Terry L. Wright, ACP, Receives A 2017 NALA Affiliate Award! LAPA Is Honored For Receiving ...

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AUGUST 2017 VOLUME 45 / ISSUE 08
IN REVIEW... LAPA MEMBER NEWS
Terry L. Wright, ACP,
1 LAPA Member News:
Terry L. Wright, ACP, Receives A
2017 NALA Affiliate Award Receives A 2017 NALA
1 President’s Message:
LAPA Is Honored For Receiving
NALA’s Making A Difference Award Affiliate Award!
2 Book Review:
Personal Finance For Professionals
By Susan A. Berson Terry Wright, ACP, the Los Angeles Paralegal
3 Peanut Gallery I: Association’s current Vice President of
How To Change Specialties:
Membership & Policy and LAPA’s NALA
Getting It Right The Second Time
4 Tips Of The Trade: Liaison, received a 2017 NALA Affiliate Award
The Value Of Networking
on Wednesday, July 19th at NALA’s Orlando,
4 LAPA MCLE Seminar Preview:
Florida Conference & Expo due to her significant
What Is Franchising?
6 NALA Network: contributions to the paralegal profession and LAPA. First, for the 3rd year in
NALA’s 2017 Conference And Expo a row, Terry will again spearhead LAPA’s Annual October Conference, one of
Recap
LAPA’s largest annual events that has an average of 250 to 320 attendees. At
7 Job Search Advice:
Steps To Success: A Starting this annual event, hundreds of attendees partake in LAPA’s October Conference
Paralegal’s Take On Entering The
that offers over 12 legal seminars, prominent keynote speakers, exhibitors,
Field
8 LAPA October Conf. Preview: networking, and much, much more. Spearheading such an endeavor is not
Exploring The Possibilities
an easy task, and Terry always goes above and beyond of what is required to
9 Peanut Gallery II:
effectively fulfill this annual tradition that is now in its 41st year.
The Power Of A Data Map – A Tool
For The Paralegal continued on page 3
11 Travel Log:
A Mellow Birthday PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
12 LAPA’s Litigation Section
Seminar Review: LAPA Is Honored For
No Complaints Here!
14 LAPA Employment Law
Section Seminar Review: Receiving NALA’s Making A
What A Trial Lawyer Needs,
Presented By Linda Miller Savitt
Difference Award
Also In This Issue: by Bobby T. Rimas – LAPA President
Calendar of Events 3
LAPA Career Center Info. 18/26 On Wednesday, July 19, 2017, LAPA was honored for
Working Advantage LAPA Member Benefit 27
receiving NALA’s Making a Difference Award at the National Association
LAPA Member Benefit Health Insurance 27
LAPA Student Scholarship Ad 28 of Legal Assistants (“NALA”) Conference & Expo at the Wyndham Orlando
LAPA Members Only Benefit Ad 29
Resort in Orlando, Florida. Both Terry Wright, ACP, LAPA’s Vice President
Bet Tzedek Volunteers Flyers 30/31
LAPA South Bay Section Seminar 32 of Membership Policy, and I were at the NALA conference when LAPA was
LAPA Immigration Law Section Seminar 33
LAPA San Fernando Valley Section Seminar 34 recognized for this award during the NALA Annual Membership Meeting.
LAPA Technology Seminar 35
We were extremely excited that LAPA was recognized for its contributions
New & Renewing Members 36
Board of Directors Listings 37 to the paralegal profession and community as LAPA continues to be making
Sections, Committees & Other LAPA Info. 37
LAPA Member Benefit Dental Insurance 37 continued on page 16
BOOK REVIEW
by Christine Langteau
and figuring out where to tighten the purse strings.
Personal Reviewing Susan Berson’s book Personal Finance
for Professionals should be helpful in controlling and
Finance For managing one’s money.
“Effective money management is the tool that is going
Professionals
to help you find the means to achieve your dreams.”
The first chapter focuses on financial goals which
By Susan A.
should track priorities and reality. One way to begin
Berson financial planning is to create a net worth balance
sheet and to determine assets and liabilities. Three
rules to follow are: 1.) achieve and maintain a debt
Many in America have
free existence; 2.) establish an emergency fund and
trouble managing their
3.) max out annual retirement contributions. Making
money, especially saving for the years after their work
distinctions between want and need are essential to
life has ended. A couple of recent CNBC reports state
achieve financial goals at any stage.
that most older Americans have not saved nearly
enough for retirement. They also regret that they have In chapter 2, The “B” Word: Everyone needs a
not saved for emergencies and have accumulated too Budget. “The budget is the cornerstone of effective
much credit card and student loan debt. Most people financial planning.” To create a workable budget,
want to save but it’s often a matter of discipline begin with an analysis of current assets and liabilities.
