HOME ABOUT US INDUSTRY SERVICES CASE STUDIES NEWS CONTACT US Email Sign Up

CLE AND PRESENTATIONS

FAQ

KEY TERMS

In order to help clarify the vocabulary of e-discovery, we have included a list of key terms. You can also find a list of frequently asked questions here.

Since ESI processing, e-discovery and digital forensics are complex processes, we understand that sometimes an in-person explanation is in order. Therefore, Avansic offers a variety of Continuing Legal Education presentations designed for both introductory and advanced audiences - click here for a list of our CLE offerings. Our team of expert presenters can also provide customized presentations for professional organizations, conferences, and meetings. Call (888) 808-0337 today to schedule a CLE seminar or presentation for your group.
History
Historically, discovery for litigation has taken place by collecting, exchanging and reviewing boxes of paper documents. In the last two decades, e-discovery and digital forensics have emerged to handle the increasing volume of data that comes from digital devices. Many copy companies and e-discovery software companies have created services and products that adapt many of the similarities of paper to electronic documents in order to ease this transition.

However, it can be difficult to assign paper-like characteristics to digital documents. The increased functionality of electronic documents may not be obvious when that document is printed. For example, Excel spreadsheets may contain formulas that are not apparent when printed, as well as containing hundreds of rows and columns that are not easy to fit on paper. Databases are another example of electronic "documents" that cannot easily be transferred to paper. In addition, many computer programs (such as Microsoft Word) capture additional information about a user’s interaction, often called metadata. Metadata is essentially "data about data" that refers to the information about a document that isn’t necessarily viewable.

Digital evidence provides accurate and detailed information in the majority of modern court cases. However, electronic information can be voluminous, volatile, and difficult to handle, therefore attorneys and litigation support professionals may need help from experts to handle ESI processing challenges.

The Sedona Conference created a standard work flow to help guide legal professionals through the process called the "Electronic Discovery Reference Model" (EDRM). This model provides guidelines for the Identification, Preservation, Processing, Production, and Presentation of electronic information during litigation.
E-Discovery vs. Digital Forensics
ESI processing encompasses the fields of e-discovery and digital forensics. E-Discovery typically represents a broad approach that works to filter and convert data into a reduced set of usable documents for attorney review. Digital forensics is a more focused, investigator-driven approach that yields a very targeted and relevant data set. Digital forensics typically includes deleted or hidden information on a hard drive and is often used for cases where the user is technically savvy or subterfuge is suspected.

Avansic has developed well-defined procedures for processing electronically stored information. Our experts continually research ways to increase the speed and efficiency of ESI processing in order to bring you lower costs. Call us at (888) 808-0337 to quote your next project.


Copyright 2008 Avansic          Home         Contact Us