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Easing the burden

10 July 2008 / Susan Knox
Issue: 7329 / Categories: Features , In-House , E-disclosure , EU
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Susan Knox outlines the advantages of electronic disclosure in EU litigation

As corporate communications increasingly involve e-mail and other electronic documents, electronic disclosure in disputes is occurring more frequently. Depending on the jurisdiction and the matter, the disclosure of electronic materials may be mandatory. Even where not required, litigation teams are increasingly taking advantage of the latest search and review technologies to prepare the case using electronic materials.

Materials in any matter are likely to be sourced from individuals' desktop and laptop PCs, and work e-mail accounts. These sources, despite corporate rules and policies, are likely to contain irrelevant personal data, including banking and health information, communications with friends, and music files. When collecting electronic evidence it is essential, therefore, that companies and their lawyers observe applicable employment, privacy and data protection laws, while also heeding court orders and considering the company's legal needs.

Disclosure, Data Protection and Privacy

Lawyers must be aware of the rules concerning disclosure in the individual case. These may include court rules of general application, such as

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

DWF—19 appointments

DWF—19 appointments

Belfast team bolstered by three senior hires and 16 further appointments

Cadwalader—Andro Atlaga

Cadwalader—Andro Atlaga

Firm strengthens leveraged finance team with London partner hire

Knights—Ella Dodgson & Rebecca Laffan

Knights—Ella Dodgson & Rebecca Laffan

Double hire marks launch of family team in Leeds

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