Next, identify wants and needs, and finally develop a
LAPA’S OFFICE HOURS
month-to month plan to live by. Without determining
where your money goes each month it is not possible
Direct your inquiries to LAPA’s Administrative Manager, Tracey
to set up strategic financial goals. Berson advises
Booth, at 866.626.LAPA: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. creating the budget based on all income received
and then all weekly, monthly, and quarterly payments
and expenses, including expenses as varied as health
JOIN LAPA ON... & WWW.LAPA.ORG
care provider co-payments, haircuts, taxes, daily
Starbucks, occasional birthday gifts, utilities, theater
LAPA REPORTER
tickets, and charitable contributions. A wise move is
The Reporter is published monthly by the Los Angeles Paralegal As-
to assess financial goals, expenditures and savings at
sociation. The news and views presented express the authors’ views
and not necessarily those of LAPA. Publication of any article or adver- least once a year.
tisement does not imply endorsement of the opinions, products or
services offered. LAPA assumes no responsibility for verifying facts of- Student loan debt is discussed in chapter 3. Students
fered by contributing authors or in reprinted articles. Readers should
should aim to achieve the lowest interest rate with
consider information contained in these articles as guidelines to be
independently confirmed as to timeliness. the shortest time to pay off their loan debt. There
©2017 Los Angeles Paralegal Association. All rights reserved. are several options for dealing with student loan debt
THE ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL DEADLINE IS THE 5TH OF such as consolidation for multiple loans, deferment
THE MONTH PRIOR TO PUBLICATION.
for circumstances such as military service, economic
Articles and news items should be directed to LAPA at [email protected].
hardship and disability. Loan forbearance is another
Inquiries about making a submission should be directed to LAPA at
[email protected], or call Tracey Booth at (866) 626-LAPA. option to reduce or temporarily stop loan payments
Inquiries about advertising placement, applications, membership but is granted at the discretion of the lender.
materials and address changes should be directed to Tracey Booth,
Alternative repayment plans might be offered by the
LAPA Administrative Manager, at (866) 626-LAPA.
lender such as income sensitive repayment or an
Articles will be published as space permits. The Newsletter Committee
reserves approval and edit rights on any article submitted. extended repayment.
The Los Angeles Paralegal Association is a non-profit, mutual benefit
“Credit card use can overthrow, if not collapse, a
corporation and is tax exempt within the meaning of section 501(c)
(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. Membership dues and donations to healthy financial structure,” Berson writes in chapter
LAPA are not tax deductible as charitable gifts, but may be deductible
as related business expenses. LAPA suggests that you consult your continued on page 19
tax advisor in this regard.
VOLUME 45 / ISSUE 07 / JULY 2017 LAPA 2
CALENDAR OF EVENTS PEANUT GALLERY I
AUGUST A monthly column where sponsors and/or vendors share helpful hints
10 - LAPA South Bay Section MCLE Seminar – National University, How To Change Specialties:
near LAX; Topic: Workers’ Compensation Basics and Their
Abuses; Contact LAPA at [email protected]; See ad on page 32. Getting It Right The Second
17 - LAPA Immigration Law Section MCLE Seminar – Abraham
Lincoln University, Korea Town / Mid Wilshire; Topic: Time
Ethical Practice of Immigration Law; Contact Bobby Rimas
at [email protected]; See ad on page 33.
19 - LAPA Board Retreat – Law Office of Lewitt Hackman, Encino; By Chere B. Estrin – CEO of Estrin Legal Staffing
Contact Bobby Rimas at [email protected].
Many paralegals who want to switch practice
29 - LAPA Executive Committee Meeting – Contact Bobby specialties write their resume with exactly what it is
Rimas at [email protected].
they are doing now, send out a cover letter stating
SEPTEMBER
they have lots of experience in their current practice
4 - Labor Day – Holiday area and are “detail oriented, a team player and a
6 - LAPA Board Meeting – TBD; Contact Bobby Rimas at quick learner.” In other words, “here I am, take me
[email protected]. as I am and, oh, please train me.”
14 - LAPA San Fernando Valley Section MCLE Seminar – Law Offices
And expect that will get them a new job in a new
of Lewitt Hackman, Encino; Topic: Franchise & Distribution
Law; Contact LAPA at [email protected]; See ad on page 34. specialty with a new firm.
