E-Discovery: Will Software Replace Lawyers, Threaten Fairness?

"E-Discovery: Will Software Replace Lawyers, Threaten Fairness?" was a news conference held on April 15, 2013, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The event addressed the integration of advanced software and technology in the legal profession, particularly focusing on electronic discovery (e-discovery). It examined the readiness of the legal field to adopt 21st-century techniques based on mathematical algorithms for document review and the potential implications for fairness in litigation.

Key topics discussed included the approval of new software forms by federal and state judges for identifying responsive documents in extensive data repositories. The conference also explored concerns about the potential reduction in the need for large teams of young lawyers and contract attorneys due to these technological advancements. Additionally, the event raised questions about fairness issues in litigation, particularly when only one party has access to highly sophisticated software tools.

The panel featured notable experts such as Hon. John M. Facciola, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Columbia; Jason R. Baron, Director of Litigation at the National Archives and Records Administration; Jeane A. Thomas, Partner at Crowell & Moring; and Paul Starrett, Chief Global Risk Officer & Counsel at UBIC. These professionals provided insights into the evolving role of technology in legal processes and its broader implications.

This event was particularly relevant for legal professionals, technologists, and scholars interested in the intersection of law and technology. Attendees gained valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of advanced software in legal practices, especially concerning e-discovery and its impact on fairness in litigation.