There was a nice article in Mass High Tech today about how eDiscovery requires law firms to put technology in place to support their clients.  The best quote in the article was that "It’s a full time job to handle all data relative to e-discovery now."  I like attorneys are realizing just how important it is to manage information well.  In fact, Ropes and Gray has a dedicated eDiscovery attorney - Shannon Capone Kirk.  

Five years ago, many of the law firm types that I spoke with were threatened by eDiscovery technology that could allow clients to take much of the eDiscovery process in house.  Fact is, this shift meant less data for firms to review - and less revenue.  Thankfully, I hear that argument less and less now.  The good law firms recognize the need to be customer-centric.  

Many organizations ask me what the role of their law firm should be within the eDiscovery realm.  I say that a law firm should be a strategic advisor. Most have experience with eDiscovery and many litigation support managers that can advise on the right tools and solution sets.  Law firms have relationships with service providers.  Law firms have review and case management technologies that organizations need to get their data into. So, work closely with your law firm when selecting a solution, but don't ask your law firm to source it for you.

I'm doing some further research around the roles that law firms play with corporate clients when it comes to eDiscovery.  Email me with your thoughts - I'm always interested to learn more and hear different views.

Thanks!

One of the biggest problems in the eDiscovery space is the lack of good, granular data about spending, best practices, and roles and responsibilities.  Murphy Insights was created specifically to address that problem, so we are happy to announce that our first survey is underway.  Respondents will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card.  It's a short, 10 question survey and should take only 5 minutes to respond to.  Please forward this to colleagues and friends - the more the merrier.


Find the survey here.


Thanks!!