20 - LAPA Technology Mixer – Los Angeles Athletic Club, DTLA; You have to be kidding.
Contact Bobby Rimas at [email protected];
Changing practice specialties is harder than getting
See ad on page 35.
21 - Rosh Hashana – Holiday your first job - much harder. Your experience in one
arena probably does not translate into another and
27 - LAPA Executive Committee Meeting – Contact Bobby
Rimas at [email protected]. budgets being what they are today, few firms want
30 - Yom Kippur – Holiday to train and pay you anything other than entry-level
salary.
OCTOBER
4 - LAPA Board Meeting – TBD; Contact Bobby Rimas at Given that people spend most of their lifetime at
[email protected]. work, enjoying what you do is especially important.
7 - LAPA’s 41st Annual October Conference– Hilton, Los However, how you landed in your specialty is often
Angeles North / Glendale; Exploring the Possibilities; by accident. It’s not surprising then, that many
Contact LAPA at [email protected]; See ad on page 8.
paralegals call me frequently seeking to switch
9 - Columbus Day – Holiday
practice areas.
18 - LAPA Executive Committee Meeting – Contact Bobby
Your ability to switch specialties depends upon your
Rimas at [email protected].
academic background, length of time in the field,
31 - Halloween
the law firms you have been with, market demand,
practice areas you want to leave and enter, skill
LAPA MEMBER NEWS- continued from page 1
set, geographic location, recent continuing legal
Furthermore, Terry has assisted with organizing several
education, contacts and just plain ole good luck.
paralegal educational seminars, such as NALA’s CP
Switching practice areas is not a decision taken
Review Courses that are offered each Fall and Spring
lightly. The type of work you should be practicing
at National University’s West Los Angeles campus.
should be a function of your strongest skill sets
Furthermore, Terry takes great pride with being part of
and interests more than anything else. You have
a selective pool of instructors who volunteer their time
to love it, otherwise, why do it? Simply switching
to teach the CP Review Courses. Additionally, she also
firms to learn a new practice area may not always be
puts on stellar legal specialty educational seminars,
appropriate either. For example, you may be able to
such as the Family Law Seminar that took place in the
switch practice areas within your own firm.
San Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles.
continued on page 20
continued on page 5
VOLUME 45 / ISSUE 07 / JULY 2017 LAPA 3
TIPS OF THE TRADE
Advice from experienced paralegals on the best legal practices and tools to A personalities, and surround ourselves with certainty,
grow in the industry. there may come a time for a change in our work
The Value Of Networking responsibilities. During the NALA Conference, I had
the opportunity to converse with a paralegal who is
interested in transitioning to a different practice area.
by Terry L. Wright, ACP – LAPA V.P. Membership & Policy
We exchanged information so as to stay connected
Networking…I can’t stress enough how important it is
in hope of a possible future recommendation.
in the legal industry. I recently attended the National
Remember to always stay connected and continue to
Association of Legal Assistants (“NALA”) Conference
add colleagues to your professional address book via
& Expo. I saw some familiar faces, met some new
networking opportunities, as you never know when a
colleagues, and had the opportunity to converse with
connection might help you work through a difficult
multiple fellow paralegals during the Conference.
change or transition in your career or be beneficial
While many of us working in the legal field exhibit Type with respect to a future endeavor. G
LAPA MCLE SEMINAR PREVIEW
What Is Franchising? disclose information on many parts of its business
and must deliver the FDD to a prospective Franchisee
within certain timelines.
by Marianne Toghia
The FDD is comprised of 23 sections, such as history
When you think of franchising, you think of McDonald’s,
of the Franchisor, names and employment histories
Burger King or Taco Bell, right? Or maybe you think
of the Franchisor’s officers, how much the franchise
of the Dodgers or Lakers as franchises. You’re also
costs, what fees are be paid to the Franchisor or
right!
continued on page 21
Merriam Webster defines a franchise as “(1) the right
or license granted to an individual or group to market
a company’s goods or services in a particular territory;
also: a business granted such a right or license - just
opened a new fast-food franchise down the street (2)
the territory involved in such a right.”
Sport franchising is a little different. Merriam
Webster defines the sports franchise as “a: the right
of membership in a professional sports league; b:
a team and its operating organization having such
membership He’s the best player in the history of the
franchise.”
