Computer Forensic & Discovery Services
J.A. Compton & Co. has a proven track record since 1982 in the area of litigation support and dispute resolution services. The following are a breakdown of these services:
Expert Witness Testimony
The most effective expert testimony comes from a true expert with thorough knowledge and practical experience regarding the subject matter.
Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation
We have successfully discovered and proved fraud then provided testimony in a number of significant cases. We draw upon accounting training while using a combination of sophisticated analytical techniques and common sense to unravel the most complex schemes. We carefully and completely prepare cases for law enforcement agencies on behalf of our clients to encourage prosecution.
Computer Forensic Investigation/Data Retrieval
We have successfully extracted and maintained in electronic format significant amounts of data, thereby allowing quick searches, review, and analysis of information. Similarly we have migrated large databases and database tables to database servers in our office for review and analysis; recovered 'deleted' information from computer hard drives; and worked at client sites to extract relevant information.
We were recently provided a non-functioning laptop computer and asked to search its hard drive for information relevant to a lawsuit brought by a former owner of the computer. We were able to retrieve "deleted" documents dated as much as eight months prior and were asked to testify as to the method of retrieval and relevant information found.
A recent bankruptcy required we search all files on the bankrupt company's computers and server for relevant information. To avoid the time, expense and difficulties of printing everything contained on the network, we mirrored all hard drives and migrated the data to our own network, thereby allowing easier and more accurate (electronic) searches for sought after information.
We were recently asked to provide a preferential payment analysis involving a chapter 11 bankruptcy. The payment information was on a legacy system with which no current employee was familiar. We were able to identify the payment and accounts payable data, extract the relevant records, and provide the payment lags as requested.
In another case, we were asked to extract almost 10 years of oil sales transactions from a large legacy system and provide relevant reports and data to various experts. Eventually, we were asked to migrate the entire database off the legacy platform and into an Oracle database server for year 2000.
Make It or Break It with E-Discovery
Technological advances in the digital age have made electronic discovery (e-discovery) an emerging and very necessary tool for many litigators. A recent study by the University of California estimates that almost 93 percent of all information generated in the world in 1999 was in digital form rather than paper form. We can assist you with software that extracts, categorizes and maintains the integrity of electronic evidence.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
The most satisfying of our engagements involve resolving disputes on a commercial basis; avoiding litigation. We use integrity, business judgment and independence to create solutions acceptable to all parties. Consider adding our experience and ability to your mediation, ideally before litigation. We can clear up factual misunderstandings and provide creative insight.
Trustee Services
As a trustee - we've worked with international clients who tell us that services like ours as an independent fiduciary are quite commonly provided by accountants in other countries. In fact, this has been the largest part of our practice and continues to grow with the complexity and potential conflict in business matters. The principal attractions of our firm as a fiduciary to clients are:
Experience.
We have continued, in transaction after transaction, to earn the trust and confidence of sophisticated companies and a wide range of attorneys.Competence.
Reliably we have disbursed tens of millions of dollars to beneficiaries while complying with applicable tax requirements and reporting timely to our clients.Value.
We recognize professional services must not only attain the highest quality but must be delivered with obvious cost concern. Our rates, and more importantly, total fees and expenses are competitive. Clients tell us we provide the services they want at or below their cost expectation.
As an independent corporate director - increasingly the need exists to place independent, experienced, outsiders on the corporate boards of closely-held companies. We have been successful providing our experience and insight to complement existing directors as described in this section. Sometimes, tension and friction arise between various shareholder constituents. Our approach in these circumstances has been to help identify systematic and rational solutions that best enable the goals of diverse groups; in several instances this involved facilitating the purchase at fair value of certain interests.
As an advisor to corporate directors - our extensive experience and skill development, particularly with the successful resolution of business troubles, gives our client directors valuable information and guidance when dealing with conflicts and business difficulties. We have competently and capably provided a range of services from basic financial information to strategic guidance as desired by our clients.