15 Oct 2025

When Recordkeeping Became the Hero

This article is by Emily Overton on her blog 'That RM Girl'. The 2000 film Erin Brockovich, based on a true story, shows how strong recordkeeping can drive justice. Erin, a legal assistant, helped expose Pacific Gas and Electric’s water contamination in Hinkley, California, through detailed documentation and persistence.

🎬 Reel Records: Erin Brockovich

Discovery in the Details

Erin found medical records hidden within property files, linking water contamination to community illness.
Lesson: Even small or overlooked records can reveal major issues.

Building the Case

She gathered hundreds of medical histories and personal accounts to prove contamination. 
Lesson: Accurate, complete documentation builds credible evidence.

Organising for Impact

Erin created a structured system to analyse results and expose the cover-up.
Lesson: Information must be organised to turn data into insight.

Maintaining Integrity

Every document was tracked and preserved, ensuring credibility in court.
Lesson: Authentic, traceable records are essential for accountability.

The Takeaway

Erin Brockovich reminds us that effective recordkeeping underpins truth and justice. Whether paper or digital, organised and reliable information empowers people, protects communities and drives real-world change.

Read Emily Overton's full blog here