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eDiscovery Excellence

The Critical Intersection of Technology and Project Management

The current eDiscovery market presents a formidable challenge for firms as they must adapt to an increasingly complex litigation landscape. This complexity is further amplified by the need to integrate emerging eDiscovery technologies and keep pace with the technologies being leveraged by their clients. As businesses adopt advanced tools and platforms, data growth and related litigation challenges intensify, demanding more from eDiscovery teams. Firms now face a critical decision: either embrace this evolving technological landscape or risk compromising service quality due to an overworked and underprepared team.

Notably, in 2024, the global eDiscovery market size is projected to reach USD 16.98 billion by 2032, USD 39.91 billion, and projects to exhibit a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period, 2023-2030. This underscores the urgent need for solutions that can effectively balance the demands of a growing market while keeping service costs stable.

To meet the challenges of increased data volume and the rapid adoption of AI, firms must recognize the pivotal role of Project Managers in navigating these turbulent waters. Their expertise is essential in orchestrating the integration of technology and maintaining high standards of service amid the evolving landscape.

A Finer Lens for ESI

Electronically Stored Information, or ESI, is the digital footprint complicating the cost of eDiscovery, not only in its volume increase but also in its complexity of understanding and formatting it appropriately. The digital information we collect today extends beyond emails and files from a single device. It includes multiple linked devices, the cloud, and more knowledgeable users with the potential ability to manipulate files.

ESI is complex and requires a knowledgeable team to handle it effectively. Paralegals handling ESI risk mishandling data and exposing potential information without adequate training. Additionally, they may lack the nuanced lens to format it appropriately. Project Managers possess not only the knowledge to understand data, but they may also be able to:

Identify corrupted files or rendering issues.
Verify all metadata within a project.
Optimize databases and indexing strategies that are specific to the case and datasets.
To enhance the case's goals, utilize features of the review platform, such as creating searches, filters, redactions, privilege sets, and production sets.
Identify holes in productions or metadata from other parties.

Further, Project Managers bridge the gap between the client, the litigation team, Forensics, Managed Review, key custodians, and IT, verifying the quality of any service.

Bringing AI and Technology to the Forefront

AI and advanced technology frame multiple vectors, but the adoption rate is slow within the legal industry. Though automation undoubtedly quickens workflows and allows more time for strategizing, firms are hesitant to implement it to uphold a defensible and ethical work product. A report by Thomson Reuters echoed this sentiment, sharing 82% of lawyers believe generative AI can apply to legal work, but only 3% of firms are currently using it.

The last few years have changed the market's perception of how litigation is accomplished. With numerous options now available, firms are pressured to position their service ahead of the rest. Investing in technology and AI will affirm your organization's role in the modern market, and securing the transition is the project manager's role.

Project Managers possess industry expertise and a crucial connection to IT support and stakeholders. IST's litigation support team includes an IT leader who works closely with the PM and can assist with incorporating new technologies into your business. Any AI adoption is thoroughly reviewed and vetted to adhere to compliance and security, helping the entire organization take a step forward into a more accelerated service.

Service Forward Thinking

Maintaining a partnership that complements consultation with service excellence is crucial to staying ahead of technology framing the legal market. Technology may offer faster solutions, but those undergoing litigation will always seek a personalized service versus complete automation. This makes sense in the legal world, where one word can change an outcome, and strategizing narratives are never predetermined but may develop as the litigation unfolds. At the end of the day, clients want to know who handles their cases and see their vision throughout service. A Project Manager assists from consultation to litigation, advocating for the client in each support step and delegating tasks to the appropriate team.

“These guys are fantastic. The project manager we used is Cheryl Patterson. We used IST and never had an issue. Cheryl and I worked 24/7 for months and she was more than willing to go that extra mile. She is very devoted to her job.”

The power of a partnership versus a service provider is in a vendor's passion for understanding not only the case matter but also the client. Vendors who lead a Project Management team prioritize communication and client agency in their case preparation. Prioritizing this level of transparency fosters a closer working relationship between a business and the legal team and a more polished end product.

Project Managers: The eDiscovery Through-Line

When your eDiscovery service zooms out, the Project Manager is essential in connecting the dots. Today's industry challenges, on the surface, can leave firms weighing their options, but incorporating a Project Manager is the through-line.

An empowered project manager provides the bridge by applying expertise in ESI, workflows, and AI adoption while positioning clients in front of their support service.