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Process Overview
Boston-based, serving clients nationwide by appointment.
This page outlines the high-level sequence for preservation-first matters, from intake review through handling, delivery, and completion. It shows how scope, authorization, transfer planning, and expected preservation records stay aligned before technical handling begins. For the detailed engagement sequence, see the Engagement Process page.
What stays aligned
- Intake review frames the matter objective, likely sources, timing pressures, and who can authorize handling.
- Written matter definition confirms the approved sources, authorization path, delivery route, and handling parameters before technical steps begin.
- Preservation records, transfer references, and verification references when used all track back to that same written frame.
What Intake Produces
- Defined preservation scope based on written intake<
- Source-appropriate handling and transfer plan
- Custody, delivery, and preservation-record requirements tied to the defined scope
1. Intake Review
Initial intake frames the matter, urgency, likely sources, and who can approve next-step handling.
- Source type, current condition, and access path
- Time-sensitive risks such as reset, reassignment, or retention limits
- Travel, shipping, remote coordination, or priority-scheduling needs
2. Matter Definition
Written matter definition confirms what is in scope, how the source will be handled, what delivery path is expected, and what records or deliverables should accompany completion.
- Authorized sources and custodians
- Handling boundaries, transfer route, and delivery format
- Fee terms, timing assumptions, and responsible payor
3. Preservation Handling
With written approval in place, preservation follows the method suited to the source and matter.
- Receipt or access confirmation
- Source identification and transfer controls
- Integrity verification references when used
4. Additional Preservation Steps (when requested)
Some matters require targeted steps beyond initial receipt or transfer while remaining within a preservation-first posture.
- Targeted exports or imaging within written approval
- Preservation of linked backups, account data, or administrative exports where available
- Additional transfers or storage steps confirmed in writing before expansion
5. Delivery Record and Preservation Summary
Preservation records are organized to show what was received, preserved, verified when used, and delivered so later reviewers can follow the matter without reconstruction.
- What was received or accessed
- What was preserved, transferred, or returned
- What records accompanied completion, including any noted scope limits or handling constraints
6. Delivery Confirmation and Completion
Questions about delivered materials, record labels, or completion logistics are addressed against the scope and transfer record so the file remains orderly.
- Clarifications on delivered materials or labels
- Return, storage, or retention instructions when needed
- Orderly completion under the agreed written terms
Priority Preservation Pathway
Priority scheduling (when available) supports urgent matters where a source may change state or become unavailable before ordinary scheduling would be sufficient. The handling discipline and record posture remain the same.
- Expedited intake and handling-plan confirmation
- Accelerated transfer or handling coordination
- Priority scheduling of preservation steps
- Clear delivery and preservation records under compressed timelines
Evidence Handoff
Devices and storage media are transferred by appointment. In-person handoff within the greater Boston area is available by scheduled meeting, and shipped submissions are accepted when appropriate and confirmed in writing.
Transfers are recorded so custody continuity remains clear from receipt through delivery or return. Where a source is accessed rather than physically transferred, the access route and delivery path are still reflected in the matter record.
Boundary note
For boundaries, exclusions, and engagement controls, see Scope of Services. This page describes the handling flow and record posture. It does not provide legal advice, merits conclusions, or outcome opinions.
Why intake review matters
Intake review establishes the written starting point for the matter: what was requested, when it was requested, by whom, and under what timing, authority, or transfer constraints.
That reduces ambiguity for counsel, claims contacts, and technical participants and gives later handling and preservation records a stable written reference point.