Last month I joined an estimated 7,000+ others in the legal technology community who converged on the New York Hilton Midtown for Legalweek. Legalweek continues to be the largest and longest running legal technology event on the calendar. There is so many legal tech companies in the one place at the same time – if […]
Read more...The NZ E-Discovery Blog Facilitating proportionate and efficient e-discovery
Blog Archives
LegalTech in New Zealand: the developments and opportunities
Like many other countries there has been substantial change in New Zealand over recent years with the development of the LegalTech industry. Recently LawTalk published an in-depth feature looking at the Legal tech in New Zealand. Together with Gene Turner of LawHawk, I was one of the people interviewed by LawTalk editor Geoff Adlam. You can read the full […]
Read more...Looking for easy wins in your discovery approach
It is not always the use of Technology Assisted Review (TAR), or the utilisation of other powerful technologies that will be right for you. For some it is simply looking at existing practices and seeing if there is anything that could be performed more efficiently. Some of the technology out there is fantastic, but sometimes […]
Read more...Evaluating eDiscovery software options, every 12-24 months
Even if you are currently satisfied with your existing eDiscovery software, it is worth evaluating eDiscovery software options, to see what else is available. Find out what others are using – is it giving them an advantage over you? To ensure you are equipping yourself with the most effective tools, you should evaluate your eDiscovery […]
Read more...Join me at LawFest 2019
LawFest 2019 is back on 21 March at The Cordis in Auckland. LawFest is the one event you should attend in 2019 to help you practice law more efficiently, today and into the future. The one-day conference provides a platform for legal professionals to hear from those that are innovating and explore opportunities to help […]
Read more...Happy E-Discovery Day !
Today is the 4th annual E-Discovery Day across the globe. Here in New Zealand, we are ahead of the rest of the world (well, in time zone anyway), so we get to celebrate before others. A day devoted to just eDiscovery, surely not? For many of us that live and breathe eDiscovery (and have done […]
Read more...Understanding the potential cost of eDiscovery
Too often I have seen good eDiscovery solutions end in a difficult relationship as there was not a full appreciation of potential cost of eDiscovery at the outset. The scenario usually goes something like this – Client – your estimate was XX Provider – you asked us to undertake additional work, any further work was itemised […]
Read more...Navigating eDiscovery pricing models
There are excellent eDiscovery software options available, however it isn’t always easy to compare their eDiscovery pricing models. This is something you need to be aware of, especially if you are new to eDiscovery. The price that you are initially presented with may not always be the true cost. You may be surprised when you […]
Read more...Do you get what you pay for?
Is this fair when it comes to eDiscovery software or not? Just because a solution may be cheaper, it doesn’t always mean it is not as good, likewise if it is more expensive it doesn’t always mean it is better for you ! Organisations have different requirements, which could mean that certain eDiscovery software might […]
Read more...Helping find the right eDiscovery solution to suit you
Today’s escalating data volumes and the rising cost of managing that data, make it increasingly important to use the right eDiscovery solution to tackle the discovery process. Recently LawTalk published an article of mine – Finding the right eDiscovery solution to suit you. The article highlighted where to start to find the best eDiscovery software, […]
Read more...Ari Kaplan Podcast – Why Legal Tech Conferences Have Become a Global Phenomenon
Recently I was fortunate to be interviewed by leading legal tech thought leader Ari Kaplan in one of his Reinventing Professionals podcasts. Ari’s podcasts “share insights with industry leaders shaping the next generation of legal and professional services”. On the podcast we talked LawFest and legal technology in New Zealand, together with why legal tech […]
Read more...Nuix acquisition of Ringtail creates powerful ‘end-to’end’ eDiscovery offering
Today we have had the announcement that Nuix has acquired Ringtail to provide an ’end-to-end’ eDiscovery solution. This announcement probably trumps all other movements in an eDiscovery market that has experienced considerable change recently, with acquisitions and providers deploying tools that may have historically been competitors. You can read some press announcements here – https://blog.aceds.org/mary-mack-with-the-inside-scoop-on-nuix-and-ringtail/ […]
Read more...How one lawyer used Technology Assisted Review to save their client thousands
Technology Assisted Review (“TAR”), can be a great enabler for firms that need to be nimble and innovate to compete with large firms. A perfect example was a matter I managed for a New Zealand law firm, that helped save their client thousands of dollars. Australian litigation support provider, Law In Order has produced an […]
Read more...Technology Assisted Review – Enabling you to Work Smarter
Recently there have been some good commentaries on the use of Technology Assisted Review (“TAR”) in the discovery process. The first was an excellent guide to the TAR process from leading eDiscovery Consultant Terry Harrison, who is based in South Africa. The other was a case study by Australian litigation support provider Law In Order, […]
Read more...What might happen to New Zealand legal services and lawyers?
