Socha Consulting LLC > electronic discovery resources > current awareness sites and publications

George J. Socha, Jr., Esq 651.690.1739 george@sochaconsulting.com

Resources > current awareness sites and publications

Listed below are websites for learning more about electronic discovery, automated litigation support, and other aspects of the use of technology to support and enhance the practice of law. They are arranged in three categories: current awareness websites, vendor sponsored current awareness websites, and print publications.

Current Awareness Websites

ARMA International - The Assocation of Information Management Professionals

A solid starting point for anyone interested in records management issues.

Berkman Center for Internet & Society

Prof. Charles Nesson and his collegues at the Harvard Law School have developed several educational programs on electronic discovery. At this web site you can sign up for a web-based course or consult their tremendous collection of free resources.

California Civil Discovery Law

Retired California State Commissioner Richard Best has written a comprehensive outline of electronic discovery issues. His site also features a list of additional resources on electronic discovery, which are not reproduced here. Just go directly to ...

Computer Forensics Research and Development Center at Utica College

Although this site concentrates primarily on computer forensics and law enforcement, CFRDC Project Manager Christine Siedsma has assembled a wealth of information of interest to electronic discovery researchers. The "Digital Forensics Bibiolgraphy" at http://www.e-evidence.info/biblio.html is particularly comprehensive.

Litigation Support Vendor Association

"The Litigation Support Vendor Association, a not-for-profit organization, provides free forums moderated by industry experts and representatives from major software companies covering topics from computer forensics and electronic discovery to best practices and standards." Source for the Litigation Support Technical Standards developed by Mark Lieb of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP.

litsupport ? The Litigation Support List

The leading listserv for litigation support issues; go here to join the group.

Minnesota Association of Litigation Support Managers

The home page for the Minnesota Association of Litigation Support Managers.

The Digital Practice of Law

Michael Arkfeld's "Internet Portal to Litigation and Law Office Technology."

The Sedona Conference

Home of "The Sedona Principles: Best Practices Recommendations & Principles for Addressing Electronic Document Production."

Vendor Sponsored Current Awareness Websites

Of the scores of electronic discovery and computer forensics firms currently doing business in North America, a handful have developed useful educational web sites to keep their current and prospective clients up-to-date on the law. These sites feature state and federal case law dealing with electronic discovery, computer forensics, and electronic evidence; "white papers" and links to leading law review articles; and sample forms for practitioners. Some good examples are:

Applied Discovery's Law Library

"Applied Discovery is pleased to provide the legal community with the most focused and up-to-date online source for information on electronic discovery. This Law Library features White Papers, Court Rules, Case Summaries, Articles and Newsletters bringing you the most current and comprehensive information about electronic discovery available in the industry."

Computer Forensics, Inc.'s Resource Center

Links to articles and white papers, case law, sample documents, and other resources.

Cricket Technologies Case Index

"Cricket Technologies offers a comprehensive case index with a powerful search tool to enable you to find the exact case you are looking for. Please use any or all of the search methods below to find your desired case." Free registration required.

Fios' Discovery Resources

"Welcome to discoveryresources.org, where you will find the most up-to-date information, resources and news available about electronic discovery. Given the rapidly increasing importance of electronic evidence in litigation, discoveryresources.org offers much needed resources for legal professionals who seek to understand the many new technological and legal challenges associated with electronic discovery."

Kroll Ontrack's Law Library

"Kroll Ontrack attorneys have put together several resources to help you learn more about electronic discovery and computer forensics, and stay abreast of current case law and news."

Print Publications

Digital Discovery & e-Evidence Newsletter

While you can always do searches on Westlaw or Lexis, or pour over the legal periodicals looking for new cases and developments in electronic discovery, you could also get a concise monthly digest in newsletter from from Pike & Fischer, a division of the highly respected legal publisher BNA. Visit the DD&eE web site for subscription information and a sample issue.

Electronic Discovery: The Challenges and Opportunities of Electronic Evidence

The Federal Bar Association and the Mecklenburg County Bar (Charlotte NC) combined efforts in 2001 to produce a ground-breaking DVD and textbook (available in CD-ROM and print) on electronic discovery. The DVD features five courtroom scenarios in which common electronic discovery disputes are acted out before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brent McKnight of the Western District of North Carolina. The DVD is introduced by Joan Feldman of Computer Forensics, Inc. and yours truely, who also interviews Judge McKnight after each scenario. The textbook features ten "Memoranda of Law" written to support the motions and opposition offered in the scenario, a collection of case law, and a collection of practice forms and sample orders that can be downloaded and modified for courtroom use. This set of materials is a must for judges and lawyers who want to come up to speed on electronic discovery issues, and serves as an "CLE-in-a-Box" for any local bar association wanting to produce a quality program.