Why Lawyers Are Now Using Electronic Discovery Statistics

By Marcia Marks


Today's way of business is considerably different from how it used to be in the past. A long while back computers did not really feature in the processes of a business, but today they are crucial to the success of a company. The internet has also caused major changes as to how companies are operated, in terms of advertising and research. Nowadays, legal firms also make use of electronic discovery statistics, instead of relying upon huge piles of paperwork.

Although paperwork is very much still a part of a lawyer's job, during the past twenty years computer technology has taken over, and many of the legal documents required are now stored electronically. Computers have eliminated the need for manually sorting through thousands of pages of information, and from having to manually pass information to the opposing parties involved in a lawsuit. The types of documents that are now electronically stored include police reports, financial papers and witness testimonies.

When paperwork has been transferred onto a PC it can be searched very quickly. This enables professionals to save a lot of time because they don't have to do the task manually. The documents are more easily viewed from a computer screen, and are in a good order. Large warehouses may also not be needed anymore, which could help the company save money.

Computers, along with the internet, have been proved to be incredibly useful to law firms in other ways as well. Social networking and websites have enabled them to increase their client base, and items necessary for work such as case law and legal documentation are more easily accessed. Before, research had to be done manually, in books, but today it can be efficiently managed through online legal databases. Their charges can also be better managed with certain types of software.

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure need to be carefully followed when a company has become involved with e-discovery. E-discovery maps are usually required, which depict what is stored in the database, and where the information can be located. These maps should be developed in accordance to the laws that are applicable. Staff members from various departments of the company will need to be present when the map is developed, so that it will be adequately comprehensive.

A law firm should consider carefully how their e-discovery map will be created. If they have IT personnel that can efficiently handle the work then that is ideal, however, it is also advisable to consider hiring an expert. An expert could be hired as an independent consultant who will work with the company until the map has been developed. Software that has been developed for mapping can also be useful, and there are several varieties available.

Once the map has been created, it will need to be tested. The test can be conducted using real or test litigation. If all works well, it will be ready for when there are actual e-discovery requests necessary. If the data map does not work, adjustments will need to be made.

The IT, legal and records management departments of a company will need to continuously update the information to ensure that the electronic discovery statistics remain current. The company may dedicate certain staff members to these tasks. When new storage units are added, all the members of these departments should also be notified. The same is applicable when new litigation arises. The data map can then be accordingly updated.




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