Problem: An internationally known construction company was required to review and produce information from multiple electronic sources, totaling over one and a half million documents. Much of this data was retained on backup tapes from three different dates. Several parties in different cities around the country needed access to review the information.
What We Did: Using the backup tapes containing server data and e-mail for each of the three time periods, we processed three quarters of a million files and removed over 100,000 duplicates. Additionally, we loaded 785,000 files received as Ghost files on DVD media, containing data from three dozen personal computers.
Next, we created a database of all unique, potentially responsive documents and made it available on the Internet to authorized parties. To reduce cost and increase efficiency, dedicated contract attorneys conducted the review at our offices in specialized rooms.
"Kiersted literally anticipates everything I want before I ask for it."
—Litigation Project Manager
To ensure that documents were produced in an appropriate fashion, we assisted with the creation of the 'Rule 11' document specifically outlining the agreed-upon data exchange methods. We produced compatible file types as Bates numbered TIFF images. XLS and other 'dynamic' files (WAV, EXE, AVI, MPEG and others) were assigned a unique number and produced in their native format, each with an informational placer sheet. At the request of the opposition, we created HTML files of the e-mail with working links to the attachments.
Our analysis of the opposition's production output uncovered tens of thousands of items with incorrect paths, missing data, duplicated Bates numbers, and many other issues. On two occasions, this revelation forced the opposition to correct and redeliver all output. Ultimately, we created a review database of over four million images and native files received from the opposition.
Results: Our client was able to conduct a comprehensive review of all potentially responsive material in an efficient manner from several locations around the country.
Attorneys were able to review over 1.5 million items in a matter of a few months. We converted and delivered responsive material in TIFF, HTML and native formats. Our analysis of the opposition's material uncovered many errors that may not have otherwise been identified and fixed.
By identifying and excluding from review over one hundred thousand duplicates, we saved our client significant time and money.
For more information about our electronic discovery services, please contact us.
