Preparing for the E-Discovery Battle

Aug. 4, 2010 - PRLog -- Interview with: Lisa McComb, Chief Operating Officer, Legal XtraNet Inc.




A data repository is essential to keep the company’s strategy of a lawsuit consistent across multiple jurisdictions, according to Lisa McComb, Chief Operating Officer at Legal XtraNet Inc. Storing the data in one location and having the appropriate processes in place is critical for dealing with e-discovery requests. However, at the moment many companies do not even know where their data resides. From a solution provider company at the marcus evans Chief Litigation Officer Summit Fall 2010, taking place in Las Vegas, September 12-14, McComb offers her expertise on e-discovery management, and why a seamless link needs to reside between the e-discovery vendor and the organization’s legal and IT departments.

What e-discovery management best practices would you recommend to CLOs?  

Lisa McComb: Chief Litigation Officers should create a corporate repository of data using one e-discovery vendor. Companies are often involved in litigation on the same subject matter, but in different jurisdictions. CLOs can leverage a repository by processing and reviewing the data once (additional data can be added to the collection as data requests grow). CLOs create efficiencies by processing and reviewing the data once while keeping their productions consistent throughout the jurisdictions.

A data repository model allows all attorneys involved in the matter to review and produce consistent data in all jurisdictions. A data repository model also provides the company with a history of review and production in each jurisdiction through the use of one database. Typically, CLOs hire outside counsel. Outside counsel then chooses a particular e-discovery vendor or processes data in-house. Outside counsel is making the decision on where corporate data resides. Using this model (when applied to multiple outside counsel) the company does not know or control its data. When CLOs move to the data repository model with one e-discovery vendor, it returns the company to the position of full ownership and control.  

How about e-discovery cost management?  

Lisa McComb: E-discovery is expensive. The volume of data is massive for any company that is involved in litigation. We recommend working with a vendor who charges a flat fee price, versus an à la carte model, allowing the organization to budget for expenses without surprises.

Why is it a good idea for the e-discovery vendor to be a seamless extension of the organization’s IT department?

Lisa McComb: We work with a limited number of companies, and are fully integrated with in-house counsel, IT and outside counsel. We own and control our technology resources, which allows us to provide customization and proactive solutions for our clients’ needs. This integrated relationship ensures a seamless and efficient discovery process. Plus, working with IT, we are able to plan for the appropriate resources as well as provide an estimated budget. At this point, each party is able to focus on what they do best.

How should CLOs get prepared for upcoming changes?

Lisa McComb: The volume of data will continue to grow. In order to keep costs as low as possible and to meet discovery deadlines, attorneys will need to be well versed and work with their e-discovery provider to navigate quickly to the most relevant documents in a collection. Attorneys will need to learn to use advanced search engines, “train” documents, and work closely with an e-discovery provider as part of the e-discovery team.

It is important that advanced tools be easy to use; that is why we have focused on user-friendly integration of such tools into our product and we provide an experienced team of professionals to assist and educate the attorneys on the strengths and proper utilization of the tool most appropriate to their matter.


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About the Chief Litigation Officer Summit Fall 2010

This unique forum will take place at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada, September 12-14, 2010. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The summit includes presentations on addressing the complexities of e-Discovery, maximizing relations with outside counsel and Alternative Dispute Resolution strategies.

For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website at http://www.chieflitigationofficersummit.com/LisaMcCombInt...    

Please note that the summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.

About marcus evans Summits

marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-on-one business meetings. For more information, please visit http://www.marcusevans.com  

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