Counseling You on Document Preservation Policies
Your business can only benefit from having a unified, legally informed approach to e-mail retention, document preservation and other matters regarding data storage. A knowledgeable lawyer with litigation experience can guide you toward a policy that meets your needs.
I'm Minneapolis attorney Lee Watson, and I have long experience counseling clients on matters of e-mail usage and data retention. Contact me to discuss how I can help you comply with the law while accomplishing your business objectives.
Understanding the Effect of Technology on Recent Legal Developments
Traditionally, many businesses' data retention policies called for eventual destruction of documents in order to save space and expense. These policies were considered legally acceptable when used as justification for the unavailability of older documents during litigation.
As technologies for scanning and preserving documents have become more widely available, document destruction policies have come under increasing legal scrutiny.
These days, the routine destruction of documents that could be relevant to future litigation can cause you serious trouble — including severe sanctions — in the Minnesota courts.
I have paid close attention to changes in how the courts view document destruction over the years and can counsel your organization on an appropriate approach to data retention. I can also offer advice on policies regarding e-mail and other internal communications media.
Complying With Minnesota Law in the Event of Litigation
If you are currently involved in litigation or anticipating potential litigation over an ongoing dispute, it is particularly important for you to comply with all legal requirements and guidelines regarding retention and preservation of e-mail and other data. These requirements are commonly referred to as "litigation holds."
I am experienced at working with my clients' information technology staff to ensure that data are being properly preserved before and during litigation.
Whether or not you are currently involved in litigation, contact me to have your e-mail and data retention protocols evaluated by an experienced attorney. For more information, you can read my articles on e-mail and destruction of records.
