Reply to 'Wanted: A Plaintiffs Counsel View of the EDRM'

In a recent LTN article, consultant Nick Brestoff asked if there was room for a different view of e-discovery than he sees in the Electronic Discovery Reference Model; one that incorporates the perspective of the party receiving ESI, such as plaintiffs counsel. George Socha, co-founder of the EDRM, responded to dispel the notion that the EDRM diagram is linear:

All too often, those considering the EDRM diagram focus on just one set of elements in the diagram — the boxes — and assume that one must go through the boxes from left to right, one time, without ever returning to a earlier box or addressing the boxes in a different order.

That was never how we intended the diagram to be used. The EDRM diagram is a conceptual, non-linear, iterative model. The EDRM diagram represents a conceptual view of the e-discovery process, not a literal, linear, or waterfall model. One may engage in some but not all of the steps outlined in the diagram. One may elect to carry out the steps in a different order than shown here.

The diagram also portrays an iterative process. One might repeat the same step numerous times, honing in on a more precise set of results. One might also cycle back to earlier steps, refining one’s approach as a better understanding of the data emerges or as the nature of the matter changes. The diagram is intended as a basis for discussion and analysis, not as a prescription for the one and only right way to approach e-discovery. For further details, go to http://edrm.net/resources/diagram-elements.

— Thank you, George Socha co-founder, EDRM.