Foot Anstey launches Manchester service for digital evidence disputes

National law firm Foot Anstey has launched a dedicated ‘supervising solicitor’ service in Manchester to support other lawyers across the city dealing with urgent imaging orders, search orders and other court-led processes involving digital evidence.

The new service line meets a growing demand for experienced supervising solicitors as commercial disputes increasingly involve digital evidence held across email accounts, messaging platforms, cloud storage, laptops, mobile phones and other devices.

The launch also comes as courts and practitioners continue to focus on the use of imaging orders, including the new combined model search and imaging order which reflects the need to balance the rights and interests of all parties when electronic evidence is being preserved.

Drawing on the firm’s deep expertise in handling complex disputes, Foot Anstey would appoint a supervising solicitor to oversee the lawful service and execution of the order. The role can involve dealing with complex issues during the execution of an order, including questions around legally privileged material, personal data and claims by a respondent of privilege against self-incrimination.

Melanie McGuirk, partner at Foot Anstey in Manchester said 'Digital evidence is now central to many commercial disputes. The key material is often not in a filing cabinet. It is in an email account, a laptop, a mobile phone, a cloud drive or a messaging platform.

'That has made imaging orders increasingly important, but also more sensitive and more complex to execute fairly.

'The new combined model search and imaging order underlines the importance of balancing the rights and interests of the parties. The purpose of an order is to preserve relevant evidence, but it must be executed carefully, lawfully and within the boundaries set by the court.

'These are often fast-moving situations where calm judgement and practical experience are essential. Any misstep can create legal, evidential or reputational issues for the parties involved and the stakes are high.

'Our team has the knowledge and experience to support colleagues in the legal sector across Greater Manchester and beyond in these high-pressure circumstances and to provide independent oversight when it matters most.'

The dedicated service, which also operates nationally, gives lawyers a clear route to experienced supervising solicitors where urgent support is required, including for enquiries, conflict checks and appointment availability in relation to imaging orders, search orders and related applications.

Foot Anstey’s Manchester office forms part of the firm’s wider national dispute resolution practice, which advises clients on commercial litigation, contentious matters and urgent court-led processes. The launch reflects an ambitious commercial growth strategy for Foot Anstey as it grows its presence in Manchester and consolidates its position as a national firm.