As eDiscovery becomes increasingly complex, it requires those handling the collection and review process to have expertise in multiple areas of technology and the law. Vast quantities of data and new data types means eDiscovery team members need to work together more than ever before. Unfortunately, many eDiscovery service providers take a siloed approach where “team members” focus only on their part of the process and seldom gets involved with the others outside their area. However, the most accurate, cost-effective reviews involve significant internal collaboration across groups.

eDiscovery team

The eDiscovery process involves the work of project managers, project support, technical engineers, forensics, processing teams and others. These groups each have a function and once their portion is done, work goes to the next group. However, there are substantial benefits when these individuals continue to communicate with each other throughout the process.

Benefits of a collaborative approach

When teams are encouraged to work together, it opens the lines of communication. Everyone knows what is happening at each phase of the process. This has many advantages, including:

• Identifying potential challenges early in the process. Forensics teams who are involved with collecting the data can often see where there may be problems in processing and review of the data. A collaborative approach means they are encouraged to share that information to enable project managers and technical teams to address these concerns at the start of their work.
• Customizing approach to collection, processing and review. When there is transparency between teams, it improves the quality and quantity of information available to each group. That means each group can use information gained by other groups to tailor their own approach and achieve better results.
• Improving client service. When each team understands the status of the project, they can answer client questions without having to refer it to another group. The result is that clients get better communication and service from their provider.

There are many factors that should go into selecting an eDiscovery service provider. A provider must be experienced in the requisite eDiscovery processes, but also be able to develop workflows that ensure that matter-specific knowledge is shared by everyone at each phase of the process. This enables the provider to more effectively meet client needs.

For more advice on picking an eDiscovery provider, read our related post 10 questions to ask your eDiscovery provider about its project management team.

Learn more about CDS’s Project Management services or contact us.