Home/How Engagements Work
WORKING WITH LTD

Assess first. Then build. Then keep it running.

Most engagements follow the same honest sequence: a fixed-scope assessment that tells everyone what's actually there, a defined project that closes the gaps worth closing, and — where it makes sense — an ongoing advisory relationship. Evidence work runs on its own faster track, because preservation can't wait for a ladder.

STAGE 01 · ASSESS — THE TRACE™ ASSESSMENT

When you're here: AI, evidence, or discovery data has become part of the picture, and you need a clear technical read before committing to vendors, experts, or a larger project.

What it is: a fixed-scope engagement. We review the technology surface — the systems, devices, data sources, or AI use in question — and document what's there, what's at risk, and what matters most.

What you receive: a written TRACE™ Report: scope, methodology, findings with cited artifacts, and a prioritized plan. Short and focused by design.

The decision at the end: act on the plan with whoever you choose — including not us. The report is built to stand on its own.

The TRACE™ page covers scope and report structure in detail.About TRACE™ →
STAGE 02 · IMPLEMENT — A DEFINED PROJECT

When you're here: the assessment surfaced work worth doing — or you already know what needs to be built.

What it is: a scoped project with a defined set of weeks agreed up front. Typically an AI governance program (usage inventory, technical controls, documentation, logging) or workflow implementation (putting AI or discovery tooling to work inside how your team actually operates).

What you receive: working controls and workflows plus the documentation behind them — a record you can show, not just advice.

The decision at the end: run it yourselves with the documentation in hand, or keep us involved.

STAGE 03 · OPERATE — ONGOING ADVISORY

When you're here: the technology keeps moving and you'd rather have a standing technical partner than a full-time hire.

What it is: a monthly advisory relationship — office hours for your team, policy and documentation updates as tools change, vendor and contract reviews from the technical side, and periodic re-assessment.

What you receive: continuity. The documentation stays current instead of decaying, and technical questions get answered before they become problems.

THE URGENT PATH · DIGITAL EVIDENCE & DISCOVERY

Evidence work doesn't follow the ladder — it's matter-driven and often time-critical. A phone that needs preserving, an account that may hold what the matter turns on, a discovery deadline: these start with a direct conversation, and preservation questions get priority.

What to do: contact us with a brief, non-confidential note — what kind of device or data source, and the timeline. Don't examine the device in the meantime; the phone-preservation field guide covers what not to touch and why.

GOOD FIT / NOT A FIT

We're a good fit when: a legal team needs the technical side handled or explained — AI in use without a written record behind it, a matter that turns on devices or data, discovery that needs technical structure, or a standing need for technology judgment without a full-time hire.

We're not the right call for:

  • Legal representation, legal opinions, or advice on your obligations — LTD is a technology consultancy; that work belongs to your counsel.
  • Guaranteed recovery of deleted data — no honest examiner promises that. We can tell you what's technically recoverable and document the attempt.
  • A quick, undocumented "just take a look" at a device — skipping documentation is how evidence gets compromised, so we don't work that way.
  • Software resale or general IT support.

If a matter falls outside our lane or capacity, we say so and, where we can, point you to someone appropriate.

START WHERE IT MAKES SENSE

Thirty minutes tells us both whether this fits.

The consultation covers the technical question, likely data sources, urgency, and the right next step. Confidential, no obligation, and no confidential details required.

Schedule a consultation →