Forensics & Data Collection

Continuing Legal Education

The following are a series of classes, which we can present to your firm or company.  Please contact us for further details.

  • Introduction to Electronic Discovery

    This presentation will explore the history of computer forensics and e-discovery.  It will begin with the first computer search warrant in California.  We will follow it through its development and evolution as a profession.  We will conclude with the changes required under the new federal rules of civil procedure.

  • Separating the Wheat from the Chaff

    This presentation will outline how to locate a competent electronic discovery and forensics professional.  We will raise the hood and kick the tires of the various certifications, programs and professionals associations.  You will understand the myriad of initials behind their names.  More importantly you will understand what these initials mean as to their capabilities.  By understanding what the certifications entail you will be able to better choose the most appropriate expert for your case.  This will help you avoid surprises as opposition counsel challenges the expert upon whom you have relied.

  • Computer Hardware 101

    This presentation will explain in non technical terms an overview of what is inside the computer.  This will insure that your documents are written using the proper terminology.  You will get to physically hold the parts and pieces of a computer and a hard drive.  Additionally we will take a brief look at there internal operations.

  • Where is my Evidence

    The information technology age has given very small companies access to an amazing amount of tools and information.  While these technologies do help companies operate more efficiently, they can also create a number of headaches and surprises when a notice of intent to sue is received or the Securities and Exchange Commission calls.  This presentation describes in detail the various locations of electronic information which can be used as evidence. We will explore ways to minimize the distress to your client and insure that the information is collected properly.  We will also provide some real world proactive suggestions of how to make this process less disruptive for your client’s business.

  • Anatomy of a File

    In order to understand electronic evidence, it is necessary to take a look at what an actual file is and what a computer does with it.  These presentations will provide a great deal of essential information in a manner that is easily understood.  We will explain the difference between a file extension and a file header and why this is an important consideration when you are complying with a court order.  We will also delve into “hashing” and its uses and limitations.  We will spell out why this can mean the difference between getting the information that you are seeking from opposing counsel and getting reams of useless data.

  • Tools Overview

    Have you ever noticed that many courtroom dramas tend to be replete with technical and terminology errors and are completely unrealistic?  The same is generally true of television sitcoms with they take on a high technology cyber crime spin.  This presentation will dispel the myths.  We will show you the existing forensics tools and hold an invaluable question and answer session on their capabilities and what new technology is just over the horizon.

  • Email Olympics

    Email has become the defacto communication standard in the modern workplace and, to a lesser degree, at home.  This presentation will explore the intricacies of email and how to track it.  More importantly it will outline the myriad of concerns with evidence preservation and production of your clients messaging environment.  Email can also be the Achilles Heel of your case.  We will explore the various message formats and give you the information that is essential to using email information in your case.

  • Crafting Effective Keywords

    Perhaps one of the most misunderstood issues in the entire electronic discovery field is the use of keywords.  What makes a good keyword list?   How do you prevent agreeing to keywords that may result in a single keyword returning 10 million useless hits?  This presentation will help you understand what the forensics examiner does with a keyword and how it relates to a case.

  • Minefields and Quicksand

    Have you ever felt that the other side is using e-discovery as a weapon?  This could very well be true.   Learn from the mistakes of others and how to avoid them.  Instead of being bullied by others understand how technology can be used in your favor to craft an effective response.  We will also examine some effective data classification strategies and how they can help your case strategy.

  • Case Studies

    Mom always said "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” During this presentation we will take a look at several eDiscovery and computer forensics scenarios and learn from the mistakes that others have made.  This can save you lots of time, money and headaches.  We will also find ways to avoid eDiscovery becoming overly burdensome and expensive. This presentation will conclude with how to wrap a business process around your electronic information, which can also help your clients save money in the long run.