A One-Day Interactive Course: Electronic Disclosure Made Simple

It has been increasingly difficult for the law to keep up with technological change, and nowhere is this more evident than in the area of electronic disclosure. A major reform ushered in by the Civil Procedure Rules was a concentrated effort to reduce the costs of disclosure and to introduce the concept of reasonable and proportionate searches.

But with the manifold increase in electronic documents, the fact that 90% of business documents are electronic and a natural fear of computers amongst a large section of legal practitioners and clients, the costs of litigation look like getting out of control again.

In addition, solicitors are running the risk of facing severe costs penalties because they are unaware of the best practices in the area.

Drawing on the assistance of the judiciary and specialist practitioners, CPD Training has put together a fast-moving, interactive and informative course.

This training has been designed to allay the fears of lawyers and clients; to encourage practitioners to use cost-effective and efficient disclosure procedures; and to ensure that the courts in their case management role are assisted in the administration of justice.

Objectives

The aim of this course is to train lawyers effectively, to:

•          Appreciate the increasing importance of e-disclosure;

•          Understand the importance of asking the client the right questions;

•          Manage the client’s expectations;

•          Explain the client’s duties, particularly with respect to preservation;

•          Understand the concept of a reasonable search;

•          Assist the client is undertaking the most cost-effective search;

•          Become familiar with certain technological terms;

•          Understand the concept of proportionality;

•          Appreciate the role of the court in managing costs and disclosure;

•          Avoid commonly occurring pitfalls including adverse costs orders;

•          Be prepared for the court’s questions and concerns;

•          Co-operate with the other side as far as possible in managing the process; and

•          Assist the court in making the right orders for their clients.

The course is a one-day programme (10.00-17.00) or 6 CPD hours. It is designed for up to 16 delegates. It is a mixture of short presentations, group exercises and feedback and discussion sessions.