Identify where the decisive evidence may be
The first useful question is often where to look. An allegation about copied files may lead to a laptop, USB activity, a cloud-sharing account and communications with a recipient. A disputed email may point to the sender's account, the recipient's copy, attachments, backups and message logs.
GDF helps counsel identify devices, accounts, applications and records worth preserving and requesting. We focus the examination on the events in dispute and follow relevant connections as the evidence develops.
Extract the data and connect records across sources
We forensically collect and extract available data from computers, phones, email, cloud storage and business applications. The examination can include files, messages, browser records, application databases, account activity and system logs.
We correlate those records across devices and accounts. A file event gains context when it can be compared with a message, a login, a connected storage device or a cloud transfer. The resulting analysis shows counsel how separate pieces of evidence relate to one another.
Build timelines and relationship maps counsel can use
A clear chronology helps answer what happened before, during and after the disputed event. GDF aligns timestamps, identifies the source of each event and builds timelines that connect communications, file activity and account records.
Relationship maps show connections between people, accounts, communications, attachments and files. Counsel can follow who communicated with whom, which records connect them and how those connections developed over time. We distinguish observed activity from the interpretation of that activity and retain the supporting source references.
Where might the smoking gun be?
A forwarded attachment, an unexpected chat, a shared folder, a document revision or a file copied shortly before a departure can change the direction of a case. GDF helps counsel identify promising evidence sources and test how those records fit the competing accounts.
For example, an employee-departure examination may bring together file access, removable-device activity, email attachments and cloud records. Each source answers part of the question; examining them together can reveal a sequence that is hard to see in a document review alone. This is an example of our analytical approach, not a description of a particular case.
Give the litigation team a connected picture of the evidence
Counsel receives findings organized around the disputed questions, with timelines, relationship maps, relevant communications and supporting records. We explain what each source contributes, where the accounts agree or conflict and which additional records could resolve an open question.
The work supports case assessment, focused discovery, deposition questions, expert reports and courtroom presentations. Our experts can explain both the findings and the forensic work behind them under questioning.
Questions from counsel
Can you help determine where to look for evidence?
Yes. GDF works with counsel to identify relevant devices, accounts, applications and records, plan preservation and focus collection on the disputed events.
Can you combine evidence from computers, phones, email and cloud accounts?
Yes. We extract available data, correlate events across sources and build timelines and relationship maps that show how the records connect.
What will our attorneys receive?
Deliverables can include a clear forensic report, event timelines, relationship maps, relevant records and exhibits, opposing-expert analysis and expert testimony. We plan the deliverables around the questions and deadlines in your case.