Map the relationship

Identify where the parties are based, where performance takes place and where relevant assets are located. Collect the full agreement and general conditions. Applicable law and the court with jurisdiction are separate questions. Neither is automatically determined by the language of the contract or one party’s nationality.

Preserve the meaning of documents

Keep originals and identify the different language versions. Flag inconsistent clauses, missing schedules and technical expressions that need explanation. Whether a document needs certified translation, legalisation or an apostille depends on the document and its intended use; it should be checked rather than assumed for all foreign material.

Consider what follows a decision

A favourable decision is useful if it can have the effects needed in the relevant place. With the appropriate professionals, consider service, evidence and any recognition or enforcement issues. European judicial cooperation provides instruments with distinct scopes. Their application must be assessed against the facts of the matter.

Prepare the first international brief

Create a short note listing the parties, countries, objective, amounts, dates and document languages. Include any professionals already involved and the role requested of the Italian firm. Advice on another legal system must be arranged with appropriately qualified professionals in that jurisdiction. Coordination means making responsibilities clear, without assuming the firm has an office or practice in every country.

What to prepare

  • Parties, locations and place of performance
  • Original agreement and identified language versions
  • Applicable law and jurisdiction considered separately
  • Professional roles and deadlines coordinated

Sources for further reading

Legal review and an update of the references are required before public release.

These guides provide general information. They do not assess a personal case. Examples are invented. The texts are drafts; no authorship or approval is attributed to the professionals.

Let’s talk