Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for defining and justifying policy requirements includes: a hierarchical regional mapping (HRM) module provides a common language and a hierarchical model for geography and for jurisdictions; a legal references library (LRL) module contains applicable legal references; a legal references policy mapping (LRPM) module maps legal references to policies; and a requirements cross-checking (RCC) module cross-checks information in the legal references policy mapping module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for leveraging historical data to determine affected entities is provided. In exemplary embodiments, a current matter is created. When creating the current matter, at least one initial scope parameter for the current matter is known. Historical data associated with the at least one initial scope parameter may then be accessed and review. Based on the historical data, one or more refined scope parameter may be determined. A list of affected entities based at least on the one or more refined scope parameter is provided.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that enable the display of full text index-ability, indexing, and container extraction status of files in a collection repository in connection with content management. Further, techniques are provided that: guarantee the user knows which files failed to index and explode and which files are not indexable; tell the user which files have not been indexed yet, so they are not omitted from the analysis; allow users to work on the collected files without waiting for maximum possible indexing period; allow users to start working immediately on collected content; allow for displaying indexing and extraction status information relevant only to the search query; allow for automatic and manual update of a list of un-indexable file types; and allow for informing users about the processing status of a collection by sending notifications, displaying alerts, and providing appropriate views.

Abstract: Removing or minimizing human participation in the collection or hold process, pursuant to electronic discovery, in a robust, fast, transparent, and legally defensible manner. A method and apparatus that ensures a robust and defensible way of communicating electronic discovery collection and hold requests from electronic discovery management systems to disparate data sources in a uniform way.

Abstract: A controller is configured to generate and propagate instructions to an execution agent which, in turn, is configured to collect and deposit collected artifacts into a repository. Write access to a location in the repository for collected artifacts that are to be deposited into a specified location is granted to the execution agent. Once the execution agent deposits the collected artifacts in the specified location in the repository, a summary of collected artifacts is propagated to the controller. The controller manages appropriate levels of access to the collected artifacts, while the repository enforces the level of access. The controller can grant read only access to the collected artifacts or it can allow for controlled changes to be made to the metadata associated with the collected artifact. An agent processes the data and generates additional metadata that can be associated with the collected artifacts and then saved in the repository.

Abstract: A controller is configured to generate and propagate instructions to an execution agent which, in turn, is configured to collect and deposit collected artifacts into a repository. Write access to a location in the repository for collected artifacts that are to be deposited into a specified location is granted to the execution agent. Once the execution agent deposits the collected artifacts in the specified location in the repository, a summary of collected artifacts is propagated to the controller. The controller manages appropriate levels of access to the collected artifacts, while the repository enforces the level of access. The controller can grant read only access to the collected artifacts or it can allow for controlled changes to be made to the metadata associated with the collected artifact. An agent processes the data and generates additional metadata that can be associated with the collected artifacts and then saved in the repository.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of forecasting discovery costs captures historical business events, which are aggregated and statistically analyzed by matter type and business event types. Statistical data is used to calculate probabilities of occurrence of future business events and to extrapolate occurrence of those future business events. The method forecasts an extrapolated volume of production at the time of a forecasted export event. The method further forecasts costs for future discovery from the extrapolated volume of production.

Abstract: A computer apparatus and computer implemented method for policy distribution provides a Records Management System (RMS) that is configured for setting up and maintaining local record classification and disposition policies. An Enterprise Retention Management (ERM) application comprises a centralized workflow configured for managing retention policies for an entity. An application layer in the ERM comprises a propagation workflow that is configured for managing retention policy integration between the ERM and the RMS. The propagation workflow thus provides automated retention policy propagation from the ERM to the RMS.

