While e-discovery may have once nestled snugly between pleading filings and pre-trial meetings, the ballooning volume of information in litigation today has positioned e-discovery professionals as crucial intermediaries between the realms of law and technology.
These experts are now broadening their horizons, viewing e-discovery as a potential stepping stone to other legal sectors such as cybersecurity, data privacy, or legal operations.
During a webinar titled “The E-Discovery Gateway: Career Evolution Through E-Discovery” hosted by ACEDS on October 20th, industry frontrunners mapped out four primary strategies e-discovery experts can employ to transpose their skillsets to other legal niches.
Harnessing the Power of AI and Exploring ‘Beyond the EDRM’
The legal arena is in a state of flux, grappling with the implications of generative artificial intelligence. E-discovery specialists, having navigated the AI waters for years, are poised to capitalize on this AI-driven demand. Kenya Dixon, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at Celerity Consulting Group, underscored this sentiment, stating that understanding the intricacies of AI – from the language, backend operations, to privacy concerns – represents a prime opportunity.
Furthermore, Dixon spotlighted avenues “left of the EDRM” – data privacy, security, and cybersecurity – as fruitful grounds. E-discovery mavens have solidified their reputations as pivotal figures in organizational information governance, particularly amidst the influx of new regulations.
“You can move left and you can move into AI,” Dixon advocated, highlighting these as pivotal starting points.
Broadening the Job Hunt Beyond Traditional Avenues
Traditional job portals, while indispensable, might not be the sole repositories of golden opportunities. Attendees were nudged to explore beyond these confines, turning to networking sessions and industry symposia, which have burgeoned into fertile recruitment hubs.
Moreover, opportunities might lurk in unsuspected corners within one’s existing organization. Scott Cohen, Managing Director at Winston & Strawn, opined, “If you have awareness of what’s going on, sometimes you can create your own role.” This proactive approach, Cohen illustrated, can be instrumental in catapulting one’s career trajectory.
The Pivotal Role of Certifications and Lifelong Learning
Transitioning to a new domain often necessitates supplemental learning. The consensus among panelists was unanimous: Continual upskilling is not a luxury but a necessity.
As Cohen articulated, “We should be doing that at every point in our careers […] The resources to obtain that knowledge are so broad these days that it’s almost silly not to do it.” From webinars to specialized courses, the educational arsenal at one’s disposal is vast.
Furthermore, in fields such as data privacy and cybersecurity, certifications have emerged as a distinct advantage. David Horrigan of Relativity emphasized their importance, alluding to the multitude of tool-specific certifications currently available.
Amplifying Your Professional Signature
A key differentiator in today’s competitive milieu is the perception crafted within the industry. E-discovery professionals are urged to amplify their expertise – through writings, conference participations, or panel discussions.
Ari Kaplan, of Ari Kaplan Advisors, pointed out, “Everyone who’s listening should take advantage of becoming even just marginally better than everyone else in certain tools, because then you’re the expert relied upon.” He underscored opportunities offered by bar associations and company newsletters as platforms to broadcast one’s acumen.
Cohen further emphasized the merit of such engagements. Participation in advisory boards or influencing product roadmaps not only provides valuable learning but also accentuates one’s industry standing. “That’s what makes you valuable not just in e-discovery,” he affirmed.
In summation, while e-discovery remains a pivotal domain in itself, its professionals, equipped with a unique blend of skills, are poised to chart new territories in the ever-evolving legal landscape. The roadmap, as elucidated by industry stalwarts, is clear: Embrace AI, expand your job search horizons, commit to lifelong learning, and continuously amplify your professional stature.
