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Extract Maximum Value from e-Discovery Service Providers

By Tom Seymour
January 31, 2016

The unfortunate reality is that companies regularly involved in litigation can expect to pay service providers (a.k.a., “vendors”) a substantial sum of money for e-discovery services. Estimates indicate that companies will spend nearly $10 billion annually on e-discovery in the coming years. Are companies getting their money's worth for these services? What can companies do to extract maximum value from their e-discovery service providers?

These questions should not go unanswered. To this end I have identified four steps that companies can follow to help extract maximum value from e-discovery service providers. I believe it is more likely than not that following these steps will result in a net reduction in e-discovery spending. The steps, as detailed below, are: 1) Gather and normalize e-discovery spending data; 2) Analyze the results and define the system to identify what is valued most; 3) Establish new expectations; and 4) Take action to increase value and likely reduce overall spending.

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