WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

HUNTINGTON -- Second Creek Technologies again is offering a day of Continuing Legal Education focusing on the new federal rules of electronic discovery.

Electronic Discovery 101: Understanding the New Federal Rules will be offered March 13 in Bridgeport. The West Virginia-approved CLE credits offered are 7.2, including 7.2 ethics credits.

"Second Creek is firmly committed to being the 'go to' resource for the legal community in regard to electronic discovery," said John Sammons, CEO of Barboursville-based Second Creek.

"Our previous classes have been a great success," Sammons said. "We've had great feedback from our attendees. We put a lot of effort into making the classes not only educational but enjoyable as well.

"We fully understand that our audience comes to us with varying degrees of understanding in regards to technology. In that respect they are no different than a typical jury. It's our job to make this material understandable for everyone, regardless of their skill level or background."

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure underwent a major overhaul in December 2006. Electronic Discovery 101 focuses on first-hand information from practitioners, computer experts and forensic analysts about these changes and their effects.

Sammons says professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve in the new digital age will gain critical knowledge of the inner workings of computers for a tactical advantage in litigation. The course also will address unique problems presented by electronically stored information in the context of civil and criminal litigation as well as how and when to use computer forensic assistance to preserve electronic documents and electronic discovery.

For a $190.80 registration fee, each registrant will receive course materials (including practice forms) and lunch.

This course includes instruction on:

* What judges will expect from you

* How to guard against spoliation and sanctions

* Drafting an effective preservation letter

* Strategies for "meet and confer" sessions

* Why deleted information remains discoverable

* When to use computer forensics, what it reveals, and how much it costs

* Authentication and chain of custody issues

* Analyzing your data and their data

* Preparing and responding to requests for electronic records

* Expert opinions regarding what is "reasonably accessible" electronic data

* Voluminous data, de-duplication and back-up tapes

* Potential pitfalls hidden in the rule changes

* Keeping the costs of electronic discovery under control.

Sammons said his company will be doing more work in this field.

"In response to demand, we are planning even more events in the near future," he said. "Electronic discovery is a fast-growing segment of litigation. It will be very easy for the unprepared to be blindsided.

"We strongly encourage everyone to get up to speed sooner rather than later"

This is a repeat course and is not open for credit to previous attendees. The course will be taught at 350 Conference Center Way in Bridgeport.

For additional details, please visit http://2ndcreek.net/cle.htm. To register, call Second Creek Technologies LLC at (304) 736-5454 or toll-free at (877) 523-3253.