For small and midsize law firms in Latin America, managing the large volumes of electronic data involved in complex legal matters can seem daunting. As cases continue to become more intricate and data-intensive, these firms need access to sophisticated eDiscovery.
This blog will look at AI and the profound impact it has had, and continues to have, on the eDiscovery landscape and will offer guidance and provide insights to help in your next eDiscovery project.
The last couple of months have been a whirlwind of activity for the Everest team. We’ve had the privilege of attending several key fall events, where we were able to showcase our expertise, network with industry professionals and, most importantly, express our unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion principles. In this recap, we’re excited to share our experiences at the NAMWOLF Annual Meeting, Corporate Counsel Men of Color Conference and Relativity Fest.
NAMWOLF Annual Meeting – September 10-13, Baltimore, MD
At the NAMWOLF Annual Meeting, Everest Discovery had the honor of showcasing our commitment to professional excellence and fostering valuable industry connections. Our team engaged with attendees while highlighting our eDiscovery and litigation support solutions. However, for us, NAMWOLF represents more than just an event; it’s a platform for advancing DE&I principles. We are proud to be a part of this collective effort that champions diversity and inclusion.
Corporate Counsel Men of Color Conference – September 26, National Harbor, MD
Our vice president of sales, Guy Mitchell, attended the Corporate Counsel Men of Color Conference, an event that is making significant strides in diversity. The conference provided a platform for industry professionals to engage in meaningful dialogues and develop strategies that promote inclusion. Guy’s presence reflects our company’s commitment to these actions and our role as a trusted partner in advancing them within the industry.
Relativity Fest – September 26-28, Chicago, IL
As a RelativityOne Silver Partner, our attendance at Relativity Fest provided us with a unique opportunity to not only deepen our understanding of the evolving needs of legal professionals but also to engage with other industry experts, many of whom were featured speakers. What’s more, our very own Sue Pellegrino, Josh Williams and John Trickey were interviewed during the conference, sharing their insights to inspire and advance the eDiscovery community.
Josh Williams was interviewed at Fest Desk Live along with Johnathan Hill of Relativity to talk about the Justice for Change program that helps to bring racial and social justice to all.
Sue Pellegrino was interviewed at Fest Desk Live to discuss Women in eDiscovery, Stellar Women and other organizations that promote networking, education and advancement for women in the legal industry.
John Trickey was also interviewed, and this video will be available soon! Stay tuned!
In addition, our participation at Relativity Fest allowed our team to earn CLE and RCE credits, supporting our culture of continuous learning and professional development.
Each of these events allowed us to network with industry professionals, gain valuable educational insights, showcase our offerings and further our commitment to DE&I initiatives. These events were more than just professional engagements; they were opportunities to be part of a collective effort to champion diversity and inclusion in our industry, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in each of them.
With the most recent achievement of RelativityOne Silver Partner status, Everest Discovery has further positioned itself as a trusted leader, providing innovative and efficient solutions to its clients. The attainment of RelativityOne Silver Partner status represents a significant milestone for the company, validating its vision and strategic direction. This achievement is a testament to Everest’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence, client satisfaction and staying at the forefront of technological advancements. In this blog post, we will explore why Everest is excited to have achieved the next level of partnership with Relativity and how it enhances the company’s ability to deliver exceptional value to its clients.
Aligning Vision and Strategic Direction
According to Tom Pellegrino, CEO of Everest Discovery, the attainment of RelativityOne Silver Partner status aligns perfectly with the company’s vision and strategic direction. It represents the company’s unwavering commitment to providing clients with innovative and efficient solutions for their eDiscovery and legal document management needs. This achievement also further validates the company’s vision of being at the forefront of technological advancements and delivering exceptional value to clients through operational excellence. With this partner status, the company is poised to enhance its capabilities, expand its service offerings and solidify its position as a trusted leader in the industry. The company plans to continue exceeding client expectations, leveraging the power of RelativityOne and driving positive outcomes for clients’ legal processes.
