Tips for Breaking into Electronic Discovery
The electronic discovery ("e-discovery") is one of the fastest growing segments of the legal industry. Industry experts predict annual growth in the electronic discovery market of between 10% and 15% in the coming years.
The industry is evolving and currently lacks global educational standards, targeted industry training and uniform regulation. Since there is no formal degree program for electronic discovery careers, these professionals usually evolve from information technology or paralegal roles.
Most electronic discovery professionals possess a bachelor's degree in a technology-related field - such as computer science or information technology - or a law-related field such as paralegal studies. However, rising salaries and niche advisory roles are attracting more attorneys to the e-discovery specialty.
Most training is on-the-job. However, to jumpstart or advance your career in electronic discovery, you might explore one of the niche training programs that have emerged such as:
- LitWorks offers formal training courses specifically developed for litigation support/e-discovery professionals who are new to the industry or working to advance their career. LitWorks courses focus on strengthening knowledge of basic litigation principals, sharpening understanding of the latest technology, and arming students with practical strategies to employ in daily activities. LitWorks offers a CLSPM (Certified Litigation Support Project Manager) or CLSP (Certified Litigation Support Professional) certification.
For more information on the e-discovery and litigation support fields, you can sign up for free subscriptions to Litigation Support Today and Legal Technology News, publications which cover the e-discovery industry.
The industry is evolving and currently lacks global educational standards, targeted industry training and uniform regulation. Since there is no formal degree program for electronic discovery careers, these professionals usually evolve from information technology or paralegal roles.
Most electronic discovery professionals possess a bachelor's degree in a technology-related field - such as computer science or information technology - or a law-related field such as paralegal studies. However, rising salaries and niche advisory roles are attracting more attorneys to the e-discovery specialty.
Most training is on-the-job. However, to jumpstart or advance your career in electronic discovery, you might explore one of the niche training programs that have emerged such as:
- LitWorks offers formal training courses specifically developed for litigation support/e-discovery professionals who are new to the industry or working to advance their career. LitWorks courses focus on strengthening knowledge of basic litigation principals, sharpening understanding of the latest technology, and arming students with practical strategies to employ in daily activities. LitWorks offers a CLSPM (Certified Litigation Support Project Manager) or CLSP (Certified Litigation Support Professional) certification.
- Kroll Ontrack's E-Discovery Certification Course - Kroll's program is targeted to legal and technical professionals seeking to expand their information management, electronic discovery and computer forensics knowledge. This new course offers several breakout sessions designed to appeal to beginner, intermediate and advanced learners, with both legal and IT backgrounds.
- eDiscovery Institute at Georgetown University - This intense one-week session provides students with the opportunity to gain the essential knowledge and skills necessary needed to help lead or participate on e-discovery teams. Instruction is provided by some of the country's leading e-discovery experts focusing on the nexus between the law and the technology. A rigorous curriculum includes daily readings, hands-on exercises and proven strategic tips.
- Vendor Certification - Many software manufacturers offer certifications on their software platforms including Clearwell, Summation, iCONECT, Concordance, Applied Discovery, LexisNexis and IPRO.
For more information on the e-discovery and litigation support fields, you can sign up for free subscriptions to Litigation Support Today and Legal Technology News, publications which cover the e-discovery industry.
