Description

Even though the social media effect is widely known, many trial lawyers continue to ignore the importance of social media outlets. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, CNN, and local news channels, among others, are rich sources of information on opposing parties, lawyers, and even judges. Today, most lawyers continue to miss the low hanging fruit that social media provides. This presentation will educate defense lawyers on proper methods for collecting and preserving social media evidence. The session will also show how to navigate ethical pitfalls related to social media. Most important, participants will learn how to authenticate social media evidence to maximize its full potential during trial.

Objectives:

• The various types and potential uses of social media evidence
• Techniques for the collection of this evidence, which is often difficult given various privacy laws and the reluctance of companies, such as Facebook to release information regarding their users
• Important considerations and techniques regarding the preservationand authentication of social media evidence

Speaker(s):

• Claire F. Rush, Rush & Sabbatino
• Marie T. Holvick, Gordon & Rees
• Tony Merlino, DTI