The practice of law and how legal services are delivered is changing and will change further. At the same time more legal professionals are looking to innovate and leverage technology to help deliver legal services, both for today and the future. Recently LawTalk published an in-depth feature looking at the future of legal services in […]
Read more...Launch of the New Zealand Legal Tech Index
Last month, LawFest launched the New Zealand Legal Technology Index. The index is New Zealand’s first listing of businesses that provide tech products and services to the New Zealand legal industry. Check out the LawFest press release here with further details about the index. The index enables legal professionals to explore and connect with the […]
Read more...Review of LawFest 2018
Last month over 250 legal professionals from corporate organisations, law firms and government attended LawFest 2018. It is great to see how far the event has come over the past 6 years, as it is now regarded as one of New Zealand’s must do legal conferences. We had a great programme for delegates to learn […]
Read more...Shop around when selecting eDiscovery software
I still find many firms using an eDiscovery solution (using the word ‘solution’ loosely), because they have always used the product, or justify its continual use on “sticking with the devil you know” ! Selecting eDiscovery software is crucial for all organisations involved in the discovery process. If this is you, then you are being […]
Read more...What do you want to achieve with your eDiscovery software?
This is a question that is often over looked when exploring eDiscovery software. More frequently, I am simply asked – what is the best eDiscovery software? It is increasingly important to firstly, consider what you want to achieve. Considering the software options in many circumstances will be your final consideration Software should be your final consideration […]
Read more...Don’t shape your practices around the capabilities of your software
When it comes to the discovery process, many firms that I speak with are still being forced to shape their litigation practices around the capabilities of their existing eDiscovery software. How they work can be considerably impacted by the limitations of their existing software. Most of the issues experienced, simply should not happen. Some of […]
Read more...The NZ E-Discovery Blog named as one of the top 60 eDiscovery Blogs
Like others, I too was surprised, yet pleased to be ranked at number 50 in a list of Top 60 eDiscovery Blogs and Websites For eDiscovery Professionals put together by Feedspot. Even though there are far more recognisable people internationally, I am pleased to be included in this high calibre list. I suggest you checkout […]
Read more...New Zealand’s Commerce Commission and SFO invest in Relativity eDiscovery software
The New Zealand Commerce Commission and Serious Fraud Office (SFO) have recently invested in Relativity as their preferred eDiscovery solution. About Relativity Relativity is widely regarded as one of the leading eDiscovery software solution internationally, with nearly 14,000 organisations using Relativity in over 40 countries, totaling over 165,000 users. Relativity has over 800 employees, with […]
Read more...Read the Rules !
Leading eDiscovery commentator Chris Dale provided an excellent post this week about A proposed new disclosure rule for England and Wales. Chris makes an excellent observation that before there are rule changes, those involved in disclosure (or discovery for the rest of the world), should read the eDiscovery rules. I couldn’t agree more with Chris, […]
Read more...Substantiating your proportionality argument
The claim of “proportionality” is too often used as justification to shy away from potential discovery obligations. The following can frequently be used to justify this – There are far too many documents The cost is not proportionate We can just claim proportionality to the court The discovery rules are on our side here […]
Read more...Ensuring technology is used efficiently and effectively
Sounds a given, or is it? In fact, it doesn’t always happen this way, and in some instances far from it. Most firms will be exploring how they can innovate, and a key driver of this innovation will be technology. The discovery process is no different. With the volumes and sources of information now present, […]
Read more...Join me at LawFest 2018
LawFest 2018 is back on 8 March 2018 at The Langham in Auckland. The one-day conference is the one event legal professionals should attend every year. LawFest provides an opportunity for anyone involved in the intersection of technology and the law to develop their knowledge and immerse themselves in the latest topics and trends in […]
Read more...eDiscovery does not need to be complicated
“I just find eDiscovery so complex and frustrating and it turns out to be more expensive than I expected” An all too frequent comment that I still encounter ! But it does not have to be this way. The objective of discovery should be to get only what you need and do so it a […]
Read more...But it worked in the past…
What may have worked 10 years ago, last year, or last week may no longer be the most effective path to address your discovery requirements. In the past, we did not face the volumes or sources of electronic information that are now present in most organisations. We are all communicating differently than we did in […]
