The legal landscape, and litigation, have changed markedly in the last decade.This book identifies the key issues related to ESI--pre-litigation management, preservation, collection, processing, review, production, and use in deposition and at trial--and provides clear, practical guidance to litigators. The book is divided into eight parts that follow the sequence from the pre-litigation stage through trial.

As organizations create increasing amounts of digital data, electronic discovery costs for lawyers can skyrocket. For firms with limited technology budgets, or cases with small amounts of electronically stored information (ESI), e-discovery can be challenging. Electronic Discovery for Small Cases offers effective, budget-friendly solutions for collecting, viewing, and analyzing electronic evidence that will benefit any litigator.

One of the hottest topics in computer forensics today, electronic discovery (e-discovery) is the process by which parties involved in litigation respond to requests to produce electronically stored information (ESI). According to the 2007 Socha-Gelbmann Electronic Discovery Survey, it is now a $2 billion industry, a 60% increase from 2004, projected to double by 2009. The core reason for the explosion of e-discovery is sheer volume; evidence is digital and 75% of modern day lawsuits entail e-discovery.A recent survey reports that U.S. companies face an average of 305 pending lawsuits internationally. For large U.S. companies ($1 billion or more in revenue)that number has soared to 556 on average, with an average of 50 new disputes emerging each year for nearly half of them. To properly manage the role of digital information in an investigative or legal setting, an enterprise--whether it is a Fortune 500 company, a small accounting firm or a vast government agency--must develop an effective electronic discovery program. Since the amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which took effect in December 2006, it is even more vital that the lifecycle of electronically stored information be understood and properly managed to avoid risks and costly mistakes. This books holds the keys to success for systems administrators, information security and other IT department personnel who are charged with aiding the e-discovery process. - Comprehensive resource for corporate technologists, records managers, consultants, and legal team members to the e-discovery process, with information unavailable anywhere else - Offers a detailed understanding of key industry trends, especially the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, that are driving the adoption of e-discovery programs - Includes vital project management metrics to help monitor workflow, gauge costs and speed the process

Discover the process of e-discovery and put good practices in place. Electronic information involved in a lawsuit requires a completely different process for management and archiving than paper information. With the recent change to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure making all lawsuits subject to e-discovery as soon as they are filed, it is more important than ever to make sure that good e-discovery practices are in place. e-Discovery For Dummies is an ideal beginner resource for anyone looking to understand the rules and implications of e-discovery policy and procedures. This helpful guide introduces you to all the most important information for incorporating legal, technical, and judicial issues when dealing with the e-discovery process. You'll learn the various risks and best practices for a company that is facing litigation and you'll see how to develop an e-discovery strategy if a company does not already have one in place. E-discovery is the process by which electronically stored information sought, located, secured, preserved, searched, filtered, authenticated, and produced with the intent of using it as evidence Addresses the rules and process of e-discovery and the implications of not having good e-discovery practices in place Explains how to develop an e-discovery strategy if a company does not have one in place e-Discovery For Dummies will help you discover the process and best practices of managing electronic information for lawsuits.

Designed for today’s student, eDiscovery for the Legal Professional introduces the basics of electronic discovery. In the current, fast-paced legal environment, legal professionals need to understand how technology influences the practice of law, how to communicate this information to their clients, and the most cost-effective discovery tools available. This text offers comprehensive and timely coverage, including historical development of the eDiscovery field, substantive legal precedent and case studies, procedural changes based on recent revisions to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, practical application of eDiscovery tools and resources, discussion of changing technology definitions, usage and trends, and ethical considerations for the legal professional when managing electronic discovery and data. Professors and students will benefit from: Accessible text that explains technical eDiscovery concepts in layman terms. Up-to-date discussion of current Federal Rules of Civil Procedure covering eDiscovery. Effective pedagogy with Examples and Exercises in every chapter, excerpts from cases and the Federal Rules, helpful lists and summaries, and Key Points that highlight essential concepts and practical applications. Key topics covered include: Impact of Electronically Stored Information (ESI) on discovery, Data Management, Case Management, Spoliation, and Ethical Considerations such as competence, confidentiality, and informed consent. A comprehensive glossary that helps students with new and unfamiliar vocabulary