Public Policy News from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
January 5, 2010 The California State Legislature passed emergency E-Discovery laws in August 2009, which can impact businesses. Every company needs to have document retention policies in place before there is a problem. John H. Stephens, Wertz McDade Wallace Moot & Brower, organized the meeting, and provided advice on the best ways to avoid problems with information and data stored on business computers – all of which can be subpoenaed in lawsuits or harassment claims. Training employees is key. Electronic information includes email, electronic business records, financial data, GPS, Social Media, text messages, voice messages and flash drives. Jim McNeill, McKenna Long & Aldridge, outlined costly failings by a major corporation in managing their electronic data. In addition, not dealing with spam directly and assertively can contribute to massive costs if a firm is involved with litigation. Spam must be culled regularly. A records retention policy should include a survey, how the data is used, develop standards, train and discipline employees for non-compliance. Sarah Lanham, an expert in E-Discovery with Wertz McDade Wallace Moot & Brower, emphasized steps a business must take if they are involved in litigation already and ways to minimize costs by narrowing search terms and protecting proprietary information. Micah Kasdan, TERIS, outlined their firm’s role in assisting business with the management of electronic data. Electronic Discovery services provided by TERIS, San Diego include:
E-Discovery is a new field in the business and legal worlds. Efficiently managing electronic information has become even more important for businesses. Taking proactive steps will help avoid potentially expensive problems in the future. |
____________________________________