Alison is a partner in the Litigation and Intellectual Property practice groups of Troutman Sanders LLP. Alison is the co-founder and leader of the Electronic Discovery and Data Management practice group. Alison is experienced in litigating various complex commercial and business disputes related to contractual rights, fraud, business torts, products liability, trademarks, copyrights, domain names, technology, false advertising, trade secrets, and unfair competition.
Alison focuses her practice on advising clients on the efficient management, production and use of electronically stored information in litigation and internal/governmental investigations. Alison develops and implements matter-specific legal strategies which leverage technology to efficiently and effectively preserve, manage, collect, review, analyze and produce electronically stored information in a variety of matters. Alison also uses her litigation experience to advocate on behalf of clients on issues related to E-Discovery.
Representative Experience
Served as national coordinating e-discovery counsel for one of the firm's largest clients and in that role coordinated the overall strategy for collection, review and production of Electronically Stored Information in related state and federal lawsuits, as well as a governmental investigation.
Successfully argued on behalf of clients to limit the scope of e-discovery, including defending motions to compel, bringing motions for protective orders, and collaborating with opposing counsel to effectively reduce the burdens and expenses associated with e-discovery.
Defended and took 30(b)(6) depositions regarding the preservation, collection, and production of Electronically Stored Information.
Consulted with various clients regarding best practices for storage and preservation of electronically stored information and implementation of legal holds.
Developed and implemented discovery strategies for efficiently collecting, reviewing, producing and leveraging electronically stored information in preparation for multi-state litigation.
Leveraged technology to identify relevant data for review and reduce inefficiencies associated with review of duplicative and irrelevant data in various matters including class actions, products liability lawsuits, business torts, governmental investigations, and intellectual property lawsuits.
Utilized computer-assisted review in an internal investigation to reduce costs and leverage decisions of case team.
Publications
"Efficient E-Discovery: Using Experience and Planning To Reduce the Costs of E-Discovery" The E-Discovery Standard, Fall 2005.
"When Does the Duty to Preserve End?" DRI's E-Discovery Connection, August 11, 2009.
"Evolving Technology and Strategies in the Area of E-Discovery," Electronic Records Management and E-Discovery (Inside the Minds Series), Thompson/Reuters/Aspatore Books (2010).
"Hal and me: Accepting technology's imperfections," The National Law Journal, August 22, 2011 (Co-author).
Presentations and Speaking Engagements
"Making the Most of ESI Gathered Through Discovery - Now That You Have the Data, How Do You Make Use of It in Trial?" Electronic Data CLE, The Seminar Group, January, 2008.
"E-Discovery's New Federal Rules - Interpreting the Changes" - Mealey's Corporate E-Discovery Conference, Atlanta, Georgia April 12, 2007.
"Managing The Risks And Obligations Of Electronic Discovery: Sanctions, Spiraling Costs, And Accessibility," Associated Owners & Developers 2009 National Conference, Washington, DC, November 2009
"Cost Containment in E-Discovery" - Campbell Law Review's 2010 E-Discovery Symposium, Raleigh, North Carolina, January, 2010.
"Pragmatic Guide to E-Discovery: An Employment Dispute" - New York City Bar CLE Panelist, April, 2010.
"Judge Scheindlin Revisits Zubulake" - Women in E-Discovery Panelist, Atlanta, Georgia, April 2010.
"E-Discovery Project Management for Paralegals" - Featured Speaker, Georgia Association of Paralegals (GAP) "E-Day", Atlanta, Georgia, April 23, 2011.
"Electronic Discovery in the Cloud: Challenges, Risks and Best Practices" - ALM Webinar, August 30, 2011.
"Management Tools for Litigation" - International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) Litigation and Practice Support Peer Group Webinar, December 15, 2011.
"The 2012 E-Discovery Briefing: How to Respond to Increasing Costs" - The Huron Legal Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, March 6, 2012.
Other Distinctions
Selected as a Rising Star in General Litigation by Law & Politics and Atlanta Magazine (2009-2012).
Work Experience
Partner, Troutman Sanders LLP, 2012-present
Of Counsel, Troutman Sanders LLP, 2010-2011
Associate, Troutman Sanders LLP, 2001-2009
Fellow, Atlanta Legal Aid, 2002-2003
Memberships
· State Bar of Georgia (Young Lawyers Division; Women in the Profession Committee; Intellectual Property Law Section)
· Sedona Conference Working Group on Electronic Document Retention and Production (WG1)
· Georgia Association of Women Lawyers