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Embracing cloud-based models, AI, and workflow automation is essential for legal professionals navigating the challenges and opportunities in eDiscovery.

FREMONT, CA:As we approach a new year, the eDiscovery landscape stands at a significant turning point, driven by the exponential growth of data volumes and the impact of technological advancements.

The future of eDiscovery will be shaped by several key players. Software-as-a-service (SaaS) and cloud-based models are experiencing rapid growth and are expected to surpass traditional IT approaches in the coming years. Artificial intelligence (AI) and other legal technologies have emerged as critical tools for all eDiscovery projects, proving their value.

Legal professionals are embracing these changes and seeking ways to reduce costs, time, and energy not only during and after the review process but also through proactive solutions such as diligent information governance and early case assessment. The challenges in the eDiscovery landscape are threefold. Law firms and corporate legal departments grapple with unprecedented volumes of data from many sources. The sheer magnitude of discoverable data can appear impossible.

This data comes in diverse formats and types. Remote and hybrid work models, which have become prevalent due to the pandemic, have accelerated the adoption of numerous collaboration tools and technologies. Each tool generates its unique format and data type, posing a significant challenge for eDiscovery professionals. Shorter deadlines and tighter budgets are putting increasing pressure on legal professionals. Corporate legal departments, in particular, are expected to adhere to predetermined budgets despite the inherent unpredictability of legal projects, which can rapidly evolve into larger and more complex matters.

Research indicates that by 2023, a third of corporate legal departments will employ legal technology experts to support in-house counsel with workflow automation initiatives.

Workflow automation proves invaluable in eDiscovery, enabling teams to swiftly and automatically identify irrelevant data and reducing the need for time-consuming manual processes. Legal teams must select the most appropriate workflow templates for each project, outlining responsibilities and establishing timelines. Organizations can avoid reinventing the wheel with every undertaking by leveraging successful templates from past projects.

The eDiscovery process is increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence. Data analytics, predictive coding, and advanced algorithms make eDiscovery more effective and efficient than ever. AI is a curator, recommending documents for deeper review, akin to how Netflix suggests new movies or TV shows. A multi-channel orchestrator uses past results and actions to coordinate multiple communication channels.

AI transforms how legal professionals manage discovery, even before the review stage. Modern AI techniques employ data mining to significantly reduce the number of documents requiring review. Moreover, AI can extract new keywords and search terms, identify additional custodians for interviews or legal holds, and continuously enhance the efficiency of the eDiscovery process.

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Emerging Trends in the eDiscovery Landscape - Enterprise Security