James D. Vaughn Senior Managing Director – Digital Forensics & eDiscovery
80+ cases with live testimony. 72 listed testimonies spanning federal courts, state courts, ITC, JAMS arbitrations, and international matters. Certifications held and maintained since 2004. More than 1,800 hours of formal forensic training.
Court-appointed neutral
James has been selected multiple times by courts to serve as a neutral expert overseeing disputes, not just retained by one side. It is a meaningful credibility signal in contested matters and a distinction few testifying experts can claim.
Case type range
His matters span trade secrets, fraud, antitrust, criminal cases, bankruptcy, employment disputes, healthcare data, and family law, making him one of the most versatile testifying experts on the team.
Government and law enforcement trust
James co-developed courses for the California DOJ and has trained law enforcement since 2008. He also co-developed evidence courses for California State Bar attorneys and investigators.
High-stakes outcome
James’s forensic testimony in a federal spoliation matter contributed to a default summary judgment exceeding $5 million, reflecting both the depth of his analysis and his effectiveness on the stand.
Education
- More than 1,800 hours of formal training in computer forensics, including (but not limited to):
- SANS FOR500 – Windows Forensic Analysis
- Cellebrite CCPA and CCLO Mobile Device Course
- IACIS Certified Computer Forensic Examiner Course
- Guidance Software Intermediate Training
- National White-Collar Crime Center Data Recovery and Analysis
- California DOJ POST Advanced Computer Forensics
- Guidance Software Internet and E-mail Examination
- Guidance Software Advanced Training
- National White-Collar Crime Center Advanced Data Recovery Analysis
Teaching Experience
- California Department of Justice – Intermediate and Advanced Internet Investigations Courses
- Orange County Sheriff’s Department Internet Safety Course
- Guidance Software Internet and E-Mail Course
- HTCIA Designing a Computer Forensics Network
- HTCIA Network Evidence Preservation Methodologies