Let’s explore franchising outside of sports. When
you buy a franchise, you receive a license to use the
franchise’s brand name, its logos, its trademarks and
its system for operating the business. The company
that offers and sells the franchise is the Franchisor
and the person who buys their franchise is the
Franchisee.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates the
process of selling franchises by requiring a Franchise
Disclosure Document (FDD) be prepared by the
Franchisor and given to prospective franchisees. It
means exactly what it is called – the Franchisor must
VOLUME 45 / ISSUE 07 / JULY 2017 LAPA 4
LAPA MEMBER NEWS- continued from page 3
Last but definitely not least, Terry has been a stalwart Her primary practice area involves providing Dignity
supporter of LAPA’s community service activities. Health’s hospitals with effective physician, non-
For several years, Terry has actively participated in physician, and system-wide related contracts in efforts
and contributed to the LAPA Team that annually to meet the daily operational needs of Dignity Health
participates in a 5K race to raise funds for Public hospitals and its affiliate entities. She achieved her
Counsel’s “Run for Justice” at Dodger Stadium. Public Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management,
Counsel is one of the nation’s largest pro bono law with honors, from The University of Phoenix, Inc. Ms.
firms that serves the most needy in our communities. Wright earned her paralegal certificate from California
State University, Bakersfield. Thereafter, she attained
Ms. Wright has worked in the legal industry for
her NALA Certification and subsequently earned
over 30 years and is currently employed by Dignity
an Advanced Paralegal Certification in Contracts
Health (formerly named Catholic Healthcare West), a
Administration / Contracts Management from the
nonprofit health care corporation, and has provided
National Association of Legal Assistants (“NALA”).
service to in-house counsel in support of the Dignity
Health owned and operated hospitals for 19 years. Congratulations, Terry Wright, ACP! G

July 17, 2017

Mr. Bobby T. Rimas, President
Los Angeles Paralegal Association
P.O. 71708
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Dear Mr. Rimas,

As Chair of NALA’s Making a Difference Committee, I am honored to announce the selection of
Los Angeles Paralegal Association as the recipient of a Making a Difference Award. This award
recognizes outstanding achievements of current NALA Members or NALA Affiliated Associations
who made a difference in the paralegal profession or their community.

Recognition of your Association’s award will be published in an upcoming issue of Facts &
Findings or Facts & Findings Digital. Your Affiliated Association will also be honored at the 2017
NALA Conference in Orlando, Florida during the annual membership meeting. We hope that
recognition of your Affiliated Association inspires and motivates other paralegals.

On behalf of the NALA Making a Difference Committee, let me be the first to congratulate Los
Angeles Paralegal Association on being the recipient of a 2017 Making a Difference Award.

Sincerely,

Debra L. Overstreet, ACP
NALA Treasurer
Chair 2017 NALA Making a Difference Committee

cc: Cassandra Oliver, ACP, NALA President
Greta Zeimetz, CAE, NALA Executive Director
VOLUME 45 / ISSUE 07 / JULY 2017 LAPA 5
NALA NETWORK
NALA’s 2017 Conference
And Expo Recap
by Terry L. Wright, ACP – LAPA’s NALA Liaison
Orlando was quite an experience, and what
an interesting visit it was. The week was quite
eventful, and although we were told they were
close, luckily there were no alligator sightings! For
those from southern California, we experienced a
climate unknown to some of us with rain, lightning, Affiliate Reception. It was an extremely exciting
thunder, and humidity. Despite the stormy arrival, event with a variety of appetizers, allowing all to have
the Wyndham Resort in Orlando, Florida welcomed the opportunity to chat and collaborate with fellow
approximately 400 guests, attendees, and paralegals paralegals. Thank you to all who stopped by the LAPA
from across the country at the National Association table; it was a pleasure to meet and talk with each
of Legal Assistants (“NALA”) annual Conference & and every one of you, whether a familiar or new face!
