RECORDS RETENTION, RETRIEVAL AND DESTRUCTION: IMPLEMENTING AN EFFECTIVE SYSTEM FOR YOUR COMPANY

In this seminar 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.

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Day One: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Manage business risks and minimize exposure

The business and legal reasons to institute a good document retention plan are growing by the day. Learn how your ability to demonstrate that your practices are appropriate and consistently followed can protect your organization.

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

Stay current with the latest laws and trends

More than 9,000 federal, state and industry-specific legal and regulatory requirements are in effect—and being enforced. Get up to date on legislation you need to know about and how it impacts your day-to-day practices.

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?

Create and implement a retention program that works

You don´t have to reinvent the wheel when developing your document retention plan. Learn proven steps to follow that will ensure you have a program that meets your needs and complies with the law.

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

The special challenges related to electronic records retention

Studies show over 93% of business documents are now created electronically and many are never printed. Learn basic retention principles that will help you navigate this evolving area.

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

CEU Credits: 0.5
CPE Credits: 6
Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
NASBA#: 107691

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