Abstract: Information is gathered from virtual interview responses, an enterprise map, and data repositories. A legal communications and collections component administers virtual interviews. The legal group annotates the virtual interview responses to add data obtained through follow-up interviews, etc. A search engine searches for a list of data sources for each custodian. Preservation and collection instructions are generated either manually or automatically. Custodians can be selectively added to the instructions based on the virtual interview responses. The instructions for the custodians are grouped according to the data source. The preservation and collection instructions are transmitted to the IT staff or data sources for implementation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, methods and apparatuses for managing the disposition of data for an event consumer while taking into account whether data has been held from disposition.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for defining and justifying policy requirements includes: a hierarchical regional mapping (HRM) module provides a common language and a hierarchical model for geography and for jurisdictions; a legal references library (LRL) module contains applicable legal references; a legal references policy mapping (LRPM) module maps legal references to policies; and a requirements cross-checking (RCC) module cross-checks information in the legal references policy mapping module.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of forecasting discovery costs captures historical business events, which are aggregated and statistically analyzed by matter type and business event types. Statistical data is used to calculate probabilities of occurrence of future business events and to extrapolate occurrence of those future business events. The method forecasts an extrapolated volume of production at the time of a forecasted export event. The method further forecasts costs for future discovery from the extrapolated volume of production.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for forecasting discovery costs includes probability-based forecasting and capturing historic stage transition data for each matter stage regarding the duration of each historic matter stage and regarding the number of new custodians and data sources added during that matter stage. The stage transition data is statistically and aggregated by stage and matter type. Progress for existing matters is extrapolated. Initiation of future matters is forecast by extrapolating how many new matters are expected to be initiated over the duration of a forecasting period. The average pace of progress is extrapolated from the historic data. Volumes of production and custodians are forecasted by extrapolation using quantitative characteristics of the historic stage transition data.

Abstract: The discovery cost forecasting system uses incomplete information to generate forecasts of discovery expenses. Models are generated with different levels of granularity depending upon the available facts and user preferences. An expert provides real-time information to improve the accuracy of the predictions. A scenario analysis is generated that evaluates how changes to the parameters of the matter could affect the forecasted cost. An estimate is generated of the degree of advancement of the matter in its lifecycle as part of the cost forecast. The cost associated with each data source and custodian is tracked and reported. A configurable and extensible cost equation is defined. A dashboard user interface is generated to monitor the entire portfolio to extract easy to understand facts, trends, and early warning signs related to discovery cost management.

Abstract: Retention of data is managed and data holds are enforced. At least one event consumer data source contains data that is subject to a retention schedule that defines rules for the disposition of the data. An enterprise retention management (ERM) application accepts at least one hold request that defines at least a portion of the data that must be held from disposition. A disposition request is also accepted by the ERM that comprises an instruction to dispose of at least a portion of the data based on the rules within the retention schedule. The disposition request is filtered to dispose of the portion of data identified in the disposition request minus the held data, which comprises disposition survivor data. An event-driven disposition mechanism disposes of the disposition survivor data as soon as possible after the disposition survivor data is released from hold or unlocked.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, methods and apparatuses for managing the disposition of data for an event consumer while taking into account whether data has been held from disposition.

Abstract: The discovery cost forecasting system uses incomplete information to generate forecasts of discovery expenses. Models are generated with different levels of granularity depending upon the available facts and user preferences. An expert provides real-time information to improve the accuracy of the predictions. A scenario analysis is generated that evaluates how changes to the parameters of the matter could affect the forecasted cost. An estimate is generated of the degree of advancement of the matter in its lifecycle as part of the cost forecast. The cost associated with each data source and custodian is tracked and reported. A configurable and extensible cost equation is defined. A dashboard user interface is generated to monitor the entire portfolio to extract easy to understand facts, trends, and early warning signs related to discovery cost management.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, methods and apparatuses for managing the retention and disposition of data for an event consumer using an Enterprise Retention Management System wherein the management is driven by business events.

Abstract: When creating exhaustive, affected lists within a request scope, any legal risk due to failure to identify or leverage existing knowledge of a company about custody of evidence related to a legal matter is minimized. Accurate affected lists are constructed for an ongoing or impending litigation. Affected people, systems, or record types are included at first, and the list is modified over time once their exact association to the litigation context is clarified (new ones are added, not required are removed). Automation of data capture eliminates the risk of human error during data entry. Conflict resolution is applied when the same person, system, or record type is identified in the request scope, as part of multiple affiliations and associations. Overlapping lists are automatically merged to enable simple and efficient processing, without having to cull different lists. Affected elements in the request scope that could otherwise be missed are tracked and added.

Abstract: A virtual interview is conducted in the context of a legal matter, for example, using online forms, thus enabling rapid and large-scale information capture from distributed recipients. A user can define questions and virtual interviews once, and use them again and again; can define an approved set of questions to insure consistency of interview practice; and can de facto improve the consistency and credibility of information gathering in legal matters. Users can pre-establish action items that are automatically created upon receiving specific responses to virtual interviews. Interview response may be managed by exception, i.e. exception alerting, and tools are provided to view exceptional cases for follow-up action.