Matthew Prewitt

About the Author

Matthew Prewitt

Matthew Prewitt is a partner in the Chicago office of Schiff Hardin, where he specializes in complex litigation. He also is an adjunct professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law where he teaches a seminar in complex business litigation. He may be reached at mprewitt@schiffhardin.com.  

• E-discovery: Early preservation demands are key in courts with few ground rules

  By Matthew Prewitt  |  April 27, 2012

  In this month’s column, we consider how to draft a preservation demand letter that will lay the foundation for more effective motion practice against an adversary who is refusing to provide a reasonable level of transparency and cooperation.

• E-discovery: Piercing the "veil of secrecy" in state court litigation

  By Matthew Prewitt  |  March 27, 2012

  The veil of secrecy, unless penetrated, may prevent your company’s counsel from even initiating what, in the federal courts, typically would be an extensive discussion and negotiation of both sides’ e-discovery obligations.

• E-Discovery: Avoiding e-discovery offenses in state courts

  By Matthew Prewitt  |  February 24, 2012

  This month, we consider the pitfalls that may await a party who incorrectly assumes that the absence of established rules or precedents means that e-discovery obligations can be safely ignored.

• E-discovery: Litigating in forums without e-discovery rules

  By Matthew Prewitt  |  January 31, 2012

  Given the rapid evolution of e-discovery in the federal courts, it is easy to forget that, only five years ago, the e-discovery amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure had just taken effect, and most federal district courts had not yet adopted any local rules or standing orders addressing...

• E-Discovery: Justifying the investment in an e-discovery consultant

  By Matthew Prewitt  |  December 23, 2011

  In previous columns, I have considered how the addition of an e-discovery consultant to your company’s litigation team can materially strengthen your company’s defense in complex litigation.

• E-Discovery: Waging a strong e-discovery offense

  By Matthew Prewitt  |  November 22, 2011

  In last month’s column, we considered the role of your company’s e-discovery consultant as a testifying expert witness when the sufficiency of your company’s e-discovery preservation, collection or production comes under attack. This month, we consider the role of the e-discovery consultant when your company goes on the e-discovery offensive.

• E-Discovery: When your e-discovery consultant becomes a testifying witness

  By Matthew Prewitt  |  October 26, 2011

  In previous columns, I have briefly discussed the importance of retaining an ESI consultant who can testify as an expert witness. In this column, I take a closer look at this often overlooked role.

• E-Discovery: One size does not fit all

  By Matthew Prewitt  |  September 20, 2011

  In last month’s column, I considered how cost and efficiency considerations have prompted many companies to bring in-house some of the collection and review functions traditionally performed by e-discovery vendors.

• E-Discovery: 3 scenarios that require an e-discovery consultant

  By Matthew Prewitt  |  August 23, 2011

  When resources are stretched and litigation is complex, in-house counsel should seek help.