One of the most critical elements of preparing for trial is the collection of each and every Document, including electronic files and e-mails, which may have a bearing on any of the issues involved. The consequences of missing a document can be as devastating to your case as the loss of Ben Franklin's horseshoe nail.
The key to effective document collection is a thorough and systematic approach. This begins with interviewing all employees involved including not only the highest ranking officer and their assistants, but also secretaries, filing clerks and messengers - anyone who may have handled relevant Documents. The interviews cover not only questions about what happened and why, but go into the identity of every file under the persons control, filing practices and potential lapses and possible location of duplicates. Records of the interviews are kept in a database.
Great care is taken to ensure that original files identified as relevant are processed and returned to the owner as quickly as possible and that they remain traceable throughout the entire course of litigation for continuing reference as is often required by the court.