History & Management

The Data Company was founded by CEO Hal Ferrell as Data Video in 1975. One of the pioneers in the field of litigation technology, Hal became a Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS) and developed procedures and methods for videotaping depositions, documentaries, and proceedings that have since been widely adopted in many states. Advancing into additional technologies, Data Video became The Data Company as its menu of litigation support services expanded.

As The Data Company’s clientele grew, Hal soon recognized a need to organize and present documentary as well as video evidence. Consequently, we developed a computerized practice area specializing in document database management, imaging and coding, trial presentation software and digitized conversion of videotaped depositions to CD or DVD.

In 1997, Charles Wright was named President of The Data Company to manage the firm’s rapid growth. Under the leadership of Hal and Charles, we have experienced a remarkable increase in clients, revenues, staff and geographic reach. In 2002, The Data Company was placed on Inc. magazine’s list of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in America.

Meanwhile, Hal and Charles have been determined to ensure that The Data Company’s customer service and quality control is nothing less than exceptional, even as the firm continues to grow. In addition to its talented and experienced staff, The Data Company boasts a first-rate headquarters facility in Memphis — an historic five-story building purchased and refurbished in 2001. State-of-the-art communications systems, video-conferencing facilities, fully equipped scanning and video departments, a mock courtroom, conference rooms, and much more give us a base of operations from which we can provide our clients with the utmost in service and quality.

And, to better serve our fast-growing clientele on the West Coast, we have a regional office in downtown San Francisco. Staffed with legal industry veterans who have decades of trial experience, our West Coast office provides the same great service our clients have come to expect from The Data Company.

Management
Hal Ferrell founded The Data Company in 1975 to provide litigation support. One of the pioneers in the field of technology, Hal became a Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS) and developed procedures and methods for videotaping depositions, documentaries, and proceedings that have been widely adopted in many states. Advancing into additional technologies, Hal developed a computerized practice area specializing in document management, demonstrative exhibits, and courtroom technology.

His work has been cited in Modern Visual Evidence by Gregory P. Joseph and in Real and Demonstrative Evidence: Application and Theory by Ronald J. Rychlak. Hal has authored and co-authored numerous articles, training programs and scripts including the article, “The Use of Video in Litigation” for VOIR DIRE magazine. Hal has also lectured on a wide range of technology and communications issues before bar associations, law students, Inns of Court and many other venues.

Under Hal’s leadership, The Data Company has been recognized as an outstanding organization by Inc. magazine, the Memphis Business Journal, and many others. However, recognition from his loyal clients and highly skilled employees is closer to his heart.

Charles Wright has been President of The Data Company since 1997. During his tenure, the company has grown from a local Memphis firm of three employees into a nationwide litigation support service recognized by Inc. magazine as one of America's fastest-growing private companies. Charles brings vision, vitality and an intense passion for excellence — teaching by example that only perfect performance is acceptable in the litigation arena.