Need to control legal eDiscovery costs? Start by optimizing your processes

In any eDiscovery or disclosure motion, the ability to search digital data is a tremendous convenience. But search is not a solution in and of itself. The vast majority of organizations are still relying on some manual components as part of eDiscovery search processes.

 

The process of eDiscovery requires multiple stages of data collection and review. At the outset, the data has to be identified, collected and prepared for search/review, a process that may include scanning documents. In some cases it may be required to place files on legal hold. It is critical at this early stage to have a comprehensive and clear picture of where potentially relevant ESI of different types should be stored. This is the first step in making eDiscovery data work for you.

 

Deciding where and how information needs to be stored is not always straightforward, however. Information silos for sales, customer service, marketing, finance and other departments may require different search tools and criteria. In turn, this may make it more difficult to do the predictive coding required for legal review and setting up “load ready” files. For advanced intricacies like these, outside litigation support resources can help you make use of more advanced search techniques, like clustering, proximity criteria and semantic analytics.

If independent silos are not necessary, it’s a good idea to break them down. Optimized information processes can help accomplish this, and can store your data in formats more compatible for everyone. Fewer databases and less complexity of formats means more efficient identification, collection and verification of data for legal review.

To respond to eDiscovery or court-mandated disclosure requirements, your best legal team may have to wade through terabytes of data. Does that sound like a sound strategy for growth? Growing businesses need to execute sales agreements quickly, sign new partners and form strategic alliances to expand profitable channels. There is also an increasing need to explore, negotiate and implement mergers and acquisitions. The kind of agility and business reflexes necessary for competitive growth requires a workforce with unfettered access to the information they need.

Optimizing your information processes with an eye on destroying unneeded data, reducing silos and conforming formats of stored data can help you control increasing eDiscovery costs. Just as significantly, better preparation of ESI for review can free your legal resources to devote more time to revenue-generating initiatives and growing your business.