Eric P. Blank, Esq.
Principal
Telephone: 206-256-9699
Email:
1700 Continental Place
Mount Vernon, Washington 98273.
Curriculum Vitae
Current as of February 1, 2015
INTRODUCTION
I am the founder and Managing Attorney of Blank Law & Technology P.S., an Information Security law firm based in Seattle and Mount Vernon, Washington. My practice focuses on addressing legal, procedural and discovery issues related to computers (including cell phones), software, databases, and private and public networks, including the Internet. On behalf of corporations, governments and courts, I act as mediator, neutral, and Special Master on matters relating to computer forensics, electronic discovery, document and database management practices, network logistics and spend practices, and individual conduct relating to computers and computer networks. I counsel clients on protocols and best practices related to computers and electronic discovery. To accommodate the technical demands of this work, I have for many years employed the most cutting-edge forensic tools and qualified personnel of the highest integrity.
I have testified as a fact and expert witness in state and federal courts, and before administrative hearing officers and arbitrators, on more than 100 occasions concerning computer and cell phone forensics, electronic evidence, document management, databases, and defensible (or indefensible) electronic discovery practices. I have been admitted as an expert and special master on issues relating to discovery conduct, databases, computer and cell phone forensics, and the Internet. My work is conducted in venues throughout the United States.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
2001-Present Managing Attorney, Blank Law & Technology P.S.
Information Security law firm retained primarily by law firms, government entities, and large corporations to work on legal and investigational issues relating to computers and networks. In 2013 our offices were relocated to Mount Vernon, Washington.
2005-2014 Executive Manager and Owner, TestudoData LLC
Software-as-a-Service National Distributor and aggregator for Google Message Security (formerly Postini), Webroot, Intel/McAfee, Proofpoint, Mimecast, Zix, Sonian, iScan and others. Supported 1000 resellers in North America serving 10,000 businesses and governments. My duties included managing relationships with manufacturers and addressing special projects relating to information security and legal compliance. In December 2014 I sold my interest in TestudoData to J2 Global, Inc.
2009-2014 Director, Electronic Data Extraction Network
Nonprofit organization supporting computer forensics and electronic discovery best practices network of more than 500 information technology companies located in all 50 states and Canada. The mission of EDEN is to provide a platform for standardized electronic discovery and computer forensics services. To that end, EDEN offers training courses in standard electronic discovery practices; EDEN Standards to support e-discovery efforts; and a network of developers to provide the next generation of forensic software and hardware. Law firms, governments and corporations contact EDEN to be connected with EDEN members for specific projects. My duties included assisting with the development of EDEN Standards, teaching portions of the training sessions, and directing the administrative staff.
2000-2001 Shareholder, Riddell Williams P.S.
Shareholder in 75-attorney Seattle general services law firm. My duties included litigation and investigations related to intellectual property and computers, and the development of Bureau1030, Riddell Williams’ technology subsidiary.
1996-1999 Associate, Riddell Williams P.S.
Litigation associate. My duties included general litigation, emergency relief orders, and computer forensics/seizure projects.
1990-1993 Sworn Officer/Sergeant, Metropolitan Police Department
Patrol and light undercover duties in Washington, D.C.’s Seventh District (Southeast DC). Worked exclusively midnight shift. Credited with more than 300 arrests; testified in more than 100 trials; multiple commendations, including three Commendations from the Chief of Police. Training included DC Police Academy; CDU training (sniper); NHTSA; National Law Enforcement Academy; PSA Offensive Driving.
EDUCATION
1995 J.D., cum laude, University of Michigan Law School
1990 B.S.F.S., Georgetown University
1986 H.S. Diploma, Deerfield Academy, Deerfield, Massachusetts
CONTINUING EDUCATION
In addition to meeting my continuing legal education requirements, I receive continuing training, both through experience and through formal training from numerous computer and cell phone forensics, electronic mail service providers, and database manufacturers (including AccessData, Guidance Software, Paraben, Cellebrite, Oxygen Software, Google, Microsoft, Intel/McAfee, Oracle, and many others).
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS AND PUBLICATIONS
I write and speak frequently on the subject of electronic discovery and computer forensics. Many of my speaking engagements are through continuing legal education programs sponsored by the American Bar Association, the Washington State Bar Association, and the King County Bar Association.
I also have taken, and now teach, numerous training courses relating to computer forensics, computer forensics software, technical investigative practices, and electronic document management.
For a list of my published articles, please telephone: 206.256.9699 or 877.387.9377.
CASE LIST
For a current list of cases in which I have testified, either in person or through deposition, please telephone: 206.256.9699 or 877.387.9377.
BILLING RATE AND AVAILABILITY
My customary hourly rate is $400 per hour, billed in tenths of an hour increments. I may increase this rate for international projects. I quote and perform flat-rate fee agreements with increasing regularity, based upon my experience with the scope and type of work to be performed.