George M. Aloth
Definitions E-Discovery = The collection, preparation, review and production of electronic documents in litigation discovery. This includes , attachments, and other data stored on a computer, network, backup or other storage media. E- Discovery includes metadata. Blogs = A type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject.
The Numbers There are an estimated 112 million blogs online today. It is estimated that there are over 2,500 legal blogs online today. There is a growing number of over 30 legal blogs focused exclusively on E- Discovery.
What Can Be Found on E- Discovery Blogs? Some blogs are more formal and therefore reliable for informational purposes. Other blogs can be informal and more comedic. There are several blogs focused exclusively on E-Discovery. Other general legal blogs usually contain sections for E- Discovery. It is common to find E-Discovery topics on IT, Management, Consulting and Records Management/Retention blogs.
What Can Be Found on E- Discovery Blogs? Databases of cases adjudicating E-Discovery issues. Summaries and briefs of important E-Discovery cases. Case commentary. Federal Rules and Amendments. Comments, attorney debates, expert input, translations, etc. Definitions of key terms in E-Discovery.
What Can Be Found on E- Discovery Blogs? Articles and posts about E-Discovery issues. Reference to practicing attorneys who can help with E- Discovery issues. Upcoming events, seminars, CLE’s, webinars, discussions, panels, etc. New news and updates in the E-Discovery world. Resources that can answer your E-Discovery questions. Links to other websites and blogs of similar interest. Lots of advertising!
Who Reads These Blogs? It is reported that over ½ of practicing attorneys read blogs regularly. Judges. Consultants. Corporate world. IT industry. Law students. General public with interest in E- Discovery.
Why are E-Discovery Blogs Valuable? To learn about E-Discovery and to gain better understanding of confusing issues. To learn updates, changes to rules and treatment in court. To find cases, summaries and commentary. To find E-Discovery rules and commentary on them. To find a lawyer who can help.
American Bar Association The ABA Journal maintains a directory of legal blogs available online. Every year since 2007 they rank “Top 100 Blawgs”. You can search by topic, author type, region or law school. -
Who Blogs About E-Discovery? Law Firms. Large firms generally have legal blogs on their websites written by associates and partners of the firm. These will include E- Discovery topics. Morris James LLP of Delaware has a great E-Discovery blog:
Who Blogs About E-Discovery? State Bar Associations. Members of the bar blog about current legal issues. Law Reviews and Law Journals. Law school faculty. Professors at a law school maintaining their own blog.
Who Blogs About E-Discovery? Law Schools. Some law schools will maintain a blog on their school website discussing legal issues including E-Discovery. Georgetown University Law School has a popular E-Discovery blog:
Who Blogs About E-Discovery? Technology Firms. Software Companies. Retired and practicing attorneys. Consultants/Consulting Firms. Judges. Law Students.
Who Blogs About E-Discovery? Publications. Wall Street Journal maintains a law blog that includes blogs on E-Discovery. Popular Websites: Facebook Twitter MySpace LinkedIn
Navigating Through the Top E- Discovery Blogs Electronic Discovery Blog. Published by Kahn Consulting Inc. Written by an attorney and a former IT manager. Voted to ABA Journal’s Top 100 Blawgs. Voted Top E-Discovery Blog in
Navigating Through the Top E- Discovery Blogs E-Lessons Learned. Founded by a law professor at Seton Hall University School of Law. Written by law students at Seton Hall and Rutgers Newark. Voted to ABA Journal’s Top 100 Blawgs. Voted Top E-Discovery Blog in
Other Popular E-Discovery Blogs
Other Popular E-Discovery Blogs
Questions Would you read E-Discovery blogs regularly as a practicing attorney? Why? What would you do differently from blogs we saw today if you were starting your own E-Discovery blog?