Daily Briefs, July 12

Computer forensics focus of next ALSP event, July 19
The local chapter of the Association of Legal Support Professionals (ALSP) will continue its Education Series with a program discussing “Forensics Best Practices” on Tuesday, July 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bank of America Building, 2600 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy.

Attendees will hear from a panel of industry leaders and discuss the best practices of computer forensics. Panelists include J. Stott Matthews from Spectrum Computer Forensics & Digital Discovery; Erich Spekin from Spekin Forensics Laboratories; and Vanessa Lozzi, Litigation Paralegal at Flagstar Bank.

The cost and complexity of legal disputes continues to rise, due in large part because law firms and their clients are required to search relevant electronic information during litigation, including e-mail, text messages, and electronic documents.  In a world where 60 billion e-mails are sent daily and most large corporations have more information stored on their computers than the biggest libraries in the world, it is no wonder that discovery costs are skyrocketing.  Collecting this electronic information in a manner which doesn’t spoliate the data is a critical component in the discovery process.

Computer forensics is a branch of digital forensic science pertaining to legal evidence found in computers and digital storage media. The goal of computer forensics is to examine digital media in a forensically sound manner with the aim of identifying, preserving, recovering, analyzing and presenting facts and opinions about the information.  Although it is most often associated with the investigation of a wide variety of computer crime, computer forensics may also be used in civil proceedings. The discipline involves similar techniques and principles to data recovery, but with additional guidelines and practices designed to create a legal audit trail.  Evidence from computer forensics investigations is usually subjected to the same guidelines and practices of other digital evidence. It has been used in a number of high profile cases and is becoming widely accepted as reliable within U.S. and European court systems.

E-mail Suzanne Alfastsen  at alfassy@kellylawregistry.com or visit www.alsponline.org/events/Sessions.aspx?id=170212 no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, July 18 to register for the event.

This meeting is being hosted by Dickinson Wright PLLC and is free of charge to all ALSP members. Non-ALSP members will be charged $25 at the door.

SBM Litigation Section summer conference
The State Bar of Michigan Litigation Section will hold its Summer Conference July 29-30 at The Homestead in Glen Arbor. Make your plans now for this fantastic summer CLE trip. Learn to turn every courtroom appearance into a compelling performance while enjoying the beauty of Lake Michigan and the beautiful Homestead Resort. What makes a good litigator great? How do great litigators turn each courtroom appearance into a compelling performance? You didn’t learn it in law school, but at this year’s Summer Litigation Section program featuring Lisa L. DeCaro and Leonard Matheo of Courtroom Performance Inc., you’ll discover those secrets and more. Forget “toastmaster” and think “courtmaster” as you learn the simple, practical tips for getting your message out in the most honest and convincing way. Enjoy the finest hospitality at a dream destination that lives up to the legends doing as little or as much as you like. Soak in the sun at the beach, go on a hiking adventure, play golf or tennis, kayak, or even wind surf. Looking for a slower pace? Kick back and relax while pampering yourself at the spa. Cost for members is $160. Visit www.icle.org for more information or to register.

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