Electronic Discovery - Ronald J. Hedges

Course Summary:

“Mastering Electronic Discovery: A Comprehensive Guide by Ronald J. Hedges” offers a comprehensive exploration of the principles, processes, and legal considerations surrounding electronic discovery (eDiscovery). Led by Ronald J. Hedges, a highly respected authority in the field, this course delves into the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) lifecycle, providing a practical understanding of each stage, from identification and preservation to production and presentation of electronically stored information (ESI). The course emphasizes the importance of legal defensibility, cost-effectiveness, and efficient management of the ever-increasing volumes of digital data in legal proceedings. Participants will gain insights into relevant legal rules and case law, best practices for data management, and strategies for navigating the complexities of modern eDiscovery.

Target Audience:

This program is ideal for:

• Legal professionals including attorneys, paralegals, and legal secretaries involved in litigation or investigations.
• Litigation support professionals and eDiscovery specialists.
• IT professionals responsible for data management and preservation in legal contexts.
• Compliance officers and risk management professionals.
• Anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the legal and technical aspects of electronic discovery.

Main Content:

The program typically covers key areas such as:

• Introduction to Electronic Discovery: Understanding the definition, scope, and importance of eDiscovery in today’s legal environment.
• The Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM): A detailed overview of each stage of the EDRM lifecycle (Information Governance, Identification, Preservation, Collection, Processing, Review, Analysis, Production, Presentation).
• Legal Hold and Preservation Obligations: Understanding the duty to preserve relevant ESI and implementing defensible legal hold processes.
• Data Identification and Collection: Strategies and technologies for identifying and collecting relevant ESI from various sources.
• Data Processing and Filtering: Techniques for preparing collected data for review, including deduplication, de-NISTing, and format conversion.
• Document Review and Analysis: Best practices for efficiently reviewing and analyzing large volumes of ESI, including the use of technology-assisted review (TAR).
• Production of Electronically Stored Information: Understanding different production formats and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
• Spoliation of Evidence: The legal implications of the loss or destruction of relevant ESI.
• Cost Management in E-Discovery: Strategies for controlling and reducing the expenses associated with the eDiscovery process.
• Ethical Considerations in E-Discovery: Addressing the ethical obligations of legal professionals in handling ESI.
• Relevant Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) and Case Law: Understanding the legal framework governing electronic discovery.
• Emerging Trends and Technologies in E-Discovery: Exploring new developments and tools in the field.