Expo July 19 – July 21, 2017. NALA provided us with
The agenda provided for a choice of informative
multiple informative MCLE seminars, the opportunity
breakout sessions such as Advanced Contracts and
to connect with many exhibitors and vendors, and
Commercial Leases, A Step by Step Look at the Civil
the opportunity to network with fellow paralegals
Litigation Process, IRS Collections and Dealing with
throughout the week. Some took in the scenery after
Liens, Levies, and Seizures, the Basics of Trusts, the
hours with visits to Universal Orlando, the Orlando
Secrete to Understanding Objections, and trap Doors
Eye, Madame Tussauds, and the Sea Life Aquarium.
with Respect to Real Estate Transactions. An interactive
The Conference was quite monumental for Los ethics workshop was provided so that mandatory
Angeles this year! LAPA was recognized and honored ethics credit could be received. The speakers came
with the Making a Difference achievement award for from varying states, including, Bobby Rimas, LAPA’s
its support of the paralegal profession and community President, who provided an informative H-1B Visas
collaboration. NALA clearly recognizes LAPA as an presentation and two captivating Employment
inspiration to the paralegal field. Congratulations, Law Update seminars. Mr. Rimas received nice
LAPA, for a job well done! Additionally, yours truly, and favorable comments about his presentations
was honored by receiving the NALA’s Affiliate Award throughout the remainder of the Conference.
for my contributions in efforts to enhance paralegals
Some exhibitors present at the Conference included
and their respective career paths.
Fairchild Record Search, Phips Reporting, Accer
Affiliate organizations shared their swag, ideas, and Legal Resources, National Association of Professional
association information Wednesday night at the continued on page 22
VOLUME 45 / ISSUE 07 / JULY 2017 LAPA 6
JO B SEARCH ADVICE
Steps To Success: openings available. Since we all start somewhere, it’s
a good idea to “trim the fat” and use search filters to
A Starting
narrow down your results for jobs that require a year or
less in work experience. I always made sure to apply
Paralegal’s Take On
for the jobs I felt I was qualified for, and I adapted my
resume to suit the desired parameters for each specific
Entering The Field
job. You have to remember that no one will apply for
you, so treat job hunting like a job itself. However, don’t
by Herbert Ortiz – LAPA Member
forget to reward yourself like you would for a regular
I want to start by saying that I didn’t think I would land a job, either. For example, if you had a really productive
paralegal job straight out of college. I didn’t quite know day and you sent out thoughtfully-crafted resumes
what to do with myself once I graduated, waiting for my and cover letters from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., give
paralegal certificate to arrive in the mail a month later. yourself a nice 30-minute to an hour lunch break in
However, because I was still fired up, I came up with a between, or go out and take a walk at the end of the
plan. I say it’s a plan, but really, it’s just somethings I “work day.” Listen to your favorite artists while you’re
did to search for employment and hope that something job hunting. Share your findings with your family and
would “stick.” I want to share with you some ideas as friends. Talk about what you did. Most of all, be proud
you begin your journey into the paralegal profession; of your dedication to the hunt *insert primitive growl
basically, these are the things I did to obtain my current for humorous effect*. Be on the prowl for the job you
job as an immigration paralegal: want, and may your pursuit be relentless…ooga ooga.
• BE PROACTIVE. I made sure that from the day I • your cover letter Should read like a
graduated, I would begin to work on, well, obtaining LOVE LETTER, but instead of courting for romance,
work. That actually entails less than you might think then woo for an interview. Don’t misconstrue things.
(and they make up most of my “plan,” which I will Cover letters should still be very professional and
proceed with in a moment), but the most important well-written, so don’t put any hearts or “xoxos” in
factor that contributed to my early employment was your letter. What I mean is you should make sure
that I never stopped working at it. I just kept going, and that your cover letter addresses each job with the
it somehow didn’t feel like a chore. It was invigorating. specificity and care that a love letter would. That is
• Start with your reSume. Paralegal Studies continued on page 21
programs tend to include a course that helps you
land your first job. If you haven’t already, I highly
recommend that you check out Andrea Wagner’s How
to Land Your First Paralegal Job. It’s a painlessly short
book with handy tips on how to fine-tune your resume,
among other things. It’s a great resource to have if you
don’t know where to start. But don’t stop there. Don’t
hesitate to ask your family, friends, former classmates,
professors and recruiters to proofread your resume. In
fact, handing out my resume to one of the recruiters may
have been the smartest move I made, as she helped
to tailor my resume to suit the desired qualifications
many prospective employers look for. Don’t be afraid
to expose yourself and learn how to integrate feedback
into your resume. It’s a living organism—it’s as if it
never stops evolving. Just like you.
• apply daily. Check out hot websites like Glassdoor,
Indeed, Monster, and Craigslist for job offers, or ask
your buddies or your favorite professor if there are any
VOLUME 45 / ISSUE 07 / JULY 2017 LAPA 7
LAPA OCTOBER CONFERENCE PREVIEW
Exploring The Possibilities Law, Contract Law, e-discovery, Intellectual Property,
Estate Planning, e-Filing, and Workers’ Compensation.
by Terry L. Wright, ACP – LAPA V.P. Membership & Policy, There will be multiple exhibitors joining us for the day,
October Conference Chair
so don’t forget to stock up and bring your business
Ready or not, here we come, it’s LAPA October cards for the raffles. Stay with us on the path to
Conference time once again! The October Conference exploring, as we have a lot more exciting plans for this
team is very excited to present to you “Exploring the year’s Conference.
