Experts in the emerging field of data analytics now provide attorneys with powerful new tools to transform and evaluate “data dumps” developed during investigations and discovery. While many national-scope firms have developed in-house data analytics skills, regional and local firms now also have full access to third-party, state-of-the-art processing algorithms and optical scanning software that convert paper images to analyzable data.
With stunning advancements in techniques and document review software over the past five years, industry surveys now estimate that 65 percent of “big law” firms now utilize data analytics to improve case outcomes. But even as costs have steadily declined—as confidentiality and admissibility concerns have been readily addressed and as dramatic case successes have mounted—only about 10 percent of regional and boutique firms currently have ready access to expertise in the field.