Driving Operational Excellence
Dennis Roberts, COO, highlights that attaining RelativityOne Silver Partner status showcases the company’s operational excellence and commitment to delivering high-quality services. This achievement is a testament to the company’s streamlined processes, efficient workflows and expertise in navigating eDiscovery and legal document management. With access to valuable resources and support, Everest Discovery can optimize operations and provide exceptional results for clients. The RelativityOne Silver Partner status reflects an unwavering dedication to operational excellence, setting a new standard for the industry.
Financial Stability and Growth
Sue Pellegrino, owner, president and CFO, emphasizes that achieving RelativityOne Silver Partner status holds great financial significance for the company and clients alike. This milestone reflects the company’s commitment to financial stability and growth as it aligns its operations with industry-leading technologies. The partner status enhances the company’s ability to deliver cost-effective solutions to clients, optimizing their eDiscovery and legal document management budgets. It opens doors to potential business opportunities, allowing for an expanded client base and revenue growth. With the company’s financial expertise and the resources available as a RelativityOne Silver Partner, Everest is well-positioned to provide clients with financially sound and efficient services, ensuring that legal processes are handled with utmost value and fiscal responsibility.
Enhancing Capabilities and Driving Positive Outcomes
With this next level of partnership with Relativity, Everest Discovery is set to enhance its capabilities and drive productive outcomes for clients’ legal processes. The power of RelativityOne, combined with Everest’s expertise and dedication, allows the company to consistently exceed client expectations. By leveraging advanced technologies and industry-leading solutions, the company ensures that its clients have access to a proactive approach to simplifying complex discovery matters by transforming workflows, reducing risks and generating significant cost savings. This next level of partnership with Relativity paves the way for expanded service offerings, further innovation and a continued commitment to delivering exceptional value to clients.
Everest Discovery is excited to share it has once again affirmed its commitment to diversity by successfully earning recertification from three prestigious programs: Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and the Supplier Clearinghouse.
Obtaining certifications from the reputable organizations behind these programs is an ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusivity for Everest Discovery. These certifications serve as a testament to the company’s dedication to promoting diversity in the workplace and engaging in supplier diversity initiatives. Renewing certifications signals a continued devotion to meeting and exceeding the standards set by these organizations, demonstrating that Everest Discovery actively fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated into its operations.
Recertification also showcases Everest Discovery’s consistency and growth as a diverse supplier. It reinforces the company as a partner that prioritizes diversity and seeks socially responsible business relationships.
At Everest Discovery, diversity is not just a buzzword but a guiding principle that shapes our organizational culture, business practices and community engagement. We firmly believe that diversity is the cornerstone of innovation and that embracing varied perspectives enriches decision-making processes. We foster an inclusive environment where all employees, clients and partners feel respected, valued and empowered to succeed.
To achieve these certifications a company must have, at a minimum, a 51% women ownership status. That woman or women must also be active in business operations. With Sue Pellegrino serving as our president and CFO and having a very active role in the day-to-day operations, Everest meets these requirements.
Continuing to go through the process to receive these certifications underscores the company’s sustained commitment to meet and exceed industry expectations and regulations, assuring customers and partners of its reliability and competence. In addition, it gives the company increased opportunities. The federal government has a goal to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to WOSB Certified businesses each year. This makes having this designation an important tool for increased consideration and potential business.
Certifications symbolize an ongoing journey toward inclusivity, openness and equal opportunity. Everest Discovery is proud to maintain these certifications, and we remain dedicated to promoting diversity, both within our organization and across the broader business landscape.
When it comes to managing electronic data for legal purposes, partnering with a reliable eDiscovery provider is essential. The right provider can offer expertise, technology and resources to navigate the complexities of eDiscovery efficiently. However, not all providers are created equal, and it’s important to know what to expect from your eDiscovery partner. In this blog post, we will explore the key aspects you should consider and what you can expect from a reputable eDiscovery provider like Everest Discovery.
One of the primary expectations from your eDiscovery provider is a high level of expertise and knowledge in the field. You need a partner with a deep understanding of eDiscovery processes, legal requirements and industry best practices. Look for a provider that employs professionals with extensive experience in eDiscovery, including certified eDiscovery specialists and legal professionals. Their expertise will ensure that your data is handled with care, accuracy and compliance throughout the entire process. At Everest Discovery, our experts become an extension of your team and are with you through every stage of the eDiscovery life cycle.
