The Benefits Of Electronic Discovery Statistics In Law

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.

Law companies have also found computers to be useful for a number of other purposes, besides this one. They have found new clients through the internet, and make use of programs that can monitor the number of hours for which they can charge a customer. Quicker research is also possible, as online legal databases are far easier to search than books made of paper.

There are certain laws in place that govern e-discovery, and they are the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. One such law states that companies must have a detailed plan of the data they store, and this is why most have e-discovery data maps. Companies must know of information they store, and from where it can be accessed. Data maps are often developed by the combined efforts of staff in the legal, IT and records management sections of the company.

There are various ways in which e-discovery maps can be developed. The relevant staff members of the law firm can do it themselves if they have the knowledge, or an independent consultant can be hired. The company could also consider purchasing computer software that will handle the task.

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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