Many years ago people would not have thought that something like computers would ever exist, let alone be such a magnificent tool for business. Computers have caused many changes in the way business is conducted, and now that the internet has been unleashed in full force, there are no limitations. Legal firms are just one sort of business that benefit, and have recently started tapping into the power of electronic discovery statistics.
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.
In addition to e-discovery, lawyers now use the internet for legal research purposes. Many of their cases require some intensive research, and before, this was done by reading through large volumes. Today, lawyers have quick access to online legal databases, from where information regarding case law, legal forms and many other things are available. Software is also used to track billing hours, and the internet is used for the solicitation of new clients.
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure need to be carefully followed when a company has become involved with e-discovery. E-discovery maps are usually required, which depict what is stored in the database, and where the information can be located. These maps should be developed in accordance to the laws that are applicable. Staff members from various departments of the company will need to be present when the map is developed, so that it will be adequately comprehensive.
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.
A new e-discovery map should always be put on trial before it can be determined as adequate. The trail can involve actual or pretend information. Once it has been tested and everything is in order, it can be used help retrieve e-discovery requests.
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.
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.
In addition to e-discovery, lawyers now use the internet for legal research purposes. Many of their cases require some intensive research, and before, this was done by reading through large volumes. Today, lawyers have quick access to online legal databases, from where information regarding case law, legal forms and many other things are available. Software is also used to track billing hours, and the internet is used for the solicitation of new clients.
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure need to be carefully followed when a company has become involved with e-discovery. E-discovery maps are usually required, which depict what is stored in the database, and where the information can be located. These maps should be developed in accordance to the laws that are applicable. Staff members from various departments of the company will need to be present when the map is developed, so that it will be adequately comprehensive.
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.
A new e-discovery map should always be put on trial before it can be determined as adequate. The trail can involve actual or pretend information. Once it has been tested and everything is in order, it can be used help retrieve e-discovery requests.
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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