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John N. Sellner

Each client has distinct E-Discovery needs; we tailor our work to efficiently achieve results.

Contact: P /612.604.6422E /[email protected]

Education

William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., 2008

New York University, M.A., English Literature, 2004

University of St. Thomas, B.A., English Literature, 2002

Bar Admissions

Minnesota, 2008

Texas, 2009

U.S. District Court, D. Minn., 2010

My Approach

As technology plays an ever-larger role in our lives and businesses, it is important to understand both the overt and subtle ramifications this expansion has had with respect to the creation and retention of data of which we may not even be aware and the way the law develops to account for such advancements. To that end, I assist clients with implementing data retention policies that strike a balance between the risk inherent in preserving historical documents and electronic data, regulatory compliance, the cost of data storage, and any other considerations that are particular to them. And, to the extent our clients become involved in legal disputes, I ensure that all document collection and processing is legally defensible, that our production and review protocols are customized to provide the most expedient and cost-conscious discovery process possible, and that we are compliant with local, federal, and international discovery and privacy rules.

Because of our deep client and vendor relationships, Winthrop’s E-Discovery practice creates great value for clients on engagements big and small by assigning the people, resources, and skillsets that are best-suited to each matter, controlling costs, and recognizing our client’s needs, timelines, and priorities.

E-Discovery is just one way in which the practice of law involves so much more than appears on the surface. In addition to my role in e-Discovery, I also lead the team that provides support to the Litigation practice, including paralegals, and oversee the Library services to ensure that everyone at the firm has access to the resources and information they need to serve clients.

Practice Areas

Practicing E-Discovery & Data Management

My Experience

My responsibilities include:

• Drafting discovery responses, objections, and electronically stored information (“ESI”) protocols providing the parties’ agreed upon production sources, format, and other considerations.
• Advising clients on hard-copy document and ESI preservation obligations during the pendency of a lawsuit and relaxation of such obligations after litigation has concluded.
• Preparing litigation holds and advising on procedures for implementation, including identification of relevant custodians and data sources to which the litigation hold should apply, as well as providing direction regarding release from the litigation hold.
• Briefing on E-Discovery issues, including research on the local and Federal rules related to E-Discovery, motions for protective orders, and responses to motions to compel.
• Preparing draft case management orders and Rule 26(f) reports, and strategies for Rule 26(f) conferences.
• Serving as a liaison between clients, IT personnel, and outside service providers on support for proportionality objections, including producing affidavits and identifying and preparing witnesses to testify on burdensomeness of collecting and producing data from particular custodians and sources.
• Consulting with clients on ideal methods for collecting, processing, reviewing, and producing relevant hard-copy and ESI data.
• Develop or update record retention policies and effectively implement those policies.
• Coordinate a broad team that may include in-house counsel, other attorneys and legal staff, IT professionals, and employees with record retention responsibilities.
• Manage firm personnel, document review service providers, and technology process providers in order to ensure that the right individuals are utilized for a cost-effective and legally proportional response to discovery obligations.

Also experienced in

Business & Commercial Litigation

Honors & Awards

MSBA North Star Lawyer

Pro Bono Service, 2013, 2015-2017

Rising Stars

Minnesota Super Lawyers®, 2017-2018

Associations & Memberships

Federal Bar Association

Member
Vice Chair, LGBT Law Section

State Bar of Texas

Minnesota State Bar Association

Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

American Bar Association

Hennepin County Bar Association

Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A.

Co-chair, Community Service Committee
Member, Pro Bono Committee

Ronald McDonald House

Volunteer

Second Harvest Heartland

Volunteer

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Big Climb

Volunteer

Santa Brings A Lawsuit

Firm Coordinator

The Washburn Center School Supply Drive

Firm Coordinator