Feldman believes that technology is the key to moving beyond the traditional boundaries and expanding the potential for earnings and responsibility for paralegals. This type of technology is a different world from paper or regular computerized litigation support. The techno-babble common in technical fields is very prevalent at this level, although Feldman maintains you can easily pass the understanding of what you are doing with the computer files to an attorney or jury by using plain English. The area of computer forensics and the discovery of what exactly is on the opposition's computers is just beginning for most of us. In some areas, a failure to discover what is contained on the opposing party's hard drive could lead to malpractice.
Paralegals can draft the language for electronic discovery requests.
They can draft and oversee electronic deletion policies, not only for their clients, but also for their employers. It contains case studies, links to other sites, and draft language for electronic discovery requests. Since computer forensics is a relatively new tool in the legal world, paralegals can make a difference by applying the knowledge they have already obtained to this very different and exciting field. This article is based on a presentation by Joan Feldman of Seattle, WA, to the Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association's office technology section in May 2000. The author gratefully acknowledges Ms. Feldman's cooperation and assistance in writing the article.