Insider Insights: How Former In-House General Counsel Quinn Johnson Navigates eDiscovery Costs

 

“Having navigated the intricate landscape of eDiscovery as in-house counsel, I understand the strains of managing costs and vetting providers. At Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg, we're committed to transforming these challenges into opportunities for savings and efficiency, offering a complimentary cost analysis to ensure our clients invest wisely in the technology that best fits their needs.”

Quinn Johnson, RJLF Partner & General Counsel; Former VP & Deputy GC, Arconic Corporation

Understanding the Complexities of eDiscovery Proposal Comparisons

The process of comparing fees and proposals from various eDiscovery providers is a complex undertaking for in-house counsel. Many in-house clients do not regularly have a need to compare proposals for large eDiscovery projects. This infrequent need, coupled with the proliferation of vendors in the market, each with distinct fee structures and cost models, complicates the challenge. Historically, the lack of transparency in eDiscovery billing practices has rendered accurate prediction and management of expenses nearly impossible.

The Impact of Technological Advancements on Cost Management

The rapid technological advancements across eDiscovery platforms have further complicated the task of cost comparison for in-house counsel from one project to another. The multi-year duration of many lawsuits, with no means to forecast the duration of cost incurrence, further compounds this issue.

Considering these challenges, how can in-house counsel ensure that they are procuring the appropriate technology for their project at a fair price?

Opportunities for Cost Savings in a Transforming Market

The good news is that there are opportunities for cost savings. The eDiscovery market is currently undergoing a transformation toward more cost-effective solutions. Several innovative service providers are offering reductions in fees associated with data ingestion, processing, and imaging. Additionally, opportunities exist to substantially decrease monthly database carrying charges, potentially alleviating the financial burden of protracted litigation for clients.

Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP: Your Partner in Cost Analysis

At Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP (RJLF), we offer a complimentary eDiscovery cost analysis and competitive comparison service. With our in-depth understanding of cutting-edge technology, extensive knowledge of vendors, and regular evaluation of eDiscovery project proposals and costs, we can help you identify potential savings and reduce your budget.

We invite you to contact us to see if your technology investments align with your needs and budget.

About the Authors

Quinn Johnson | qjohnson@reichmanjorgensen.com

Quinn is a Partner and the General Counsel at Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP, bringing over 20 years of experience in complex commercial litigation. She previously served as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Arconic Corporation, where she managed a vast portfolio of cases and advised the CEO and Board. Quinn's expertise spans high-stakes commercial disputes, intellectual property protection, and corporate compliance.

Peter Mastroianni | pmastroianni@reichmanjorgensen.com

Peter is an ESI Partner at Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP, with nearly 25 years of expertise in e-discovery, electronic evidence, and information governance. As Discovery Counsel, he leverages both human and AI resources to optimize document management for industry leaders like Arconic and Corning. Peter's career spans founding a law firm and serving as Chief Innovation Officer at Reichman Jorgensen, where he drives technological advancements. His background in real estate and startup ventures enriches his strategic approach to legal practice.