Many large companies have set up sophisticated processes and systems for managing e-discovery in a cost-effective and defensible manner. However, for corporate clients that don't have a process in place, law firms are often left to determine when to outsource this work and when to keep it in-house.

Like many firms, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease (where I am the litigation technology executive manager) has evolved its approach to e-discovery over the years based on experience, technology, project sizes and partners. We have developed methodologies and processes that guide our decision-making and that take into account data volume and time constraints as we try to find the most cost-effective approach for our clients.

Rather than play each matter by ear, law firms should create their own decision-making guidelines around insourcing or outsourcing. As part of that process, firms should identify the right outsourcing partners. Firms should also take several specific steps to ensure that they cultivate processes to work successfully with these partners. This approach will help law firms, their partners and their clients create the best process for each matter.