A New Era of Data Analytics for Investigations and Litigation

One of the key challenges for lawyers today, and a key differentiator for many clients, is the ability to engage with advanced analytics methodologies (and supporting technology) in order to make the most of available data.

There is clear evidence that courts and regulators are becoming more accepting of analytics as an expert function, and are open to using it to inform decisions. Indeed, the evolution of advanced analytics in court will follow that seen with e-discovery and technology-assisted review both here and abroad. The challenge remains open: how to be an effective client advocate by bringing the right scepticism to moderate enthusiastic adoption of technology.

For most law firms, it is unrealistic to expect to have a full range of up-to-date data science skills in-house, especially given the rate of technology evolution. If partnering with an external organisation, it’s advisable to look to firms that field an integrated team of data scientists, traditional analysts and deep subject experts; such multidisciplinary teams can work with lawyers seamlessly to apply all that knowledge to investigations. Otherwise, too much can get lost in translation – analytics and science should be enabling expertise, not befuddling it with clever output.