7 Common eDiscovery Mistakes Boutique Law Firms Make

1. Relying on Outdated or Inadequate Software

Many firms still use consumer-grade tools or basic file shares to manage discovery. This leads to disorganization, version control issues, and security risks.
The Fix: Use enterprise-grade, cloud-based software like RelativityOne, which centralizes data, applies advanced analytics, Generative AI, and scales securely for any size matter.

2. Waiting Too Long to Engage eDiscovery Experts

Some firms wait until data is already self-collected or review has started before involving litigation support professionals. By then, critical decisions on scope, format, and strategy may be locked in.
The Fix: Bring in an experienced partner like Page One early to guide collection, filtering, and workflows, saving time, money, headaches later and ensuring defensible collections.

3. Over-Collecting Data

Without clear parameters or forensic oversight, firms often collect too much data “just to be safe.” This can inflate processing and review costs dramatically.
The Fix: Use targeted, defensible collection methods guided by experts who can identify the right custodians, sources, and date ranges upfront.

4. Ignoring Metadata

Metadata is often the key to proving authenticity, timelines, or document history. Mishandling it, or stripping it during transfer, can undermine defensibility.
The Fix: Partner with professionals who understand metadata preservation and use tools like RelativityOne that maintain integrity throughout the workflow.

5. Underestimating Review Complexity

Review is the most time-consuming and expensive stage of discovery. Small firms sometimes underestimate how fast costs can escalate or how complex privilege and redaction workflows can become.
The Fix: Leverage aiR for Review to locate key documents in your client’s data or incoming production sets. aiR for Privilege can be used to help find key privilege documents and draft protocols. aiR for Case Strategy can be used to generate facts, build times and assist with deposition preparation and witness summaries.

6. Producing Without Proper Quality Control

Last-minute productions often lead to missing documents, wrong Bates numbers, or accidental inclusion of privileged material.
The Fix: Implement multi-step QC checks and privilege validation protocols—standard practice at Page One—to ensure productions are accurate and defensible.

7. Treating eDiscovery as an Afterthought

Firms that view eDiscovery as a technical chore rather than a strategic component of litigation miss opportunities for early insights, fact patterns, and case intelligence.
The Fix: Integrate eDiscovery into your case strategy from day one.