15th Annual Sedona Conference Institute: Pre-Trial Practice in a Post-Pandemic World

The 15th Annual Sedona Conference Institute: Pre-Trial Practice in a Post-Pandemic World was an online event held from May 16 to 18, 2022, organized by The Sedona Conference, a nonprofit research and educational institute dedicated to the advanced study of law and policy in areas such as antitrust law, complex litigation, intellectual property rights, and data security and privacy law. The program aimed to assist legal professionals in adapting their practices to the evolving landscape of online and hybrid litigation environments, focusing on aspects like client interviews, motion practice, and non-jury proceedings.

Key topics addressed included the future of virtual and hybrid practices, particularly concerning discovery and pre-trial procedures, the impact of the 2015 Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure reintroducing proportionality factors into the scope of discovery, and the implications of new sources of discovery such as ephemeral messaging, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing. The event also covered challenges related to non-party and foreign discovery, attorney-client privilege claims, and the authentication and admission of electronic evidence in virtual settings.

The program featured a panel of state and federal judges who shared their experiences and insights on the rapid technological advancements in the legal field, discussing the consensus that the profession is unlikely to revert to traditional methods. Additionally, the event addressed professional responsibility questions arising from virtual and hybrid practices, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism, adhering to jurisdictional rules, and ensuring data security in remote settings.

This event was particularly beneficial for legal professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and skills in navigating the complexities of pre-trial practices in a post-pandemic world, offering valuable insights into the future of legal proceedings and the integration of technology into legal practices.