eDiscovery tools remove the “data fog” surrounding litigations, making reviewing and understanding copious amounts of data easier. It saves time, energy, and costs.
eDiscovery software uses advanced analytics to eliminate irrelevant information, which reduces the number of documents reviewed by lawyers. Predictive coding, computer-assisted review, and AI are all examples of this technology.
Reduce Litigation Costs
The legal process of gathering and evaluating information in preparation for litigation is called discovery. It can be done for both sides as part of the court-approved pretrial process. It includes reviewing and analyzing documentation, digital assets, and other electronic evidence to determine pertinent information and potential attorney-client privilege issues to include or exclude from the case.
In an era where more and more information is generated and stored as digital content, this creates significant challenges in discovery when a lawsuit or investigation is imminent. It is especially true when information is not tagged adequately upon ingestion or as part of an overall records management program.
ESI can be emailed, social media posts, cell phone data, applications, global databases, audio or video recordings, and more. The ability to effectively search and retrieve this type of data is essential for a successful outcome in a litigation matter. Yet, many legal teams are forced to reactively dig through this vast amount of information on short notice when a matter becomes pending. It causes unnecessary delays, strained resources, and increased costs.
Minimize Risk
Many legal teams are still reacting to eDiscovery requests, but the tipping point for switching from an ad-hoc reactive project to a proactive process is close. Taking control of the eDiscovery workflow by bringing it in-house allows organizations to reduce risk, cut costs and save time.
The eDiscovery solutions you choose should have built-in features that reduce risk. For instance, an eDiscovery tool that automatically preprocesses data to remove irrelevant files and emails will save legal teams time and reduce the overall cost of discovery.
Additionally, a dedicated eDiscovery software solution should include features that help you comply with legal hold and retention requirements. It should be easy to upload data and search massive volumes of files, all while ensuring the highest levels of security.
It includes data encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), permissions-based roles, virus scanning, and malware detection – all features aligned with the company’s digital transformation and security initiatives.
Increase Efficiency
Traditionally, legal teams rely on on-premise software or external service providers to manage the discovery process. These tools require extensive up-front costs, hardware investments, and ongoing attention from IT workers or a partnering managed service provider. A cloud eDiscovery solution eliminates those expensive CapEx and OpEx expenses.
A robust eDiscovery platform streamlines the process so your legal team can spend more time analyzing evidence and preparing arguments. It increases the likelihood of a favorable court ruling.
An eDiscovery system also helps legal teams improve internal compliance processes to avoid costly fines, lawsuits, and lost customer trust. It helps you keep sensitive data safe and protects employee privacy.
The best eDiscovery solutions offer user-friendly features that can be easily integrated with your existing technology ecosystem. For example, look for a SaaS option that supports remote work for employees who need to be on the go. This way, your employees can access the system regardless of location and still have full access to all necessary files. It improves productivity. It also gives your team more flexibility when working on a large case and minimizes the risk of missed deadlines or errors.
Minimize Downtime
Downtime is a significant issue for any business, causing lost profits and wasted resources. It can result from various issues, including technology malfunctions, data loss, etc. However, there are ways to minimize downtime with tech solutions. One such solution is eDiscovery.
It is a complex process requiring companies to manage and store information to retrieve it in case of litigation. It involves implementing strict data retention policies and adherence to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP). Failing to follow these rules can lead to heavy fines and penalties.
Implementing a professional eDiscovery tool can help businesses streamline legal discovery and respond to requests faster. The platform also helps reduce costs by automating processes previously done manually and allowing users to search, review and produce massive volumes of files within minutes. Additionally, the software comes with robust security features such as data encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), customizable access permissions/user roles, and more. In addition, the platform abides by stringent US government security requirements.
Preserve the Right Information
A formal ESI policy is vital for any company to maintain. Failing to comply can result in fines and penalties. However, maintaining an excellent eDiscovery policy can be challenging when the information is not digitized correctly or converted between file formats. It can cause necessary metadata to be lost or changed, which makes it harder to demonstrate ESI compliance.
Using professional eDiscovery software can ensure that files are tagged and organized correctly. It will make it easier to retrieve and produce the correct information when needed. It can also reduce the time it takes to redact documents, scale extensive document reviews and automate processes such as legal hold notices, privilege logs, and Bates numbers.
Investing in an excellent eDiscovery provider can help to reduce risk and save money for your business. Choosing a vendor with experience who can work well with your team is vital. Be sure to choose a provider offering ongoing support and communication, so you can be confident that they will provide the best possible service for your business.