Non-Traditional Uses for eDiscovery Technology Beyond Litigation

In a recent article, Relativity’s Emilie Neumeier highlights the untapped potential of eDiscovery technology, which is traditionally used to manage vast amounts of legal data during litigation. At Relativity Fest 2024, a panel of legal experts presented innovative ways to expand the use of these tools.

Titled “Play-Doh Potential: Broadening EDiscovery Tools for Alternative Uses,” the panel included professionals from Relativity, AstraZeneca, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, and Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory. Panel members discussed how they maximized their team’s investment in e-discovery software, tackled new challenges, and achieved more with less while navigating high-pressure demands and tight budgets.

They discussed how organizations use eDiscovery platforms to address data challenges, underscoring the importance of integrating technology across organizational functions to streamline workflows and enhance data hygiene.

The panel recommended nontraditional uses of eDiscovery, such as replacing unmanageable spreadsheets by securely managing large data sets and optimizing the contract review process with efficient field extraction. They also suggested using eDiscovery tools to enhance global assurance, identify and manage risks by targeting sensitive, non-legal data, reduce reliance on external providers, and ensure a cohesive understanding of the organization’s data footprint. 

These forward-thinking approaches demonstrate the adaptability of eDiscovery technology to address broader organizational needs. By creatively leveraging these technologies, legal ops professionals can transform data challenges into opportunities, unlocking new efficiencies and insights. As one panelist advised, “If your current process feels clunky, it’s time to try something new.”