Read more...LawFest – A look back at New Zealand’s premier legal innovation and technology event
It has been a busy last few months. On the 17th of May I ran LawFest, where over 200 people from law firms, in-house legal teams and the technology industry joined some of New Zealand’s leading legal technology thinkers at the Langham in Auckland. It was great to see the amount of energy and interest […]
Read more...I still haven’t found what I am searching for…
Keyword searching is a very common method used in litigation or investigations to target potentially relevant information, but it is easy to get it completely wrong. A recent article of mine published in LawTalk I still haven’t found what I am searching for, highlighted how keyword search terms will not find what you are looking […]
Read more...Increasing Acceptance of Technology Assisted Review
In December 2016, the Supreme Court of Victoria endorsed the use of Technology Assisted Review (TAR) in the eDiscovery process in the case of McConnell Dowell Constructors v Santam. This was the first time TAR had been approved for use in litigation in an Australian Court. My article in the latest Information Governance ANZ newsletter, explored TAR […]
Read more...Information Governance ANZ to hold New Zealand Launch
Information Governance ANZ is holding its New Zealand launch event in Wellington on Thursday the 23rd of March. The New Zealand launch follows very successful launch events in Australia over recent months. The Information Governance ANZ mission is to bring together a community of information governance professionals in Australia and New Zealand to develop and […]
Read more...LegalTech 2017 – a New Zealand Perspective
This week I joined an estimated 10,000 others in the legal technology community who converged on New York for LegalTech. This was the 36th edition of LegalTech, but this year also saw the introduction of a new format with LegalTech becoming part of the larger Legalweek. The new format provided a wider focus for legal […]
Read more...LawFest: New Zealand’s Premier Legal Innovation & Technology Event
Building on the success of the last three years of New Zealand’s dedicated legal technology event, LawFest 2017 is being held in Auckland on 17 May 2017. It’s not just ‘another conference’ – it is the one event of the year legal professionals should attend to discover how technology and innovation can impact them, their firms and […]
Read more...Understanding Your Client’s eDiscovery Software Requirements
As I discussed in my last post it is important for law firms to understand their eDiscovery software requirements, but some providers also need to do more to understand what the requirements of their potential clients are. Without wanting to offend all eDiscovery providers as most are great at understanding the requirements of their potential […]
Read more...The Importance of Understanding Your eDiscovery Software Requirements
Too often I see law firms forced to shape their work practices around the capabilities of their eDiscovery software. This can lead to completely needless additional burden and cost. To prevent this it is increasingly important to understand your requirements to help find the right eDiscovery software. It sounds simple, but often it is not, […]
Read more...Common Frustrations with eDiscovery Software
To help understand what lawyers and their firms want from their eDiscovery software, I thought I would share some of the frustrations that many currently experience. Since the start of this year I have collated frustrations (or problems) that some New Zealand lawyers are experiencing with their existing eDiscovery software. These frustrations are from all […]
Read more...What is the Best eDiscovery Software?
Mention to anyone that I provide independent advice on eDiscovery software options, I inevitably get the question “So, what is the best eDiscovery Software”? Where do I start to respond to that one ! The short answer is that there is no ‘one size fits all approach’ when it comes to eDiscovery software. Each product […]
Read more...Renewed Interest in eDiscovery Software
Over recent months I have been fielding an increasing number of queries about eDiscovery software. In New Zealand over the past few years, the interest does come in waves. Back in 2012 and 2013 there was considerable interest in eDiscovery software, on the back of the new High Court discovery rules. After 2013, I can […]
Read more...Let’s dig a little deeper into what I do !
In my last post I explored the common issue of articulating what I did. This got me thinking about providing further detail about exactly what it is that I do. Over five years ago I decided to leave the comfortable surrounds of working inside law firms as I wanted to be able to provide more […]
Read more...What do I do?
One of the problems I still encounter is explaining to people what it is that I actually do. If I sit down to a dinner with someone away from the industry (I’m afraid that is quite a lot as there are not many eDiscovery specialists in New Zealand), when the inevitably “what do you do” […]
Read more...Five years is a long time in eDiscovery
Earlier this year I had a LinkedIn message pop up to congratulate me on my five year anniversary. Five years !!?? It took me somewhat by surprise as the time has flown! In saying that, it does seem a long time ago since I was on the law firm side of the fence, before breaking away […]
Read more...Documents or should it be ESI ?
