(all times Central)
 

12:00   Lunch, Networking and a special keynote address

 

1:00     Software Experiences, Culling and Early Case Assessment

Edward Efkeman | Senior Counsel | FedEx
Richard Stout | Director, E-Discovery Division | Counsel On Call
Barry Willms | Discovery Process Architect

A discussion about experiences with various software platforms, cost- and time-saving features, shortcomings, and what they’re looking for from providers in the future. They will also discuss results with early case assessment tools and initiatives, when they make sense to implement, and how they can save millions of dollars in many instances.

 

2:00     Case Study: Managing the Discovery Process (and Taking it In-house)

Presented by The Fidelity Investments In-house Team:

Marty Mazzone | VP & Associate General Counsel
Regis Wakefield | Litigation Support Matter Analyst
Sharmila Murthy | Senior Litigation Associate

Led by Marty Mazzone, Fidelity Investments has long been viewed as an industry leader regarding its approach to the discovery process and reducing legal costs. Several members of Fidelity’s in-house discovery team will detail the legal department’s delegation of responsibilities and roles, protocols, and collaborative approach, which results in impressive efficiencies, management and reduction of discovery expenses.

 

3:15     The Budgeting Puzzle: Putting the Pieces Together

Carl Carter | Associate General Counsel | International Paper
Julie Shirley | Senior VP & Deputy General Counsel | Equifax

A look behind the scenes of how Delta, Equifax, IP and other corporations budget their litigation, a process that includes work with numerous law firms, legal service providers and technology partners. The discussion, led by a senior in-house attorney, includes a look at who is involved and when, as well as best practices for accuracy, efficiency and defining value.

 

4:15     Litigation Leaders: Accountability and the Discovery Process

Paul Cushing | Head of Litigation | Partners Healthcare 
Brian Edwards | Deputy General Counsel & Senior VP | SunTrust Banks
Meg Taylor | Assistant General Counsel | Delta Airlines 

Many overseers of the litigation process have been asked to do more with less for some time now. This panel of senior litigation attorneys will widen the lens and look at the various challenges they face, the role played by the discovery process, and how accountability has become increasingly important.

 

5:30     Evening activities at Aerial (website | map) with networking/cocktails (valet available)

7:15     Dinner and Entertainment  (Bluebird Cafe Writer's Round at Aerial)  

8:00     Networking breakfasts

 

9:00     Working with Outside Counsel, Alternative Fee Arrangements & Gaining Control

Sue Dyer | Senior Litigation Attorney | HCA
Jan Mendel | Project Manager | AT&T Mobility
Carlos Provencio | Morgan Keegan

A discussion on relationships with outside counsel, the hype and practice of Alternative Fee Arrangements and if there has been a change in the way law firms are approaching relationships with their clients. This panel will also discuss getting estimates on legal work, how they have managed their relationships with their respective law firms and rolling out new discovery working arrangements.

Attendees will be asked to register for Working Sessions before the event. Sessions are designed to appeal to those with extensive discovery process experience ("Juniors and Seniors") and those with varying levels of experience ("Freshmen and Sophomores"). With this in mind, attendees are welcome to choose their sessions (space is limited). 
 

10:15     Working Session #1

Litigation Holds & ESI Policies
(Led by Vincent Miraglia, International Paper)
Juniors and Seniors

The New Zubulake opinion:  It's not simply a notebook on your shelf, it's not just having a policy, it's not just issuing the hold… it requires implementation and active management.  But how?  This session is designed to show practical application of this process, ways to ensure ongoing compliance, and the documentation to prove that you did all of the above.

E-Discovery: Where Do I Start?
Freshmen and Sophomores

Where are you now?  How is a typical case handled? The first step in creating a process is to determine where you are; to do this you need information.  Use your past cases to get the information you need and learn how to apply metrics to determine how effective you are and can be. Once you know where you are you can then set the course to where you are going. Using a “scorecard” approach, his program will help accomplish these goals.

 

11:30     Working Session #2

Reduce the Data Set: ECA, Search Terms, Statistical Analysis
(Led by Kristen Weathersby, Cox Communications)
Juniors and Seniors

Development of "well-crafted" search terms is one of the most effective ways at reducing the overall cost of e-discovery and getting to the relevant data quicker.  But as several judges have cautioned, development of search terms is not for the average lawyer (not even for the most experienced and accomplished). It requires expertise and methodologies to develop and defend the process. Learn the key elements of an effective and defensible key term development process, which requires careful planning, sampling and testing, software choices, and documentation... and isn’t a one-time endeavor.

Handling E-Discovery Without a Robust IT Department
(Led by Heather Kolasinsky, AutoZone)
Freshmen and Sophomores

Selecting the right technology partner(s) is extremely important, but it’s difficult to know where to begin or what to look for when a company has a small IT department or Legal isn’t accustomed to working closely with IT. There’s a distinct need to select a point person to serve as liaison between the provider and the legal department.... This session will walk through the key issues to consider in this process and earmark core principles.

 

12:30     Final remarks and departure (lunch available)