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Process Overview
Boston-based, serving clients nationwide by appointment.
This page gives the high-level path for preservation-first matters, from intake review through handling, delivery, and close-out. It shows how scope, authority, transfer planning, and close-out expectations stay aligned before technical handling begins. For the matter-by-matter sequence under confirmed terms, 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 fixes the approved sources, authority path, delivery route, and handling boundaries before technical steps begin.
- Handling, transfer, verification references when used, and close-out records all track back to that same written frame.
What the process produces
- Intake review and confirmed matter definition
- Source-appropriate handling or transfer procedures
- Custody, delivery, and close-out records tied to the same confirmed matter definition
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 close-out.
- 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
Close-out materials 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 close-out, including any noted scope limits or handling constraints
6. Delivery Confirmation and Close-Out
Questions about delivered materials, record labels, or close-out 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 close-out 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 close-out and delivery 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 close-out records a stable written reference point.