In today’s’ digital world many of us still refer to information that is mostly electronic as simply documents – and I can be as guilty as any ! The use of the term document can be familiar and comfortable. Much the same way traditional methods of addressing eDiscovery can be hard to shift. Even though […]
Read more...Looking back on the NZ Law & Technology Conference
The New Zealand Law and Technology Conference lived up to its billing, with New Zealand’s premier legal technology event attracting over 150 participants in Auckland last week – without question our best event yet ! Watch the video ! The one day conference provided a platform to educate, showcase and encourage greater adoption of technology […]
Read more...See you at the NZ Law & Technology Conference
It is only a few more days until New Zealand’s premier legal technology event takes place at the Pullman in Auckland, Wednesday the 11th of May. This year we will see over 130 attend the one day conference, with the event continuing to grow year on year. Putting together an event like this can be […]
Read more...Getting the most out of attending the NZ Law & Technology Conference
Attending the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference will be a beneficial learning experience for you and your firm. The event provides a platform to help educate and prepare you for how to effectively embrace technology for today and into the future. The one day conference is specifically designed to provide the latest legal technology developments and […]
Read more...Rod Drury to deliver Keynote at the NZ Law & Technology Conference
We are excited to announce Xero CEO and founder Rod Drury as the opening keynote for the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference. Rod will provide an energizing start to the day, as the conference provides a platform to educate, showcase and encourage greater adoption of technology by lawyers and their firms. Delegates will hear a […]
Read more...LegalTech 2016 – a New Zealand Perspective
As I post this, I am just about to make my way back to New Zealand after another LegalTech in New York. For those that have not heard of LegalTech, it is the largest legal technology event on the calendar. In early February each year legal technology professionals make the trip to LegalTech to hear, […]
Read more...The Annual Trek to LegalTech New York
It is nearly that time of year again as 10,000 plus legal technology professionals from around the globe make their annual journey to New York for LegalTech. For those that are not aware, LegalTech is the largest and leading legal technology event on the calendar. For anyone that has not been before, I encourage you […]
Read more...Judge David Harvey joins as an advisor to the NZ Law & Technology Conference
New Zealand’s leading technology Judge, His Honour Judge David Harvey has joined as an advisor for the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference. The 4th Annual New Zealand Law & Technology Conference is taking place at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on the 11th of May 2016. We are grateful to have Judge Harvey’s experience and […]
Read more...NZ Law & Technology Conference returns
EY and my company (E-Discovery Consulting) have again joined forces to present the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference. The event is taking place at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on the 11th of May 2016. Over the last decade advances in technology have greatly transformed the practice of law as well as the management of a legal […]
Read more...The move to front-loading the discovery process
The New Zealand High Court discovery rules require considerably more work in advance of the first case management conference (CMC). The benefit of this initial work is to assist in limiting the scope of discovery to what really matters and provide considerable value later in the discovery process. A recent article of mine published in […]
Read more...Positive signs in the New Zealand eDiscovery journey
Over the past couple of years I have started to notice some encouraging signs in New Zealand with the approaches to eDiscovery and embracing technology generally. At the same time, New Zealand still has a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the world in how law firms embrace technology, but […]
Read more...Ebborn Law launch new VLaw™ system
Last week in Christchurch I was fortunate to have been invited to see first-hand a demonstration of Ebborn Law’s new VLaw™ system. The demonstration was attended by a number of stakeholders that work with Ebborn Law. One of the interested parties was the Ministry of Justice, who were eager to see how the new system […]
Read more...Highlights of the Technology Demonstration Stream
In my last few posts I have provided an overview of the three separate streams from the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference. In this the final summary of the event, I will take a more in-depth look at the Technology Demonstrations & Case Studies Stream. This year we introduced a new Technology Demonstration & Case […]
Read more...Highlights of the Legal Technology Stream
Over the course of my next few posts, I am providing a summary of each stream from the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference. New Zealand’s premier legal technology event, which was held in Auckland last month. In my last post I summarised the Legal & eDiscovery Stream from the event. Today is the turn to take […]
Read more...Highlights of the Legal and eDiscovery Stream
In my last post, I provided an overview of New Zealand Law and Technology Conference, which was held in Auckland on the 18th of March. So let’s now look at some of the highlights from the Legal & eDiscovery Stream. eDiscovery 101 The conference kicked off with a breakfast workshop – eDiscovery 101 – Back […]
Read more...Overview of the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference
On the 18th of March, E-Discovery Consulting and EY welcomed over 120 participants from the New Zealand legal fraternity to the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference. The conference has developed into New Zealand’s premier legal technology event, providing a platform for anyone involved in the intersection of technology and the law to develop their […]
