I have covered why it is important to evaluate your eDiscovery software options every 12-24 months, together with what to look for in your eDiscovery solution.

Now it is time to explore how to get started, how to explore the options available.

I still find many firms using an eDiscovery solution (using the word ‘solution’ loosely), because they have always used the product and have grown comfortable with it, and it has been too hard to consider moving to something else. If this is you, then you are being left behind by others that are open to exploring options that better meet their requirements.

Shop around !

The best way to start is to explore the options available.

Even if you are currently satisfied with your existing eDiscovery software, it is worth exploring what else is out there. You may have a preferred option that works for most matters, and then explore another option when the requirements necessitate. I would encourage everyone to have an alternative option ready to go if required.

Find out what others are using – is it giving them an advantage over you?

Most clients would expect their law firms to either have eDiscovery tools, or at least have ready access to an effective option when the need arises.

It has never been a better time to embrace eDiscovery software as the options available are greatly superior, intuitive and cheaper than what was available only a few years back. 5-10 years back talk eDiscovery in New Zealand and most thought of ‘Summation’ – this is no longer the case.

Globally, eDiscovery software options are booming and here in New Zealand there are many options, including (and of course not limited to – to save missing someone out), Relativity, Nuix Discover, Everlaw, EDT and LawFlow.

Give a new product a go

The best way to get started is to give an option a go – see for yourself…

A starting point, could be to trial another option on a new matter, whilst still using your existing software on current matters. This gives you the ability ‘test drive’ how it works and if it might be appropriate to consider using it for future matters.

Even if you don’t want to trial on a new matter, most providers will let you have a ‘demo’ set to trial the software.

Best of all, if you don’t like a product, or it doesn’t work for you – you can easily move on !

Evaluate the option

At the end of each matter evaluate what worked well with your software, and what didn’t. Simply use a blank piece of paper (I know I shouldn’t be proposing paper – ok, whiteboard, iPad…), draw a line down the middle and identify what worked well, and what didn’t. Often what didn’t work well, or the limitations of a product can be the justification to looking at an option with advanced functionality on your next matter.

As mentioned previously, if you understand your requirements of what you want in an eDiscovery product, you will be in better and more informed position to be able to evaluate the option effectively.

Changing eDiscovery products is simple

Even when it comes to moving eDiscovery products it is a simple process.

Price and the challenge and burden of moving products have often been significant barriers to moving to more effective solutions.

This is no longer the case !

Most in New Zealand deploy eDiscovery software as a ‘hosted’ option, meaning you have the advantage of accessing from anywhere (which became essential with the COVID-19 experience). Additionally, there is no internal outlay required by your firm, as the ‘pay as you go’ monthly cost can usually be disbursed to your client, like other associated costs.

Likewise, you are not carrying significant internal upfront investment, that may impact moving to an alternative option. Again, if something better (and potentially cheaper) comes along you can simply move on.

Get independent advice

As there are many options now available, the challenge is to find the right option for you.  In your evaluation process it is important to seek impartial advice to help you evaluate your best options – not just from those selling the product !

There is no ‘one size fits all approach’ when it comes to eDiscovery software and no one only solution as everyone has different requirements – again however much some sales people may say their solution is the only option !

Again, so much can change and quickly with eDiscovery software (and also with your requirements), therefore (even if you are currently completely satisfied with your existing eDiscovery solution), it is still important to continue to evaluate your options every 12-24 months.

Please do reach out if you would like help in exploring the options available and getting started finding the right solution for you.