An Electronically Stored Information (ESI) Protocol is a negotiated agreement between parties in litigation that governs how relevant electronic documents will be identified, preserved, collected, processed, reviewed, and produced to the opposing party. eDiscovery-related negotiations typically occur during the FRCP 26(f) Meet and Confer Conference of the Parties (or State equivalent). Courts and case law have made clear that these discussions are ongoing and can even occur in a more informal manner via email, etc. Regardless, the negotiated ESI Discovery protocol and relevant deadlines (court-provided or otherwise) are binding.
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