Read more...Preview of the Technology Demonstration Stream
We are now less than two weeks away from the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference, taking place at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on the 18th of March 2015. As mentioned in my earlier posts, the event has been expanded this year to provide delegates with three streams with an exciting line-up of speakers. This […]
Read more...Preview of the Legal Technology Stream
It is two weeks today to the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference, taking place at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on the 18th of March 2015. This year the event has been expanded to provide delegates with three streams with an exciting line-up of speakers. Following on from my previous post on the Legal and eDiscovery […]
Read more...Preview of the Legal and eDiscovery Stream
We are now just over two weeks away from the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference, taking place at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on the 18th of March 2015. The event has pulled together an exciting new line-up of speakers across its newly expanded three talk streams. Leading Keynote Speakers Opening the conference again this year with […]
Read more...LegalTech 2015 – a New Zealand Perspective
A couple of weeks back as many New Zealanders were still enjoying the beach I made my annual trek up to New York where all of the legal technology community converge for the annual LegalTech show. LegalTech attracts over 10,000 attendees For those that do not live and breathe eDiscovery, LegalTech is the largest legal […]
Read more...Nigel Murray to deliver Keynote at the NZ Law & Technology Conference
Leading eDiscovery and legal technology expert Nigel Murray will be delivering the International Keynote at the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference. The event is taking place at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on the 18th of March 2015. Nigel Murray will provide an international perspective looking at how lawyers and law firms can meet the […]
Read more...Judge Harvey to deliver the Judicial Keynote at the NZ Law & Technology Conference
New Zealand’s leading technology Judge, His Honour Judge David Harvey will be delivering the Judicial Keynote session at the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference. The event is taking place at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on the 18th of March 2015. Judge Harvey will present his Judicial Keynote session on “How technology Challenges Law”. The […]
Read more...ALPMA supports the NZ Law & Technology Conference
ALPMA has been confirmed as a supporting organisation for the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference. The event is taking place at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on the 18th of March 2015. About ALPMA The Australasian Legal Practice Management Association (ALPMA), is the peak professional association representing law firm managers and leaders. ALPMA provides an authoritative […]
Read more...New Zealand Bar Association supports the NZ Law & Technology Conference
The New Zealand Bar Association (NZBA) has been confirmed as a supporting organisation for the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference. The event is taking place at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on the 18th of March 2015. The NZBA was a supporting organisation of the 2nd Annual New Zealand eDiscovery Conference in 2014 which attracted […]
Read more...SAVE THE DATE: NZ Law & Technology Conference – 18 March 2015
E-Discovery Consulting and EY have again joined forces to present the New Zealand Law and Technology Conference. The event is taking place at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on the 18th of March 2015. The New Zealand Law and Technology Conference will build on the success of the last two annual conferences, which both attracted over 100 participants and were […]
Read more...A New Zealand Predictive Coding success story
Australian litigation Support provider Law in Order recently published a case study about how Predictive Coding, using kCura’s Relativity Assisted Review was successfully used on a large New Zealand litigation. The Law In Order case study can be found here. The matter in the case study was one where I was engaged by the global corporate client […]
Read more...Looking back on LegalTech New York 2014
LegalTech 2014 is over for another year and since I am now back in New Zealand (and having the chance to thaw out), I have now found the opportunity to share my observations from the latest iteration of the industry’s leading Legal Technology event. This year’s LegalTech will be remembered by the cold and the snow […]
Read more...New Continuing Professional Development obligations for lawyers
The New Zealand Law Society has introduced new rules requiring lawyers to undertake a mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme. These rules require lawyers to plan and undertake at least 10 hours of CPD activities each year. The first full CPD year commences on 1 April 2014, although a 6 month transitional period commenced on […]
Read more...The rise of Legal Process Outsourcing
There is a growing trend internationally to outsource lower end legal work, freeing up lawyers to focus on their core business – the law. Electronic discovery is one exercise where parts of the process can be outsourced to more efficient and cheaper options. Last week, the NZ Lawyer magazine published an article of mine entitled […]
Read more...LegalTech New York 2013 – a New Zealand perspective
LegalTech 2013 is over for another year which gives me time to reflect on this year’s event. Since LegalTech most of my time has been dedicated to making the final arrangements for the NZ eDiscovery Conference (which concluded yesterday). Luckily I have now found some time to share my observations from the latest version of […]
Read more...