Possibilities.”
Please see the LAPA website at https://www.lapa.
As a sneak peak, this year LAPA will be offering MCLE org/ with additional details to follow and registration
breakout sessions in the following practice areas: to open very soon. Come explore YOUR possibilities
Corporate Compliance Investigations, Employment with LAPA on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at the Los
Law, Litigation, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Criminal Angeles Hilton North/Glendale. G
Exploring the Possibilities
Save
the
date
Registration to open soon! In the
interim, please contact: Terry Wright at
[email protected] or
Tracey Booth at [email protected].
Be sure to visit www.LAPA.org for more
details.
VOLUME 45 / ISSUE 07 / JULY 2017 LAPA 8
PEANUT GALLERY II
A monthly column where sponsors and/or vendors interest of all stakeholders that this knowledge be
share helpful hints recorded as soon as possible.
The Power Of
UPDATE REGULARLY: Technology changes at
lightning speed. Throughout the course of the year
A Data Map – A
servers get upgraded, software becomes obsolete,
storage is consolidated; a Data Map can quickly
Tool For The
become outdated. Because a Data Map will lose
Paralegal its value over time, it may at some point become
the functional equivalent of having no Data Map
at all. Therefore, Data Maps should be updated
by Joy Murao – CEO of Practice Aligned Resources
regularly, at least once a year or whenever major
Being highly organized is a critical skill for paralegals.
infrastructure changes occur. It is also prudent
The best way to achieve a high level of organization
to have policies in place to trigger notices if and
is to have numerous tools and techniques to deploy
when there are any significant changes to the IT
when and where they are needed. One such tool in
infrastructure to ensure this information can flow
the modern world of technology is the Data Map,
to the paralegal responsible for keeping the Data
and it is important for paralegals to understand the
Map current.
concept and core components.
ASK OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS: In order to
What is a Data Map? These words may conjure up
obtain a comprehensive Data Map, it is imperative
a picture of highly technical drawings full of fancy
to ask the data custodians or SMEs open-ended
Visio stencils, lines and arrows; however, while a
questions. They may forget about older legacy
visual component can be helpful, it is not always
data locations or simply overlook certain locations.
required. At its most basic construct, a Data Map is
Getting them to discuss the “why” and “how” of
simply a way to memorize the location, source and
their day-to-day job functions will help provide a
identification of existing litigation data. In essence,
better understanding of the location of their data,
it’s about setting to paper a comprehensive record
and help trigger any forgotten data points that
of the “where” and “what” of potential evidence.
have not been captured.
After all, you can’t collect, process, review and
GET MANAGEMENT BUY-IN: A common
produce what you don’t know exists. And, in that
complaint when creating a Data Map is that
context, it becomes apparent that a Data Map can
custodians tend to be slow to respond or may
be a questionnaire, a spreadsheet, or even a Word
be territorial about their data. Some personnel
document outline.
may not understand the need for the questions
It is important to remember that the visual graphic
required to construct a Data Map and may view
representation of a Data Map is not as important
this outreach as an interruption, as opposed to a
as its substance. When striving to create a truly
valuable information exchange and memorization.
depth-filled and useful map, there are a few key
In such instances, it is advisable to already
components to keep in mind:
have management buy-in so you can properly
DO NOT PROCRASTINATE: Litigation holds can disseminate the goals to all relevant stakeholders.
provide some protection against spoliation, but Once data custodians understand the legal and
data custodians can leave the company, or their regulatory requirements, there tends to be a more
data may be migrated to a different location by collaborative effort - and creating a useful Data
the time it needs to be collected. It is important to Map becomes that much easier.
ensure that when the data custodians or subject
It is important to remember that the function and
matter experts (SMEs) leave, retire, or transfer,
purpose of a Data Map is not to visually dazzle.
their knowledge of the relevant data locations
It is about clarity and comprehensiveness. It is a
does not leave with them. Therefore, it’s in the
continued on page 17
VOLUME 45 / ISSUE 07 / JULY 2017 LAPA 9
VOLUME 45 / ISSUE 07 / JULY 2017 LAPA 10