Your eDiscovery provider should offer a comprehensive suite of technology solutions to effectively manage your electronic data. This includes powerful tools for data collection, processing, review, analysis and production. Advanced technologies like predictive coding, data analytics and machine learning can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the eDiscovery process. A reliable provider will have robust infrastructure and the latest software to handle large volumes of data while maintaining the security of that data. As a RelativityOne Silver Partner, Everest has the tools and technology you need for your next eDiscovery project.
When dealing with sensitive legal information, security and confidentiality are paramount. Your eDiscovery provider should prioritize data security and employ robust measures to protect your information. This includes implementing strict access controls, encryption protocols and secure data storage practices. Additionally, it should have policies in place to safeguard data during transit and adhere to relevant data protection regulations. Ask your provider about its security protocols and certifications to be sure your data remains confidential and secure. As an ISO 27001 Certified company since 2017, Everest is prepared to keep your data safe.
Discovery projects can vary significantly in terms of size, complexity and timelines. A reliable eDiscovery provider should offer scalable solutions that can adapt to your specific needs. It should have the capacity to handle both small and large-scale projects without compromising on quality or speed. Look for a provider that can easily accommodate changing requirements and deadlines, ensuring that your project progresses smoothly and efficiently.
Effective communication and collaboration are crucial when working with an eDiscovery provider. It should be responsive to your inquiries, provide regular updates on project progress and be accessible for any concerns or questions that may arise. Clear and transparent communication is essential to maintaining a strong working relationship and ensuring that your expectations are met throughout the eDiscovery process. When you choose to work with Everest, you will have a dedicated project manager on your side to ensure you have the best possible outcome for your case.
Managing costs is a significant concern in any eDiscovery project. A reputable provider should offer transparent pricing structures and make detailed cost estimates available upfront. It should work with you to develop a cost-effective strategy that aligns with your budgetary constraints. Look for providers that have flexible pricing options, such as per-gigabyte pricing or fixed-fee arrangements. This transparency will help you manage costs effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
Timeliness is critical in eDiscovery, especially when legal deadlines are involved. Your provider should have a track record of delivering projects on schedule and within agreed-upon timelines. It should have efficient processes in place for data collection, processing, review and production, ensuring that your project progresses smoothly and meets your legal obligations.
In conclusion, selecting the right eDiscovery provider is crucial for a successful discovery project. By partnering with a provider that offers expertise, comprehensive technology solutions, data security, scalability, effective communication, cost-effectiveness and reliability, you can ensure that your eDiscovery needs are met with precision and efficiency. Take the time to evaluate potential providers, ask the right questions and choose a partner that aligns with your specific requirements. With the right eDiscovery provider by your side, you can navigate the complex world of eDiscovery with confidence and peace of mind.
Electronic discovery has become an integral part of modern litigation and legal processes. However, the costs associated with eDiscovery can quickly escalate if not managed effectively. In this blog post, we will explore some practical strategies that can help organizations minimize eDiscovery costs while still ensuring compliance and efficiency.
An effective information governance policy is crucial for minimizing eDiscovery costs. By establishing clear guidelines on data retention, storage and disposal, organizations can reduce the volume of data subject to eDiscovery. Regularly reviewing and updating the policy ensures that irrelevant and obsolete data is eliminated, resulting in reduced search and review efforts during discovery.
Early case assessment involves analyzing data at the outset of litigation to gain a better understanding of its scope and potential value. By identifying key custodians, relevant data sources and potential risks early on, organizations can make informed decisions about which data to collect, process and review. This targeted approach reduces the overall volume of data to be reviewed, leading to significant cost savings.
Technology-assisted review, also known as predictive coding or machine learning, can significantly reduce eDiscovery costs. TAR leverages advanced algorithms to prioritize and categorize documents, allowing legal teams to focus their review efforts on the most relevant materials. By training the system on a subset of reviewed documents, TAR can accurately predict the responsiveness of the remaining documents, resulting in substantial time and cost savings.
