YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- To address growing concern
over legal challenges related to electronic documents, Harrington, Hoppe &
Mitchell Ltd. today released a set of general guidelines designed to help
companies prepare for the possibility of such challenges.
The guidelines, posted on the law firm's website (
http://www.hhmlaw.com/newsPR.asp?press_id=20080204b ), hhmlaw.com, are
excerpted from a comprehensive and proprietary document the firm recently
provided to its clients.
"Improper management of electronically stored information creates a
huge risk," said John L. Pogue, chairman of HHM's business services
practices group. "Some companies that have found themselves uninformed or
unprepared in this area have sustained massive judgments.
"In today's business climate, it is important for companies to build
well- defined policies that address how email and electronic documents are
used and managed, and to communicate and enforce these policies."
HHM's "Document Retention: Guidelines For Companies," includes five key
issues for companies and organizations to consider toward preparedness for
legal action over electronic documents.
1. Every company is different. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to
this issue.
2. Consider laws already on the books. Certain businesses are subject to
federal and state regulation of records retention.
3. Consider the breadth of electronic communications your company uses.
4. Determine the possible locations where digital information assets may
be located.
5. Establish a "litigation hold" policy that outlines a response to
potential litigation.
"This fifth step is critical," said Matthew Vansuch, an HHM attorney
who helped develop the guidelines. "It is at this stage that a lack of
preparedness can put an organization in legal danger."
Jennifer Lockshaw, another HHM attorney author, added that being
prepared from a legal standpoint can yield additional business benefits.
"An effective document retention policy can foster better management of
corporate records, leading to greater efficiency and productivity and
administrative cost savings," she said.
Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell Ltd. is the area's largest law firm, with
nearly 30 attorneys at offices in Youngstown, Warren and Salem. The firm
provides legal solutions to corporations, other businesses, non-profit
organizations, government agencies and individuals.
SOURCE Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell Ltd.
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Related links:
http://www.hhmlaw.com
http://www.hhmlaw.com/newsPR.asp?press_id=20080204b
CONTACT:
Shirley J. Christian, Esq. of Harrington,
Hoppe & Mitchell Ltd., +1-330-337-6586, schristian@hhmlaw.com; or
Dan Pecchia of Pecchia Communications LLC, for Harrington, Hoppe
& Mitchell Ltd., +1-330-720-6912, dan@pecchiacomm.com
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