Final answer:
When served with a subpoena, the appropriate action is to consult legal counsel and respond appropriately, preserving all relevant documents and avoiding actions that could lead to legal sanctions or accusations of spoliation.
Step-by-step explanation:
An appropriate response to being served with a subpoena in anticipation of litigation would be option c: consult legal counsel and respond appropriately. It is crucial for an organization to take subpoenas seriously and to handle them in a legal and ethical manner. Ignoring a subpoena could lead to legal sanctions, complying without consideration could inadvertently waive privileges or protections, and destroying relevant documents could result in accusations of spoliation, possibly leading to additional legal jeopardy.
When faced with a subpoena, the organization should preserve all relevant information, which includes halting any document destruction policies that may be in place, and ensure that it does not alter or destroy any potential evidence. The legal counsel can provide guidance on the scope of the documents requested, the timeline for response, and can help negotiate the terms or object to the subpoena if necessary. By taking these steps, the organization safeguards itself and ensures lawful compliance with the subpoena.