read on whether § 1782 fits.
Request a consultation Read the full guideRelated: The Complete Guide to § 1782 · How an application is filed · § 1782 vs. letters rogatory
This page is attorney advertising and provides general information about 28 U.S.C. § 1782; it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Availability is fact-specific and varies by U.S. federal district. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Get My Discovery is a d/b/a of the Law Office of Derek J. Soltis, admitted in New York (Reg. #5175971).