B&L Associates

Study: Attorneys improving eDiscovery practices with technology

April 5, 2011

A new study by the Xerox Corporation found technology is playing a major role in enabling attorneys to address the requirements and challenges of eDiscovery.

In a survey of 112 attorneys with experience using eDiscovery solutions, 72 percent of respondents indicated technology allowed them to respond to eDiscovery requests more efficiently, while 64 percent said they found cost reductions using technology.

In addition to improved efficiency, technology, such as media management software, can help companies address budget issues that eDiscovery may cause. According to the study, 53 percent of respondents indicated eDiscovery solutions enabled them to plan their budgets more accurately.

Xerox's study highlight the increased role technology is playing in the law field. As eDiscovery becomes a more pressing issue for attorneys, many are turning to new technology that enables them to locate documents quickly and eliminate the possibility of a court-imposed fine. For example, many attorneys have found utilizing tape tracking software can help them locate storage tapes containing important files and information efficiently.

As companies continue to recognize the importance of eDiscovery, penalties for failing to comply with eDiscovery requests have decreased. According to a recent report by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, the number of eDiscovery sanctions granted decreased from 70 percent in 2009 to 55 percent in 2010.