E-Discovery and Computer Forensics

Why we are better:

Our trained and certified computer forensic experts adhere to the most stringent standards supported by the International Society of Computer Examiners (ISCFE). When combined with forensically sound hardware, software and protocols, we ensure that evidence is properly captured, recorded and safeguarded.
Our technologists receive current education on new technology and trends through 250 hours of annual training, and related testing. This allows us to maintain a higher data recovery rate.
Because our team is part of an investigation and accounting firm, our forensic and electronic discovery experts can explain why the data is important and how the data can be used properly. All too often, other investigators miss important information because they don’t understand the source and use of what is being recovered.
When possible, a single lead investigator will be assigned from start to finish. This streamlines the investigation, saves time and money, and provides a witness who is personally familiar with the investigation and results.
Our expert witnesses are skilled in presenting complex technical findings or results in a simplified and convincing manner. Each expert has undergone expert witness training and cross examination.
Our electronic discovery experts include experienced accountants that understand business records and accounting information. When our electronic discovery experts conduct an investigation, they are not just looking at data; our electronic discovery experts understand what they are finding and why it is important.

Why might I need Fulcrum’s assistance?

Fulcrum’s Technology Division provides its clients with highly skilled and accomplished experts to achieve success in any project. Areas of expertise include:

• Computer Forensic Examinations and Analysis
• Evidence Acquisition / Forensic Data Imaging
• Expert Testimony and Deposition Support
• Electronic Discovery
• Data Analysis or Conversion
• Data Recovery

COMPUTER FORENSICS

Computer Forensics is the science of capturing, preserving and analyzing electronic information including data (i) that has been previously “deleted” and (ii) that the ordinary user never intended to save and does not know even exists.

A combination of technical knowledge, preserving evidence chain of custody and investigative insight is vital in recovering pertinent information relevant to a case.

Computer Forensics covers a wide spectrum of computer and electronic related issues. Some examples could include:

With these abilities, we can answer questions such as:

ELECTRONIC DISCOVERY

Electronic Discovery is the process of collecting, preserving and analyzing information and documents from electronic media. Using a variety of methods and specialized software tools, the information can be sorted into a more useful, manageable and meaningful form. The advantages include:

DATA ANALYSIS AND CONVERSION

Data Analysis is the process of transforming data with the intent of extracting useful information or drawing conclusions. Available tools include statistical analysis, curve fitting or criteria specific queries.

Data conversion is often needed when melding different databases together that are in different data formats or data structures.

DATA RECOVERY

Information that is not normally accessible by the user could potentially be recovered. Often data may be lost due to deletion, corruption of the hard drive or reformatting a drive.

Reference Articles

Go to E-Discovery and Computer Forensics Library

Special Masters

When databases, computer forensics, or other large collections of electronic information are at issue, discovery challenges can be best handled with hands-on assistance from a neutral party. Courts lack the time and technical capabilities to cost-effectively get the job done. We summarize the reasons why special masters can save money, and summarize the authority for their appointment.

Employee Investigations

Employers should be using computerized evidence as part of their proactive personnel decisions. Computers can provide information about user activities that otherwise might take months to confirm … but only if you look timely.

Reducing Costs Through Statistical Sampling

Reliance on Boolean key word searches to reduce volumes leaves some worried that key documents are not being produced. Statistical sampling provides a means of testing and quantifying whether the keyword selections provide a complete solution.

Electronic Storage and Retention Best Practices

Before the litigation starts, most companies could reduce their litigation costs by making different decisions regarding what, and how, electronic records are maintained. Here is advice regarding how to do this.

Getting the Electronic Discovery You Need

Since practically all business records are now computerized, it makes sense to learn about your opponent’s systems BEFORE you start to make requests. A corporate-representative deposition on electronic-discovery issues should be the very first discovery action you take. When done at the beginning of a case, senseless argument over what information exists and does not exist is avoided, because you then have the benefit of a party admission. We provide a list of records that you should be requesting in this initial deposition.

Key Electronic Case Law (Annotated)

Updated July 2006