Ride the Lightning

Cybersecurity and Future of Law Practice Blog
by Sharon D. Nelson Esq., President of Sensei Enterprises, Inc.

EDD IN ABA LPM: CAN YOU TRANSLATE THAT?

February 16, 2009

Well, a few of you can. But for those who cannot, the subject is Electronic Data Discovery in the American Bar Association's Law Practice Management Section. I am composing this in Boston at the ABA's Midyear meeting. By the time you read it, I'll be back in our Fairfax office. I just love technology.

What struck me at this year's meeting was how prominantly electronic data issues and EDD figure in LPM. When I first become active in the section, about 9 years ago, these subjects were barely touched upon. Now they loom large at every meeting, particularly as we try to make our CLEs as timely as possible. Not only are many lawyers and law firms not managing their own data securely, many are hapless when it comes to handling ESI. There is a growing minority that is up to speed, but still a definite minority.

It seems to me that most lawyers are past Electronic Evidence 101, but I'm curious what readers feel they need more education on: Managing litigation holds? Cost-shifting? The impact of Rule 502? Reviews of current cases? How to deal with inaccessible ESI? Outsourcing review of ESI? Cross border issues? Review and production issues? Vendor selection? Cost-cutting? The list could go on and on. As the saying goes, what's on your mind?

I'll be happy to pass along any suggestions to the LPM Section. Please e-mail me if there's content you'd like to see that you haven't found offered.

It is Valentine's Day here in Boston. Happy to report that John took me to Swarovski and that I am now, in the words of Dustin's Hoffman's Rain Man, "very sparkly." Which is most appropriate as John has arranged a lobster and champagne dinner at The Palm. How shall I reward such gallantry? The night is young – I'm sure I'll think of something.

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