Charlotte partner and Encompass member Travis Bustamante will participate in the panel, “In Search of Effective Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(f) Conferences,” at The Sedona Conference Working Group One Mid-Year Meeting in Minneapolis in late April.

Alongside co-panelists, the Honorable Maria A. Audero with the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, Emily B. Jennings with Paul Hastings LLP, Michelle Newcomer with Kessler Topaz Meltzer and Check LLP, and Benjamin Piep with Volkswagen, Bustamante will discuss their brainstorming group’s outline regarding Rule 26(f) conferences. Specifically, they will address the history of Rule 26(f) practices and reporting to the court, current shortfalls with the process, and improvements that can be made by litigants and courts overseeing the process.

Bustamante’s litigation practice focuses on electronic discovery, data breach response efforts, and helping companies respond to government investigations and inquiries. He works with clients in state and federal courts on issues of discovery strategy and provides counsel regarding information governance, fact investigations, document review strategies, discovery motions practice, and document productions.

The Sedona Conference Working Group Series planted its roots in 2002 when the Sedona Conference forum evolved into a more open conversation that covered some of the most challenging and broad legal matters of the day. The missions of each working group vary slightly, but remain consistent in aiming to “develop principles, guidance, and best practice recommendations.” Members of the working group series have access to methods of education, networking, and other support.