In Records Retention, Retrieval and Destruction, you'll learn...
- Recent developments that make a strictly enforced document retention program essential for every business
- The problem with destroying documents too soon or—even worse—keeping them too long
- Your litigation discovery obligations: How documents must be preserved
- Lessons to be learned from the Arthur Andersen/Enron cases about the perils of improper document destruction
- And much more
Have you ever been unsure how long—under the law—you’re required to keep employment records? Do you save every single tax return, contract and financial record for years because you aren’t certain what you can safely throw away? If you received a litigation discovery request today, would you know how to go about responding?
Recent events, including expanding government investigations into corporate wrongdoing and a new wave of legislation, have heightened awareness of the importance of preserving key paper and electronic documents—and the perils of tossing them too soon. The failure to have a defined, systematic approach to document retention can have dire consequences, and that’s where this seminar can help. You’ll understand the vital role organized document retention and destruction plays in protecting your organization and get up to date on recent developments in the law that impact your practices. You’ll get specific tips and guidelines for developing a document retention policy that employees follow, one that addresses the evolving area of electronic records and how to handle everything that goes into and out of your company’s computers. Every organization needs this important training—don’t miss it.
- The characteristics of an effective document retention program
- Why it’s crucial to be able to immediately stop routine destruction of records if litigation begins
- How your current approach to document retention could be an asset—or a liability
- Are you allowing poorly written internal communications to increase your legal exposure?
- How a well-crafted records retention schedule will put you firmly in control
- What’s wrong with the traditional “safe approach” of keeping everything—forever?
- Recognizing the 2 types of “documents”—and why you must consider them separately
- Disaster recovery: How proper awareness and preparedness can make a positive difference should the worst occur
- How gaining support from the top will put teeth into your program
- Special security measures you must take with records that include personal information about people
- What your new responsibilities are under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
- Document retention after the Arthur Andersen/Enron cases: What can you destroy?
- How unorganized retention makes compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act even trickier
- Recent legal developments that directly impact document retention—and answers to the most commonly asked questions about them
- An overview of the statutes and regulations governing document retention and destruction
- A quick privacy law refresher: Know what your responsibilities are and develop your practices accordingly
- How lawmakers are focusing increasingly on electronic records retention—making it essential you do the same
- What triggers your duty to preserve?
- You have an obligation to preserve information for litigation—but do you have a system?
- First things first: Building your policy on a clear understanding of the nature of your business
- 5 components all successful retention policies share
- How to simplify the overwhelming task of determining what kinds of records you have and where they are
- All policies are works in progress—why true success hinges on being able to respond to the needs of your company
- Why you need a core team, who should be on it and why
- A “keep it simple” strategy for writing policies employees will follow
- The double benefit you get from properly training employees
- The human side of document retention—getting employees to commit to your plan
- Using technology to simplify implementation
- How periodic audits and updates of your program can make it even stronger
- 8 basic principles of successful electronic records retention
- Not all electronic records warrant retention—how to determine which ones do
- How to minimize the enormous burden electronic discovery can place on your organization
- Do’s and don’ts when developing your electronic records policy
- Avoid legal surprises stemming from the use of PDAs, cell phones and other electronic media
- 2 simple keys to success when retaining electronic records
- How e-mail, if kept too long, can become a liability
- How to maximize the potential of instant messaging while establishing rules that protect your organization
- Has the electronic record been altered? Authenticity issues that must be addressed
