Law firm Warner Norcross to help businesses deal with data

Kathy Jennings | Thursday, August 14, 2014

Now there is a way to analyze data using predictive coding, technology review and similar emerging technologies that can help companies manage their documents and be prepared in the event of a lawsuit.

To assist businesses in coming up with such solutions, Warner Norcross has made a significant investment to retrofit a portion of its new Kalamazoo office to house a state-of-the-art Data Solutions Project Management Center.

More than 30 experienced attorneys, records management specialists, data and information technology specialists and paralegals are part of the law firm's new Data Solutions team, led by B. Jay Yelton III, a partner who practices in the firm’s Kalamazoo office, and Dawn Garcia Ward, a senior counsel who practices in the firm’s Holland office.

Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, which opened offices in Kalamazoo in May, recently launched a new Data Solutions Practice Group, which it says is unique in Michigan.

"While some firms specialize in records management or offer e-discovery services," Yelton says, "we are the first Michigan law firm to assemble an in-house team of experts with a proven track record of successfully advising Fortune 500 companies on records management, e-discovery, security breaches, and compliance issues."

Amway Corp., Stryker Corp., Spectrum Health, the state of Michigan and Holland Hospital have all worked with the firm for its data management expertise.

"Not only does Warner Norcross understand business, we understand data, which is an increasingly important but rare combination in today’s corporate environment," Yelton says. "By creating the Data Solutions group, we are able to offer companies a single source of experienced professionals who can help them fully and cost effectively manage their data."

Warner Norcross also works with companies to help them understand what and when outdated and unnecessary data and documents may be disposed of and how to defend disposal of that data in the event of a lawsuit. If necessary, it can defend those decisions in court.

The firm also offers services designed to reduce the risks and costs associated with litigation, compliance audits and risks assessments, to identify potential weak spots and areas of vulnerability upfront.

Saving data when it's not needed is not only expensive it can pose the risk of damaging revelations during the discovery phase of litigation. Warner Norcross has developed a proprietary database with requirements on when data should be saved that allows it to quickly and accurately create record retention schedules tailored specifically for a business.

"Data is the lifeblood of any business, but unmanaged data becomes clutter – or, worse still, a liability," Ward says. "With more than 190 billion e-mails being sent globally every business day, companies are generating data at an ever-accelerating pace. Without the proper controls in place, the exposure – and the expense – of poor data management can be a huge drain on a business."

Source: Warner Norcross & Judd

Lawbooks. Photo Copyright Lane Erickson
Paper work. Photo copyright Cathy Yeulet

Law firm Warner Norcross to help businesses deal with data

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