Electronic Discovery

Brent E. Kidwell is the Chief Knowledge Counsel for Jenner & Block. Leveraging years of experience as a commercial litigator, he helps clients proactively prepare for electronic discovery and reactively implement strategies and plans for collecting, processing, analyzing and producing data in litigation. Mr. Kidwell has assisted clients in managing terabytes of data efficiently and cost-effectively for some the Firm’s largest matters. He also advises clients on digital forensics, information and records management strategies, and data security, protection and privacy issues. In addition to his work for clients, Mr. Kidwell is responsible for the Firm’s data security and information technology risk management activities, as well as its knowledge management efforts.

In addition to his law degree, Mr. Kidwell has a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from DePaul University. This graduate technical education provides Mr. Kidwell with unique skills to assist clients with issues involving technical and legal challenges.

Law Technology News named Mr. Kidwell the 2004 Champion of Technology for his work in applied technology. Prior to assuming his position as Chief Knowledge Counsel, he served clients in a broad array of civil litigation matters at both the trial and appellate level. He is a member of the Firm’s Technology Litigation Practice.

Mr. Kidwell is an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University College of Law where he teaches one of the country’s first (and few) law school course on electronic discovery. Mr. Kidwell is a nationally known speaker at conferences and other events on e-discovery, information and records management, data security, and information security and risk management issues. He has also given many presentations on topics related to knowledge management.

Brian D. Hansen is Second Vice President and Associate General Counsel of North American Company for Life and Health Insurance, where he oversees a wide range of litigation matters. Prior to that, Mr. Hansen was a partner in Jenner & Block LLP's Chicago office, where his practice focused on class action and insurance litigation. Mr. Hansen is co-author of Electronic Discovery and has written several other articles on that topic. He graduated from the University of Iowa, with highest distinction, in 1996. Mr. Hansen obtained his J.D., with high distinction, from the University of Iowa in 2000, where he was selected Order of the Coif and received the Michelle R. Bennett Award for outstanding service in the Legal Clinic. He is admitted to practice in Illinois.