Managed document review is a critical component of the eDiscovery process, which involves the identification, collection, and review of electronic data for legal purposes. It is a methodical and comprehensive approach to analyzing large volumes of documents, such as emails, contracts, presentations, and other types of files, to determine their relevance and importance to a particular legal case or investigation.
The magic behind managed document review lies in the combination of advanced technology, skilled human reviewers, and efficient workflows. Here’s an overview of the key elements that make managed document review a powerful and effective process:
Technology-Assisted Review (TAR): TAR refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to automate and streamline the document review process. TAR can help identify relevant documents by “learning” from human reviewers’ decisions. It reduces the amount of manual review required and improves accuracy and efficiency.
Keyword Searches: In addition to TAR, keyword searches are commonly used to narrow down the scope of documents to be reviewed. Keywords and search terms are selected based on the case’s context and specific legal requirements. They help to identify documents that are likely to contain relevant information.
Metadata Analysis: Metadata provides valuable information about documents, such as the author, creation date, and file properties. Analyzing metadata can help identify key custodians and establish timelines, which are essential for understanding the context of the case and prioritizing document review.
Data Filtering and De-Duplication: To avoid reviewing duplicate documents or irrelevant data, document review platforms employ techniques such as data filtering and de-duplication. These processes remove redundant or duplicate files, ensuring that only unique and relevant documents are presented for review.
Document Coding and Categorization: During the review process, documents are coded and categorized based on their relevance, privilege, and other factors determined by the legal team. This categorization helps in organizing the documents for further analysis, production, or potential use in legal proceedings.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance: Managed document review involves rigorous quality control measures to ensure accuracy and consistency. Senior reviewers and project managers perform sampling, spot checks, and ongoing training to maintain high standards throughout the review process.
Project Management and Workflows: Effective project management is crucial for the successful execution of managed document review. Project managers coordinate the efforts of legal teams, technology experts, and reviewers to establish workflows, timelines, and communication channels, ensuring a streamlined and efficient review process.
Human Expertise: Although technology plays a significant role, the expertise and judgment of skilled human reviewers remain invaluable. Experienced attorneys and legal professionals are responsible for making critical decisions during the review process, such as identifying privileged information, assessing the relevance of documents, and providing legal analysis.
By combining these elements, managed document review provides a systematic approach to handle large volumes of documents, ensuring that legal teams can efficiently identify relevant information, support litigation strategies, and comply with legal obligations.