Alison is a partner in the Litigation and Intellectual Property practice groups of Troutman Sanders LLP. Alison is the co-founder and co-leader of the Electronic Discovery and Data Management Team. 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 government investigations. Alison has developed and implemented case-specific strategies which incorporate appropriate technological tools and resources to efficiently and effectively preserve, manage, collect, review, code, and produce large volumes of electronically stored information. 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.
Employed technological tools and partnered with outside vendors 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.
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).
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.
"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, April, 2010.
"Judge Scheindlin Revisits Zubulake" – Women in E-Discovery Panelist, April 2010.
“Management Tools for Litigation” – International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) Litigation and Practice Support Peer Group Webinar, December 15, 2011.