Getting the most out of your eDiscovery partner

Your eDiscovery partner can do far more than just help you prepare a list of documents. The key to extracting maximum value from your eDiscovery partnership is to engage your partner as early in the matter as possible. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be processing, hosting, or reviewing data immediately, you can obtain insightful guidance that will streamline the data-driven elements as the matter progresses.

Consider

• Involving your eDiscovery partner in your client pitch, they can contribute or jointly present on their potential involvement and demonstrate what that will mean for your client – efficiency, accuracy, reduced risk.

• Accurately identifying, through your eDiscovery partner, all potential sources of relevant data and documentation to avoid unexpected surprises or errors later down the line.

• Conducting an initial data analysis, with your eDiscovery partner’s assistance, to determine if there are any risks associated with the preliminary review workflow, timelines or fees proposed to the stakeholders in your matter.

• Negotiating a document management plan and exchange protocol with support from your eDiscovery partner to agree on key word searches, document categories, timelines, and clear rules for document exchange.

• Leveraging technology throughout the review and post discovery/disclosure to help quickly prepare hyperlinked chronologies, evidence, and electronic court books.