Martha J. Dawson

In more than 30 years of practice, Ms. Dawson has focused on commercial and complex litigation. Early in her career, her cases were typically document (paper) intensive. As a trial attorney, Ms. Dawson understood the important role that document requests, proper document production, and the management of documents played in course of the litigation and trial. Technology and sound business processes in managing documents from preservation to trial became an early and important part of her practice.

Recognizing the need for more effective client solutions as documents turned predominately from paper to electronic, K&L Gates formed its unique practice group, e-Discovery Analysis and Technology (e-DAT), in 1997. Today, e-DAT is comprised of more than one hundred lawyer and non-lawyer professionals dedicated to records management, litigation readiness, all aspects of document review (from collection to processing to final production) and litigation support. e-DAT uses systematic processes and advanced technology to provide efficient document review legal services, particularly with respect to electronic documents. These services have been extensively utilized in nationally prominent complex litigation, government investigations and a range of internal private investigations.

As founder and co-lead of e-DAT, Ms. Dawson’s practice has focused entirely on the legal issues of electronic discovery and records management for the past 15 years. She regularly counsels clients regarding litigation readiness, records preservation and legal holds, collection issues, and all manner of discovery related issues. Ms. Dawson serves as both Special and National e-Discovery Counsel to clients working with their trial counsel of choice. Reasonable, responsible and defensible solutions to often challenging discovery issues require the in-depth knowledge and legal experience that she brings to bear on each matter.

Ms. Dawson was and continues to be an active voice in discussions regarding the proposed amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, including the 2006 amendments and current discussions. She is a member of the Lawyers for Civil Justice, and is also a frequent speaker and author on electronic discovery issues.