In some cases, cooperation and collaboration with opposing parties can lead to cost reductions. By engaging in discussions about data collection, processing and sharing protocols, parties can eliminate duplicate efforts and streamline the overall eDiscovery process. Cooperation can also involve mutually approving data sampling methods or using agreed-upon third-party vendors, reducing costs for both parties involved.
Cloud-based eDiscovery solutions offer several advantages over traditional on-premises software. They eliminate the need for expensive infrastructure investments and provide scalable storage and processing capabilities. Cloud-based solutions also offer enhanced collaboration features, allowing geographically dispersed legal teams to work seamlessly on document review and analysis. By leveraging these platforms, organizations can significantly reduce eDiscovery costs while improving efficiency.
Investing in the training of legal and IT personnel can yield long-term cost savings. Properly trained professionals can make sure you are navigating the eDiscovery processes more efficiently, reducing the risk of errors and rework. When partnering with an eDiscovery expert, consider its areas of expertise. At Everest Discovery, we provide consultation to our clients through each phase of the EDRM and help in assessing, developing and implementing defensible solutions to simplify even the most complex matters. You need a company on your side with in-depth knowledge of best practices, industry trends and cost-saving strategies. When you work with Everest, our experts act as an extension of your team so you can expect unmatched responsiveness, attention to detail and a proactive approach. We implement quality control measures to help you through the entire process so you can ensure the best outcome for your eDiscovery project.
Managing eDiscovery costs is a critical concern for organizations involved in litigation or regulatory investigations. By implementing proactive information governance policies, leveraging early case assessment, adopting technology-assisted review, collaborating with opposing parties, utilizing cloud-based solutions and investing in training and finding the right experts, organizations can effectively manage their eDiscovery costs while ensuring compliance and achieving favorable outcomes. Utilization of modern technology and an organization’s ability to communicate efficiencies related to significant cost reduction can positively impact new business development and enhance current client relations. By taking a strategic and proactive approach, organizations can navigate the complexities of eDiscovery more efficiently, ultimately saving time, money and valuable resources.
Cybersecurity is one of the most critical issues for businesses today, and Everest Discovery is excited to share that the company has achieved ISO 27001:2013 recertification after passing its Security Surveillance II Audit for the seventh consecutive year. The company first earned ISO 27001:2013 certification in 2017 and continues to strengthen its security processes every year.
Achieving ISO 27001:2013 recertification is a significant accomplishment for any organization. It demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of information security management and that the team has taken the necessary steps to maintain and improve the company’s information security management system.
ISO 27001:2013 is an internationally recognized standard for information security management that provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive information so that it remains secure. It outlines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continuously improving an ISMS.
The recertification process involves a thorough audit of a company’s ISMS by an external auditor. The auditor will review all documentation, conduct interviews with staff and assess security controls to determine whether the ISMS meets the requirements of the standard.
To achieve ISO 27001:2013 recertification, an organization must demonstrate that it has:
When I first acquired Everest Discovery, I decided that getting our ISO certification was important to how we do business. We wanted to show our clients that we have an undeniable commitment to security and the best possible practices in place for handling the sensitive data we deal with each day. This includes not only the right technology but also the right training for our team. And while the certification procedure is a process that takes considerable time, it was something we knew was important and were excited to undertake.
Each year, our executive team commits the time it takes to go through the auditing process to maintain our certification and further our security commitment to our clients. We go through the proper testing to make sure all processes that are in place are still working and are being followed by our entire team. This also gives us the opportunity to refresh our team on what is expected of them and to give them any training needed to ensure we are following all the policies and procedures we have established to ensure we get recertified each and every year.
Getting an ISO certification is a commitment – both of time and technology – but it is well worth the peace of mind the results give to us and our clients.
View the press release on this topic.
Tracey has been with Everest for five years as a production manager. In this role, she is dedicated to work with her clients to ensure their projects are completed efficiently and on time.
When it comes to working on eDiscovery projects, there are some key terms you should be aware of to understand the process, workflow and functionality available to gain insight into your matter and minimize the review scope.
Everest Discovery provides comprehensive, secure, and cost-effective eDiscovery and litigation support services, tailored to meet the unique needs of law firms and legal teams.
