As digital information is increasingly at the center of conflicts today, mediation can offer a cost-effective and streamlined solution to eDiscovery disputes. Rather than engaging in protracted litigations that exhaust both time and resources, mediation gives parties a choice to collaborate through a third-party mediator. This context supports and encourages negotiation to arrive at mutually acceptable solutions to resolve eDiscovery issues. Mediation for such issues is, in part, effective due to its ability to narrow the scope of data review and avoid duplication of efforts. As eDiscovery increasingly centers at the forefront of conflicts and disputes, attorneys will find the knowledge of this alternative to litigation a useful tool for offering clients a cost-effective and streamlined solution that can promote goodwill and preserve business relationships.

In this CLE seminar, our expert panelists begin by reviewing the role of mediation in the electronic discovery process, highlighting some of the key characteristics of its function, such as some of its advantages and disadvantages, the parties involved, and the role of the mediator. Next, our speakers share some of the best practices for attorneys to employ when preparing for an eDiscovery mediation, from the perspective of both mediators and counsel. Finally, our speakers highlight and distinguish when choosing eDiscovery mediation can help streamline the process and reduce costs.