Extract from Onna’s article “A Comprehensive Guide to Legal Holds”
Whether you’re the plaintiff or the defendant, it takes evidence to win court cases. That’s why preserving and protecting relevant information through legal holds is paramount.
If you’re a lawyer or an IT professional who feels a bit lost when it comes to legal holds, you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from understanding the definition and significance of a legal hold to recognizing the responsibilities it entails and the risks of non-compliance. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of legal holds and will be well-equipped to navigate this essential aspect of the legal process.
Let’s start at the beginning: why do we care about legal holds, anyway?
What are legal holds, and why are they important?
Legal holds, also known as litigation holds or preservation orders, are crucial processes in the legal world. They are designed to ensure that all potentially relevant documents, data, and information are preserved when litigation, regulatory inquiries, or investigations are pending or anticipated. Their purpose is to prevent the destruction, alteration, or loss of evidence that may be significant in legal proceedings.