Early Case Assessment

It seems like everywhere you turn Early Case Assessment (ECA) is a topic of discussion. However, despite its frequency in conversation, ECA can mean different things to different people in different cases. In the simplest of matters, ECA refers to the use of processing technology to "cull" or filter data that does not meet the scope of relevance in a given case.  In more complex matters, ECA can entail the application of technologies to not only filter irrelevant data, but to leverage the processed information in order to gain a better understanding of the facts and merits of the case.  Undoubtedly, both ECA applications are an important area of focus when it comes to reducing the risks and costs associated with litigation. Our technology provides clients a fully flexible, integrated approach at satisfying both types of ECA demands.

Data Reduction

All electronic data collected is pre-processed by a data reduction module through our Discovery WorkFlow processing environment.  Client-defined culling parameters are applied to the pre-processed data, and only the data that meets a potentially relevant standard moves on to full processing and a seamless integration with the ClarVergence Review Platform.  If, at any time, there is a need to vary the keyword list used in data filtering, all collected data remains accessible for updating or data sampling. The output of any revised effort once again makes the seamless transition into the ClarVergence Review Platform. If challenged, an automated audit trail is available to document and support the filtering criteria used, providing a defensible record of every document filtered in or out.  This integrated approach to data filtering and reduction provides greater flexibility and lower costs in a manner that is both automated and defensible.

Case Analysis

TCDI offers clients a number of ECA services centered on the idea of identifying and leveraging the content resulting from electronic file processing and analysis.  These ECA services are developed with the client on a case by case basis to ensure that the client has the information needed to make strategic legal decisions based on the collected data.  The depth and flexibility of TCDI’s approach provides significant advantage over other service providers who try and fit all cases into a pre-existing template.  TCDI further recognizes that issues and strategies oftentimes change throughout the life of the case.  Accordingly, TCDI can refine and refocus its case assessment services across all collected and processed client data – thereby providing clients with not only the benefits of “early” case assessment but also the power and flexibility of “total” case assessment.

Available case assessment services include:

• Detailed file type reports including custodian summaries, file-type breakdowns, and collection summaries.
• Keyword sampling analysis services and reports informing the client of the results of applying specific keyword filters to collected data.
• Application of conceptual analysis tools to identify meaningful keywords within conceptually pertinent documents.
• Conceptual document analytics including one-click "Find Similar" capabilities.
  
• Use of key words to identify and tag potentially privileged documents. 
• Identification of custodians of interest through critical and common communication paths within the current set of collected data.