SFL Data Uses Relativity, Equivio to Efficiently Collect and Review Data for Law Firms, Corporations on Stringent Deadlines

When litigants are short on time with multiple databases of electronically stored information (ESI) to collect and review, software tools can either make or break a case. SFL Data uses the best-in-class technology to provide clients with a custom collection strategy along with a rapid, efficient review process.

The Challenge

Client One inherited 25 Summation databases, along with a selection of other data sources – including hundreds of DVDs and CDs with images and native files. Unfortunately, repetitive searches across multiple databases proved to be a time-consuming task. Client Two needed to collect 2.5 million documents for an anti-trust case. But tight production deadlines limited its ability to inspect every document prior to production. Client Three also had 2.5 million documents to review. While isolating and examining privileged documents was its preferred method, the firm lacked the internal team to expedite the process.

The Solution

Client One wisely invested time to create a field map for the data that would load into kCura Relativity. As databases entered the e-discovery platform, they were organized to help preserve the context of each group of documents. Relativity allowed users to search as many or as few of the consolidated databases as needed. To further expedite the process, each team of experienced reviewers focused on a specific topic relevant to the investigation

After partnering with SFL Data, Client Two used Relativity to focus their review on non-disclosure agreements, potentially privileged and potentially “private” documents. The platform flagged each “hit” with a color-coded system so reviewers could easily scan the document for multiple criteria at once. Plus, the “view” function enabled reviewers to work through each custodian individually while only analyzing documents pertinent to specific review tasks. The case team was able to review only a fraction – approximately 200,000 records – of the original data set.

Client Three also used Relativity to identify documents containing potentially privileged content. By searching for email domains, names and other specific keywords, a subset of 250,000 documents was identified for review. In addition, Equivio software was used to further speed up the review process by allowing rapid propagation of document determinations to entire clusters of ESI.

Benefits

The combination of e-discovery experts and best-in-class technology provided the most cost containment and predictability compared with traditional e-discovery methods. By consolidating multiple databases into a single source, review and search time were reduced significantly for all three clients. In fact, Client One effectively collected relevant data and reduced search time from 45 minutes to ten seconds per document – significantly reducing hourly expenditures and providing greater insight into the collection process. Client Two reduced the review load by 90 percent of the original collection. Similarly, Client Three reviewed only ten percent of the original ESI – saving a total of 2,250 reviewer days.

When used in conjunction with SFL Data’s e-discovery managed service, RemoteCollect™ and Defensible SelfCollect™ strategies ensure there are no external handoffs needed, resulting in risk mitigation and defensibility of collection techniques. Plus, a combined 100+ years of experience in forensics, information security and litigation technology gives the SFL Data team an advantage over other e-discovery providers. In addition to collection, the AcceleratedReview™ and Predictiv Plus™ processes provide the interface to support the most efficient document decisions per hour. By leveraging web-hosted review software from Relativity and Equivio, we thread and categorize data and identify content groupings to ensure clients receive a significant return on investment.