eDiscovery Plain & Simple

About the Book

We communicate, transact business, and socialize electronically as never before, so it's no surprise that virtually all business records are created and kept in electronic form. That electronic data resides everywhere - - on computers, Blackberries and portable devices, servers, backup tapes. When organizations and individuals reasonably anticipate litigation, they are under an obligation to preserve all relevant electronically stored information, but with the tangled web of electronic data that is stored in so many places (often subject to conflicting rules and laws about the storage of that data), it is very difficult to understand the legal obligations and implement them. E-discovery Plain & Simple discusses the world of electronically stored information and discovery through the viewpoints of two international experts in this field, an attorney and information technology consultant. This book explains technology and the legal issues involved in how we communicate and store electronic information in a "plain English" fashion, with charts, checklists, simple images and diagrams that are designed for readers with little, if any, information technology background. E-Discovery Plain & Simple is a key source of information for attorneys; corporate legal and compliance departments; small business owners and those who assist them who need to understand their legal obligations in this area and have them explained in clearly and concisely. Attorneys, paralegals and litigation support professionals: Whether you are new to or skilled in electronic discovery, learn cost-effective strategies that you can implement immediately, including the right questions to ask during depositions or client interviews; how to prepare targeted requests for email, metadata, and electronically stored information; and how to conserve resources when preserving documents in connection with litigation. This book includes a separate section for in-house counsel with considerations to help manage electronic discovery, on time and within budget. Law school students: This book provides a "crash course" in electronic discovery and technology unlike any other study guide. Learn the basics of the legal requirements and information technology quickly, through simple graphics and clear explanations. This book is designed for students who do not have any computer science or technical background. * Information Technology professionals: Learn about the growing area of electronic discovery law, explained in a conversational style, geared for attorneys and non-attorneys, to understand how your organization's technology infrastructure can best serve its legal requirements.

About the Author

Allison Brecher  was one of the first corporate attorneys in the United States to manage e-discovery. As the director of Information Management and Strategy at Marsh and McLennan Companies (“MMC”), a publicly traded Fortune 200 company, Ms. Brecher manages all electronic discovery for litigation and other matters involving MMC’s more than 50,000 employees in over 100 countries.

Shawnna Childress, an Associate Director of Navigant Consulting, brings nearly two decades of expertise in Information Technology and Information Management as a consultant to numerous companies and law firms. Ms. Childress is also the co-founder and Executive Director of Women in eDiscovery, a non-profit global organization with a national network of female attorneys, consultants, and technology professionals with more than 4000 members in more than 25 chapters.