subpoena and deposition / leagal rights - virginia

[hello]

does a third party, who has been subpoenad, have the right to give a deposition rather than appearing in court. my sister is the third party in a divorce proceeding on the grounds of adultry. she has an important seminar which her employer is giving on the day of the court date and has been told, by her employer, that if she is not there that she will lose her job. the attorney that issued the subpoena says that she has to appear in court and can not and has no right to give a deposition in place of appearring. exactly what are her rights. thank you in advance for your advice. we live in virginia

 

[Ambr]

you can not be fired for being subpoenaed to court. it's a court order. she would be in more trouble if she did not appear.